Selecting your Family Dog

Getting a new dog or puppy is an exciting and pleasurable undertaking. A dog can be a wonderful source of joy, companionship and entertainment. Owning a dog or any other pet is also a great responsibility and not to be considered lightly or on a whim.

Before you get a dog, discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of feeding, taking care of and training the dog. You need to find a good veterinarian close by, and you should consider the cost of keeping a dog which includes food and medical care. Your family dog will need supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash, collar and toys prior to coming home with you..

Study up on and review and pros and cons of  different breeds and their compatibility to your lifestyle. Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly. Small dogs are not for people who want to be active with their dogs. Temperament is another thing to consider. Decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Certain breeds have inherent conditions like eye or hip problems, so you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed.

If you decide to get a purebred puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable breeder. Your local kennel club has access to area breeders that specialize in certain breeds. If you are looking for an older family dog, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs they want to retire from their breeding program. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well as oftentimes they treat the animals of local area breeders.

If you are planning on hunting with your dog, you will obviously want one of the sporting breeds. The most popular of the sporting group are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly and relatively easy to train and are good with children. These dogs love to roam and are not suitable to a strictly indoor life. They deserve access to a large, preferably fenced area, to keep them happy and fit.

Many people prefer dogs from the working group. Breeds that belong to this group include the Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Akita, Bullmastiff and Giant Schnauzer. Generally, these dogs require an experienced owner who can firmly establish leadership. Most of the dogs of the working group have thick undercoats and shed constantly. They will need frequent brushing and grooming. Always purchase a dog in this category from a reputable breeder and be sure to obtain properly documented papers and vet certifications as hip dysplasia is common in these breeds.

Miniature breeds are very popular. They are adorable and totally portable to most anywhere. But don’t let the size fool you. Oftentimes, these cute little dogs have big personalities. Dogs in this group include the Pug, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise, but are a good choice for apartment dwellers and people not capable of handling the size and needs of the larger breeds.

If you have a farm and work livestock, you may want one of the dogs in the herding group. These dogs include the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. All of these are very intelligent animals and require plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. If you are willing to spend a lot of active time with a dog, including perhaps training for obedience or show, you might choose a dog like this.

If pedigree is not an important issue, you may also consider a mixed breed. These dogs can be wonderful, loving and loyal family companions, as much so as purebred dogs. Visit or talk to your local shelter, humane society or breed rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a family dog is to take your time and get to know the needs, habits and peculiarities of different breeds you are interested in. Talk to pet owners, breeders and your vet for advice. Make sure the breed of dog you finally select will fit into your family's lifestyle and you can look forward to a happy interactive future for your new dog and family.

For more in depth information, browse our site for other useful topics of interest to dog lovers.