What Type of Dog is Right for Your Family?

When you go to choose a dog for your family, it can be easy to be swayed by a cute face or unique markings. However, there are other things that you need to think about when choosing a dog which is more important than the way it looks. The dog's temperament, activity levels, and training needs are all factors that you should be considering. Here are some tips on how to decide what type of dog is best for you.

Space

The size of your house or apartment is a huge factor when it comes to having a dog. If you have a small house, then even the calmest breeds might struggle. All dogs need to have room to move and wander around, and if that is restricted, it won't be a pleasant experience for them. Even the smaller dogs such as terriers are quite active and will run around a lot during the day. If you have an apartment, then there are other issues, such as not having a garden. However, this will be fine if you can take them on regular walks for the toilet and exercise. Ideally, your dog needs to have a space that they can use to sleep in their bed.

Your Family

It is crucial that you consider the dynamics of your family before making your choice. Do you have small kids? Are there more children you want to have? If you have a house with children under five years old, then they will need extra supervision around your dog. You also need a breed that is naturally comfortable around children and is friendly and calm. If you are looking at breeds, then the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is great for the young and the elderly as its calm and doesn't need a lot of exercises. If you want something with a little more energy, then a beagle is an excellent choice. There are seven types of dog including toy dogs and utility dogs, check which ones are best for you before you think about a breed.

Exercise

All dogs need exercise; however, some breeds need more than others. If you are choosing a breed that is traditionally a working dog, then these need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. They are not suitable for busy homes that leave their dog on its own for lengthy periods. They can become naughty and destructive if they get bored. That said, all dogs need walking on a daily basis and also need interaction with their family. If you are going to be out for a while during the day, then try to find toys for your dog that they can play with while you're gone.

Training Your Dog

Training a dog is most effective when it's a puppy, so if you are getting an adult dog, you will need to see how it behaves and what commands it understands before taking it on. Some breeds such as German shepherds and Labradors are instinctively compliant and will be open to training. Even breeds such as poodles are quick to learn and can be trained easily. You can also learn more about poodles at Betsy Farms. There are a lot of guides on the internet that can help you train your dog, although if this isn't working as well as you hoped, then you can bring in a trainer. They can help to teach your basic dog commands and help you to train them more effectively.

Allergies

If you are someone that has animal allergies, then you might not want to consider a dog. However, if you are certain that you want one, then you can get breeds where the coat is hairy rather than furry. These types of dog are better for people with allergies not only because they shed less, but also their hair is easier to vacuum up. It is also a consideration for those that don't want visible dog hair on their furniture or clothes.

Health

With many dog breeds adapted and changed over many years by breeding, certain breeds have developed some genetic problems. Popular breeds, such as German shepherds, can have problems with their hips as they get older. Other breeds such as pugs can have eye and breathing issues from an early age. When you are considering a dog, you want to do plenty of research into them and choose a breed you will be happy to own. In many cases, owners will take the risk because they are gentle or because they are cute. That is ok if you are aware of any potential issues from the start.

Cost

Many animal charities including dog sanctuaries urge new owners to look for an abandoned dog instead of going to a dog breeder. There are hundreds of dogs abandoned each year, and many of them haven't had a good start to their life. That doesn't mean that they are naughty or dangerous, just that they were not given the care they needed. For these animals, the chance of a finding a new and loving home is just what they need. Although you might not find a pedigree dog here, many will have good temperaments. The shelter will usually watch them when they first arrive and see how they behave. They will then match them with a suitable home dynamic. If you are certain that you want to buy a dog from a breeder, then you should be prepared to pay a lot of money depending on the breed. You should also make sure that the dog is a registered pedigree and that the breeder gives you the evidence that it is.

These are just a few of the things you need to consider; it could be that you decide a dog is not the right pet for you. If you consider all these things when you are thinking about a new dog, then you will be in a much better position to find the right dog for your family and your home.