How To Choose The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family

A dog can be a lifelong friend and a welcome addition to any family but it is important to ask yourself the right questions before you decide to bring a dog home to stay. Think carefully about your lifestyle and size up your expectations before making a final decision.

First of all do you have children presently or do you plan to have any in the near future? Not all breeds of dogs are equally good with children. Some types of dogs are more tolerant of children and their exuberant behavior, such as yelling, laughing, jumping, running and rougher handling than are others. Dogs that can handle playtime will work better in a household with little ones than dogs that cannot. Keep in mind that the number one reason that dogs bite people is because they are scared and are therefore reacting in self-defense. Breeds that can understand the excitability of kids are much less likely to bite. Two examples of good dogs for children are Labradors and Golden Retrievers.

Plenty of dogs enjoy the energy and companionship of children but can they tolerate them all of the time? You must take your child's personality into consideration as well. Would he or she be kind and patient with a dog or not? It is important to always teach your children how to properly treat an animal before you bring one into your home. Whatever you do, don't allow your child to abuse the family dog.

Are you a physically active person who runs, jogs or walks on a regular basis? If yes then opt for the kind of dog who has lots of energy and loves to exercise. Examples would be working dogs or herding dogs that are used to moving around a lot. If you are a more sedate person and are more at home in a comfy chair in your living room than you are running in the park then you need to choose a less active dog.

All dogs need to stretch their legs but some breeds are content with shorter bursts of activity, such as going for a brisk walk morning and evening. If you want a dog who will lie down and relax with you on your bed while you take an afternoon nap or will lie down on the couch while you watch your favorite television show then consider getting a hound dog for example, such as a member of the hunting breed, a Basset Hound or a sight hound such as a Greyhound.

Size is another consideration. Do you want a big, small or medium size dog? Do you want a dog with tall or short legs? Do you want a dog that you can cuddle in your arms or one that will sit on your lap? Do you want a dog that can put his paws up to your chest and shoulders or do you want a smaller one that you need to bend down to pat on the head? Be aware of the fact that smaller dogs tend to move slower and also tend to live longer than do larger sized dogs.

Is a purebred or a mutt better for you and your family? Take the time to do your research on this one. There are different benefits and risks connected to deciding which is best for you. Keep in mind that all dogs give and receive love in their own way and no one type is superior to others.

What about age- is a puppy best for you or a dog that is fully grown? Puppies are small and adorable but they require a great deal of time and attention. Puppies require training as well as plenty of exercise. Ask yourself if you are willing to make that much of a time investment with a pet? Puppies crave their owner's undivided attention and need a great deal of socialization and they love human contact. They also need to be exercised many times throughout the course of a day. As well puppies need to go for regular veterinarian visits. Not only will you need to have lots of time to devote to your puppy but also you will need an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and you will need to be emotionally available for your "shadow."�