A dog can be one of the most joyous and wonderful additions to your family that you can imagine. Dogs have numerous health benefits, can reduce stress and anxiety, and can even be great teaching assistants. Put simply, it’s an excellent idea to get a dog for a family pet. Cats are more aloof and probably better at surviving on their own, but dogs are almost always friendly, cuddly, and ready to fill your family with warmth.
That said, not every dog breed is good for every family. The disposition and the nature of the breed – as well as the individual personality of the dog itself – can have a real impact on how your family interacts with their new furry best friend. Here’s how you can choose the right dog breed for your family pet. Naturally, you’ll fall in love with whatever choice you make, but you should go in prepared.
Consider your space requirements
If your home isn’t very big, then it’s probably not a good idea to get a huge dog like a Great Dane or a German Shepherd. You’ll be forever jostling for space with your best friend, and while you may not mind this at first, it might get a little trying after a long day at work. Conversely, if you’ve got a lot of land, a big dog is a great idea because they’ll have plenty of space to run around.
Think about your time
Some dog breeds are more high-maintenance than others. There are some breeds which are perfectly happy to be left alone for long periods of time, while others will struggle if you leave them for five minutes. If you don’t have the time to look after a dog every minute of the day, then don’t pick a Spaniel or a Border Collie, for example. Choose a more aloof breed, like a Chow Chow or a Pug.
Budget correctly
Having a pet costs money. You’ll need to buy the right food, take care choosing the right dog bed, and take your dog for regular vet visits. As such, if you don’t have the money for a Newfoundland dog (estimates suggest they cost around £5,200 a year to maintain), then you’re better off opting for a cheaper breed like the Jackhuahua. That’s not to say you won’t love your dog whatever breed it is, of course – just that you should know where your limits lie.
Take your personal fitness into account
For many, the prospect of owning a dog is wonderful precisely because these animals can be such boons for their personal fitness. If that’s not you, though – if you don’t relish the idea of exercise, or if you’re not physically up to regular walks – then you might want to reconsider getting a dog. If you really want a dog, then you should opt for a more sedentary breed like the English Bulldog or the Basset Hound.
Take stock of your allergies
When you’re around dogs, do you get puffy eyes, a runny nose, and irritated skin? If so, you might be allergic to them. There are, of course, ways to manage this; antihistamines can work well, as can regularly maintaining your home and keeping it as clear of pet fur as possible. If you can, though, you might want to opt for a less hairy breed like the Poodle.
Think about your kids’ temperaments
It’s very important for your family dog to complement and work well with your family’s personality. Are your kids feisty and excitable? If so, a Bull Terrier might be the right option for you. If they’re more loving and kind, then a Golden Retriever will be the perfect companion for life. Pick the right dog for your family and you’ll be an inseparable unit.
Be aware of your house’s location
Pretty much all dogs will, at some point, need to be walked. It’s a good idea to get a dog if you’re somewhere near a park or other outdoorsy place where you can walk your pet regularly. If you’re not, or if you think your area is too dangerous for a dog (and you don’t intend the dog to be a guard animal), then it may be best to rethink your decision. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs.
Consider your emotional state
If you’re in pain due to a recent loss, breakup, or emotional trauma and you’re looking to get a dog to help you, then you’ll want to opt for a more friendly breed. Obviously, it’s worth asking yourself if you’re really in the right state of mind to look after an animal if this is your reason, but if you’re certain you can look after it, then an Irish Setter or a Japanese Shiba Inu are perfect choices.
Think about other pets in the house
Some dogs really don’t get along well with other animals. It’s worth considering this when you get a dog. The best dogs for multi-pet households are calm, gentle, and patient. These include Beagles, Boston Terriers, and Maltese dogs. If you’ve got another dog, then you could also try an English Springer Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever, both of which are great breeds for multi-dog families.
Take training into account
Will you want to train your dog? Of course, you should love your dog no matter how capable it is of responding to commands, but some people do like to teach their dogs tricks. If so, you’ll want to go for a more intelligent breed. Border Collies are some of the smartest animals around, so they suit this purpose perfectly. Other super-smart breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Doberman Pinschers.
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