When it comes to choosing a dog breed, the decision you make now will impact on your life for the next 10 to 15 years. A hasty, ill-informed choice now could have disastrous consequences later on. It is essential that you choose a breed that fits in with your lifestyle, especially as regards the four factors listed below; 1.What is the size of your property? While a huge property is not absolutely necessary to keep a dog, it should be obvious that certain dogs need more space than others. Keeping a highly active dog, like a Malamute or Border Collie, in an apartment is not only cruel, but a recipe for disaster. You will end up with a highly stressed and, most likely, destructive dog. If space is an issue, choose a small dog breed instead, but remember, you still have to get them outdoors for some exercise daily. 2. How much time can you spend with your dog? As a dog owner you take on the responsibility for the well-being of your pet. That includes daily exercise of, on average, an hour per day. For some dogs, less than an hour will suffice, for others more time is needed. If you have a dog from the working or herding group, you're looking at between 2 and 3 hours per day. Are you prepared to make that commitment? If not you should go for a dog with lower energy levels - a laid-back Pug perhaps. Another consideration regarding time, is training. All dogs will benefit from at least some training. Some, like Poodles, Labs, and Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train. Others, including most of the hound group, can be a real challenge. 3. How Active Are You? If you're an active person, an outdoor type, or have an outdoor job where you can involve your dog, you may want a dog to match your energy levels. Best choices are from the working and herding groups, but be warned, these guys don't just like to work, they absolutely demand it. A less demanding dog, but one that still has high energy levels, would be a Lab, Golden Retriever or another from the gun dog group. 4. Do you have children, and how old are they? It goes without saying that if you have young kids you should pick a breed that is known to be good with children. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their sweet natures, which explains the enduring popularity of these breeds. Others that fit the bill are Beagles and Boxers who, despite their size, are known for their gentleness with children. Be aware that smaller breeds, like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, are not ideal for small children as they can be quite snappy, especially if provoked. Choosing a dog is an important decision and one that will impact on your life for the next 10-15 years. It is therefore advisable to make an informed decision. The questions above will get you started.
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