Five Needs to Consider When Choosing a Dog Breed
#1 Breed Temperament
When choosing a dog breed, possibly the most important thing to consider is breed temperament. Most breed lineages were bred to reflect wanted characteristics in working and companion dogs. When choosing a dog breed, potential owners ought to seek a dog breed reflective of their own temperament. Sporting breeds like Retrievers, Pointers, and Spaniels are sociable, high energy, and easy to train, making them perfect pets for an active family. In contrast, some companion dogs, like Chow Chows, Malteses, and Shih Tzus, were bred to be more owner-oriented, making them more territorial and protective, better suited for people who live alone or in small family units.
#2 Breed Exercise Needs
All dogs need exercise, no matter the breed, potential owners must be able to dedicate some time during the day to walk their dog around the block. However, how much additional exercise a dog might need depends on the breed. Potential owners should consider how much time and what kind of exercise they can dedicate themselves to. High energy dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds need daily running and high levels of action to remain healthy and happy.
#3 Grooming Requirements
Grooming is important to keep a dog’s coat and skin in healthy condition to avoid common skin problems leading to irritation and even disease. Every dog, including so-called hairless breeds, requires some grooming. However, some breeds, like the Bichon Frise, are higher maintenance and require daily grooming, whereas shorter-haired breeds are okay with weekly hair care.
#4 Breed Trainability
Every puppy has a unique personality and every puppy can be trained. However, some breeds take to training faster than others. Breeds originally bred to hunt, herd, or retrieve, like Border Collies and Retrievers, tend to take to lessons naturally, but these breeds also require a lot of exercise and discipline to keep focused. In general, the hardest to train dog breeds tend to be hounds, like Bloodhounds and Afgahan Hounds. These dogs are generally stubborn and headstrong, resisting the training of more docile owners, but have highly affectionate temperaments.
#5 Lifelong Health Needs
Buying a dog is investing in a living creature’s life and health. All dog breeds will require regular vet trips, and, in general, any breed-specific dog will have more health issues than a mixed-breed dog due to hazardous breeding practices targeting beauty and not health traits. For example, Beagles are at high-risk for developing adulthood epilepsy requiring monthly medication, while large breed dogs often suffer from hip dysplasia and heart problems often leading to earlier deaths than smaller breeds. To ensure the healthiest pet potential owners should research reputable breeders for puppies, or choose from one of the many breed rescues qualified to determine a specific dog’s health needs. There is no guarantee a dog will remain healthy for its entire life, and a potential owner must consider their financial and emotional ability to care for common breed-specific health issues.
Peter Wendt is a dog-loving freelance writer living in Austin, Texas, one of the most dog friendly cities in America. Peter spent days deciding which breed he wanted when he was choosing his most recent canine companion, but it only took him a few minutes to find the perfect custom-made collar. Click Here to browse through the amazing products on dogIDs.com.