Buying a puppy or an adult dog is one of the most important purchases of the lifetime. You will be assuming control of another creature’s life and you are, in fact, buying a new member of the family. But what sort of the dog should you buy?
A family decision:
Because it is such an important decision, it is a good idea to consult your family, from the youngest to the eldest, for everyone will bear some responsibility in different areas of the dog’s life. Children should be closely involved as the lessons they learn from dog ownership now will help them to be more caring to the animals and humans later on in their adult life.
Which Breed?
There is a breed of dog that is suitable for everyone. The UK Kennel Club registers over 170 breeds and although it will take some research to discover which one is ideal for you, all the effort will be worthwhile. Your first consideration is where you live and the size and style of your home. All dogs love freedom and suitable for country living, with the exception of some very small heavy-coated breeds, but not all the dogs are suited to city life. It would be wrong to condemn a large dog, such as St Bernard, Great Dane or any of the large Hounds, to life in a small inner-city apartment, but dogs, being what they are, would learn to adapt to the life. However, the fact remains that it would not be fair and would almost certainly lead to problems, particularly regarding the dog’s behavior and temperament.
Consider your lifestyle:
If you live in a development where houses are quite close together, your neighbors must be respected. They have the right to peace and quiet, and a breed that is inclined to yap or bark is not suitable. Nor do you want a breed that has a reputation of being aggressive to other dogs and too defensive of its owner. Unfortunately, not everyone likes dogs, and therefore it is not wise to introduce an element into your life which will bring unnecessary aggravation.
Next consider your own attitudes; if you are very tidy person, a dog with a thick double coat which tends to mold heavily would soon become a source of irritation. He would require a daily grooming but would you have time to do this?
There are other considerations, too, concerning your lifestyle. Do you work and are you away from the house for long periods? Is a member of the family willing and able to walk the dog at least twice a day? Who will be responsible for feeding him and making sure that fresh water is always available? Have you considered the cost of owning a dog? There will not only be the food to buy but also equipments such as bedding, bowls, a collar and a lead, toys and treats, not to mention the vet’s bills, pet insurance and fees for training and socialization class if you get a puppy rather than an adult dog.
A family decision:
Because it is such an important decision, it is a good idea to consult your family, from the youngest to the eldest, for everyone will bear some responsibility in different areas of the dog’s life. Children should be closely involved as the lessons they learn from dog ownership now will help them to be more caring to the animals and humans later on in their adult life.
Which Breed?
There is a breed of dog that is suitable for everyone. The UK Kennel Club registers over 170 breeds and although it will take some research to discover which one is ideal for you, all the effort will be worthwhile. Your first consideration is where you live and the size and style of your home. All dogs love freedom and suitable for country living, with the exception of some very small heavy-coated breeds, but not all the dogs are suited to city life. It would be wrong to condemn a large dog, such as St Bernard, Great Dane or any of the large Hounds, to life in a small inner-city apartment, but dogs, being what they are, would learn to adapt to the life. However, the fact remains that it would not be fair and would almost certainly lead to problems, particularly regarding the dog’s behavior and temperament.
Consider your lifestyle:
If you live in a development where houses are quite close together, your neighbors must be respected. They have the right to peace and quiet, and a breed that is inclined to yap or bark is not suitable. Nor do you want a breed that has a reputation of being aggressive to other dogs and too defensive of its owner. Unfortunately, not everyone likes dogs, and therefore it is not wise to introduce an element into your life which will bring unnecessary aggravation.
Next consider your own attitudes; if you are very tidy person, a dog with a thick double coat which tends to mold heavily would soon become a source of irritation. He would require a daily grooming but would you have time to do this?
There are other considerations, too, concerning your lifestyle. Do you work and are you away from the house for long periods? Is a member of the family willing and able to walk the dog at least twice a day? Who will be responsible for feeding him and making sure that fresh water is always available? Have you considered the cost of owning a dog? There will not only be the food to buy but also equipments such as bedding, bowls, a collar and a lead, toys and treats, not to mention the vet’s bills, pet insurance and fees for training and socialization class if you get a puppy rather than an adult dog.
