Which Breed Is Right For You?

Article Title: Which Breed Is Right For You?
Author: Avrum Elmakis

While there are many things to consider when you have decided
to bring home a new dog, the first thing you have to pick is
which breed is right for you. With that in mind, here are a few
things to think about when selecting which breed is best for you
and your home.

Size

The size of the dog you choose can depend on a number of
factors. How big is your home? Do you have a yard? How big is
your yard if you do have one? What size dog do you have an
interest in taking home? Keep in mind that while that Golden
Retriever is cute and sweet, he requires a lot more space to
live than the Boston Terrier you're also considering.

Hair

When considering a dog, look around your home and consider if
you would like your carpets and furniture covered in the fur of
your dog. While many breeds of dogs, both long haired and short
haired, don't shed overly much, just about every dog is going to
shed a little bit. Keep that in mind and pick accordingly, as it
could be the difference between you choosing a Saint Bernard and
a Chihuahua.

Temperament

How do you want your dog to interact not only with you, but
with strangers and other dogs? While there is no such thing as a
bad dog, some breeds are more aggressive than others with a
larger prey drive to hunt. If you have small children, or are
around small children, keep in mind how the dog you select will
interact with them. Again, there's no such thing as a "bad" dog,
but some breeds are better suited to being around small children
because of increased patience.

Overall Health

Keep in mind that dogs, just like people, do get sick. Some
breeds, just like some people, are more prone to genetic defects
and will require medical care as they get older. While you
should always expect to keep your dog for its entire life, do
some research and make sure you know what some of the common
health issues are for the breed of dog you select. It helps to
know if they'll just need bully sticks to help with their teeth
and gums or hip replacement surgery.

Intelligence/Trainability

Some dogs are more easily trained then others. With some, a few
dog treats along with some basic commands and they're ready to
sit, lie down, and play dead. Others are going to require a bit
more work to not only teach tricks, but to housebreak. While
patience will be required to train any breed of dog, some breeds
are just naturally more intelligent than others and will have a
smaller learning curve than others. Keep in mind how much time
you're willing to spend training your new dog to perform the way
you want when selecting a breed.

Amount of Exercise Needed

Every dog needs to be walked, but different breeds will require
more exercise than others. Keep in mind how often your dog will
need to be walked just to use the bathroom versus how much they
need to exercise for reasons of health. Having a backyard is
great, but it's no substitute for a brisk walk and being played
with. Figure in how much time your schedule will allow you to
walk and play with your new dog when considering the perfect
breed for you.

Purebred or Mixed Breed

The decision to give a home to a dog that is purebred or mixed
breed is one of personal taste. While a purebred ensures you get
the dog you're looking for with traits you're expecting, mixed
breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs as they tend
to receive the best traits of their different breeds.

While some mixed breeds are now being intentionally bred (like
Labradoodles and Puggles), most mixed breeds aren't planned and
often result in interesting mixes. If there isn't a specific
breed you prefer, considering a mixed breed dog is a good way to
find the traits from different breeds that you like all in one
dog.

Give the Gift of a Home

No matter what dog you choose, there's nothing better than
giving a home to a puppy or dog in need. Remember to stock up on
dog treats, chews, food, and, of course, bully sticks to make
your new dog feel right at home. Keep in mind that there are a
number of different sites like PetFinder that can help you find
the dog you're looking for. Always consider your local animal
shelter before turning to a breeder, but above all, make sure
you get the pet you want.

About The Author: Avrum Elmakis is the owner of Best Bully
Sticks, a leading provider of dog treats, bully sticks, and
other dog chews and treats. They can be found online at:
http://www.bestbullysticks.com

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