Website design By BotEap.comSo, you’ve decided to add a new furry four-legged member to your family. There are many resources for finding dogs available; bailing out; Breeders; pet blinds But how do you choose a dog that is right for you and your family? It’s important that, even before you start looking, you are clear about what you should have and what you shouldn’t. This is a decision that will affect everyone in your family for perhaps the next 15 years. It is important that you make this decision with your head and not only with your heart.

Website design By BotEap.comIt’s time for a family powwow. Sit down with everyone in your family and write a list. It’s a good idea for everyone to give their opinion on what their “ideal” dog would be. Make your list by asking your family these 10 questions.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Pure Breed or Mix – For some families it is important to have a purebred dog. Maybe you grew up with a particular breed or just love the look of certain breeds. Purebred dogs can be more predictable in size, color, and temperament. However, many pet professionals agree that they can be prone to further health problems. Purebred dogs can also be much more expensive. Maybe a mixed breed is a good fit for your family. Mixing two or more breeds can often balance temperament and physical characteristics. By choosing a mix you may also be saving a life!

Website design By BotEap.comtwo. Size – How big should your dog be? Through selective breeding, we have developed dogs that can be as small as 2 pounds or sometimes larger than 200 pounds. Dogs are all the same animal at heart. But the differences between a Yorkie and a Mastiff are staggering. Your family needs to come to an agreement on the right size dog for your household. And remember, puppies grow up!

Website design By BotEap.com3. Power level – This is a very important area to consider. Is your family active? Do you like to hike, run or take long walks with a dog? Or would you prefer a more relaxed sofa? Without proper exercise, an energetic dog will develop behavior problems in the future. And you don’t want a lazy dog ​​if you dream of taking your dog on adventures with you.

Website design By BotEap.comFour. age – Are you looking for a puppy, a young, adult or senior dog? Each one is wonderful and comes with its own specific requirements. Puppies are fun but a lot of work. Young dogs will need some serious training. And an adult dog is not necessarily, but most likely will set the paths of him. Older dogs are just that…older.

Website design By BotEap.com5. grooming requirements – Some dogs are “low maintenance” when it comes to grooming, requiring only periodic nail trimming, bathing, and ear cleaning. Others require regular brushing, trimming, and detangling. Is your family willing to spend the time and money to maintain your dog’s coat?

Website design By BotEap.com6. Immediately after grooming, you should think about coat color and type. Double-coated dogs like Huskies, Samoyeds, and German Shepherds shed… A LOT. Thinking of a black lab but have white rugs? You may want to think again.

Website design By BotEap.comNo dog is completely hypoallergenic. Most people are actually allergic to a dog’s dander and saliva, not the dog’s hair. But some dogs shed less, like poodles and poodle mixes. These are all things to consider.

Website design By BotEap.com7. Temper – No, there are no guarantees that a particular breed will behave in a particular way. However, there are trends within a breed. Remember, we as humans developed dogs to perform specific tasks. A terrier was bred to dig and kill vermin. A border collie was bred for the pack. A Doberman was bred to protect. There is a good chance that a Sheltie will bark to alert you. These are things to consider. What behaviors are you looking for? What training are you able to do to control these behaviors? And what behaviors are you willing to tolerate? These are good questions to consider.

Website design By BotEap.com8. Possible health problems – Some breeds and dogs with certain physical characteristics are more prone to certain health considerations. For example, dogs that spend time in the water or have floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Dogs with very wrinkled skin frequently develop skin infections. Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with flat, sunken faces) are prone to breathing problems and snoring. What health problems are you willing to face?

Website design By BotEap.com9. cost – As I mentioned, purebred dogs cost more to buy than mixed breed dogs. You’ll also want to consider costs for medical care, grooming, and training. Owning a dog can be quite expensive. Especially “high maintenance” dogs.

Website design By BotEap.com10. Anything else that is yours the family decides what is important.

Website design By BotEap.comDo you have small children? So a dog that can sometimes be protective or get angry with children is off the list.

Website design By BotEap.comDo you already have another dog or cat at home? It will be important for everyone to get along.

Website design By BotEap.comHow long will your dog need to be home alone? If it’s all day, then a puppy is out of the question.

Website design By BotEap.comYou now have a complete list of what works and what doesn’t for your family. The next step is to make a few copies of this list. Keep one with you in your wallet. Keep one on your desk next to your computer. Maybe even put one on the fridge for the whole family to see.

Website design By BotEap.comMany people make decisions about how to choose a dog with their hearts and not their heads. It is important to refer back to the list each time you are considering a dog. If you find yourself walking through the pet store and see a cute English bulldog puppy in the window that seems to be begging you to take him home. Get your list. Does your family love to hike in the mountains in the summer? Then that English Bull Dog will have to stay home. See a dog at a rescue site that’s super cute but his bio says he’s nervous around strangers? Get your list. Do you have teenagers whose friends hang out at your house? She is not the right dog for you.

Website design By BotEap.comBy being clear about what you are looking for, choosing the right dog for you and your family becomes easy. The hard part is thinking with your head and not with your heart.