Choosing The Right Dog Breed

18 Jan Choosing The Right Dog Breed

Did you know that choosing a dog breed isn’t as straightforward as some people think it is? Having a dog means adding another member to your family. As such, it is no surprise that choosing a dog breed requires planning and deliberation.

So, how do you know which dog breed is right for you? This post discusses everything you want to know about selecting the right dog breed for you.

Watch Your Space

First things first, make sure to consider how much open space you have in your home. Do you live in a small apartment or a sprawling mansion? Do you have an expansive backyard where your dog can hop around?

If you have a small home or apartment, some of the best dog breeds to own are Havanese, Cavalier King, and Basenji. On the other hand, a larger home can accommodate a large dog breed. These include Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Boxer.

Attention and Care

Do you want a low-maintenance dog or one that requires constant care and attention? If you have a full-time job or spend most of your time outside your home, consider choosing an independent and low-maintenance dog. These include Basset Hound, Boston terrier, and Chihuahua. On the contrary, you can pick a breed like Akita, Australian Husky, Boxer, and Border Collie if you have enough spare time.

Similarly, health checkups also make a critical part of caring for a pet. It would help if you took your dog to the vet clinic at least once a year for a general health examination. Depending on your location, you should be able to find the best vet clinic in your vicinity. Governors Road Animal Hospital has you covered if you happen to be in Dundas.

Our veterinary clinic in Dundas comprises a team of experienced, qualified, and devoted vets to ensure your dog is always healthy and fit.

Activity Levels

What are your normal activity levels? Are you an adventurous nature-lover or a couch potato who enjoys Netflix during free time? Choosing the dog breed that blends well with your lifestyle is critical.

A highly energetic puppy can wear you out quickly if you aren’t an active person. On the contrary, it can be frustrating if you like running around the neighbourhood and your dog doesn’t keep up with you.

So, don’t forget to factor in your furry friend’s temperament and exercise requirements while doing your research.

The Age Factor

Another, often overlooked, aspect of getting a dog breed is their age. Ageing affects the personality and behaviour of dogs in multiple ways. For instance, unlike older dogs, puppies are usually erratic creatures, and it is potentially harmful to leave them on their own.

One concern of owning an older dog is that they sometimes feel uncomfortable around children. For this reason, if you have children in your home, it is a good idea to get a puppy rather than an old dog.

In addition, an ageing dog naturally requires more attention and care than a younger pup. It means you can expect more visits to the vet clinic if you own an old dog.

Financial Considerations

Finally, it is essential to factor in the cost of owning a dog. These include food, grooming, and trips to the vet in case of a health issue or regular checkups. If you are tight on money, get a breed that does not only have a low first-time cost but is also low-maintenance. Chihuahua, Foxhound, Rat Terrier, and Australian Terrier are good examples of low-cost dogs.