In choosing the type of dog you want, you need to consider your specific needs and lifestyle, the space you have, and your activity level. The breed, age, and sex of the dog will also be important factors in your decision.
What characteristics should your new dog have?
The dog you select should be one that closely fits your lifestyle and what you perceive your needs to be.
Does Size Make a Difference?
People vary greatly in their ability to train and care for dogs. Their physical size, age, intelligence, financial worth, or occupation mean very little on which dog they should have.
Remember that larger breeds will cost more overall due to increase in food consumption, larger crates and beds needed, larger size toys, and increased cost for surgery and medicine.
Will Your Dog Have a Specific Purpose?
The first, and most important, question you must ask yourself is what purpose your new canine companion will hopefully serve in your life. Some may acquire the animal to satisfy very specific needs such as:
- - As a guard to protect home through barking or aggressive appearance
- - As a playmate for children
- - As a partner in sports, hunting. etc.
In most homes, however, the dog's role will simply be that of companionship. That is to say, he will be a four-legged friend that you enjoy being with regardless of your activity.
What is Your Activity Level?
Your activity level dictates to a certain degree what type of a dog will best fit with you. A jogger can handle almost any breed providing the dog can keep up with him. A backpacker that hopes his four-legged friend can carry part of the weight needs a strong but not necessarily large counterpart.
How much Space Do You Have?
The amount of space available to the pet should also be considered as it relates to the activity level and overall size of the dog. A small, active dog is obviously easier to accommodate than a large one, but sometimes size will be found to be a moderator of behavior.
How much Grooming Are You Willing to Do?
Most dogs with longer hair coats need more care. Longhaired dogs are usually a disaster if they are outside in long grass, weeds, or brush. Their coats become matted and filled with everything they can snare. This may entail special grooming and frequent trimming, brushing, or baths.