If you wish to add a dog to your family, research is important to help you find the right dog for you.
Choosing a dog is not as easy as it sounds on the surface. With the myriad of breeds and mixed breeds available, the decision can be quite complex and even daunting.
The first question you should ask yourself is: Why do you want a dog? People get dogs for many reasons: companionship, hunting, showing, agility and obedience trials or a jogging partner are just some examples. Think carefully on what you want from your canine companion; and choose accordingly. For example, a toy poodle may not be the best jogging partner, but probably would be an excellent companion.
The second question you should ask yourself is: What kind of home can I give a dog? Do you have a house with a fence yard? Do you rent? Do you live in an apartment? All of these things are contributing factors to the health and well-being of your potential pet, as well as your happiness with your pet. Choosing a canine that is going to fit well within your home is vitally important to both of you. A German Shorthair Pointer is probably not going to enjoy life in a small apartment with no yard, but there are other breeds that may do fine in that living situation.
The third question you should ask yourself is: How much time am I really going to spend with my potential dog? Some people work a lot of hours, some people work at home, and some people travel a lot. This, too, is going to have an impact on your dog, and it is very important to carefully consider this aspect of your life. Herding dogs, for example, require a "job" to do, or plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation to keep them content. If they do not have this, they may become destructive. Some dogs just have a needy personality; and can become destructive of your property if left alone too often. Not only do you need to consider the size and temperment of the breed, you will need to consider the temperment of the individual dog, if you choose to adopt a grown dog. With puppies, its very hard to tell how much of you they will need on a daily basis, but they may also be more malleable.
Finally, take into consideration who your dog will be around. Are you single and living alone? Married? Have children or other pets? All of these factors will impact the home life of your potential pet and these things need careful consideration. Some breeds of dogs do not get along with other dogs. Some breeds of dogs are not overly patient with toddlers sitting on their backs and pulling their ears. Some are. Some dogs are very protective of their property, some are not.
Much of this is common sense. After examining your motives, lifestyle and needs, you can then begin researching what breeds of dogs fit within that mold. Sadly, it is probable that Border Collie you love is not going to be happy in an apartment. Finding a breed you like, that fits well within your life, is going to make the experience far more enjoyable in the long run. It is absolutely vital that you talk to people who have dogs of the breeds you are considering, and its important to read as much material as you can about breeds you are considering. Going into this with an open mind and as much education under your belt as you can get will stand you in good stead.
After researching which breeds you like and will fit well into your lifestyle, you can begin the process of deciding where to procure your new pet. Animal rescue adoptions are easily found at pet stores on the weekends or will work with you independently, there are local shelters and the SPCA, and reputable breeders all over the country, if you are determined to have a purebred dog.
Another decision to make is whether you want a puppy or a grown dog as there are pros and cons to each side. A puppy is somewhat of a clean slate, for you to train as you like. The downside of this is obviously all the chewing, the potty training, and obedience training to make your pet a contributing member of the community. Though you can obtain a puppy from a shelter, they also have dogs of every age available for adoption too. The upside of this is you may come away with a pet that isn't going to chew up everything, may be potty trained, and may have some basic obedience. The downside to this is that some dogs in shelters have had rough lives, been mistreated by former owners or have developed bad habits that will require retraining. It all depends on how much time you wish to devote to the raising of your pet.
Most important of all, make certain you can commit to this adventure for the next 15 years or so. Bringing a dog into your home is a major commitment, both monetarily and emotionally. The dog is completely dependent upon you for everything; food, medical care, training, affection, toys and exercise are all your responsibility. Many people liken their dogs to "trial children", and they are right. Make certain you are willing and able to make a permanant commitment. If you are not sure, then do not get a dog now, just wait until you are confident and secure in the knowledge that you will be there for the little guy (or big guy) for his entire life.
