Choosing a breed of dog can be difficult at the best of times. You need to think about their temperament, energy levels, diet and even their space requirements too. If you want some help, then the below tips should get you started.
Space
If you have a small house or a flat then this is not the ideal location for a Great Dane. Even the calmest of breeds still need space to roam too, so make sure that your home is nice and open and that your furniture is not too cramped.
When choosing your dog, you also need to think about the noise that they make. A very vocal breed may disturb the neighbours, so if this is going to be an issue then take that into consideration too.
Family
Another thing that you need to think about is the dynamics of your family. Think about it, are you planning on having a baby soon? If so then you need to take into account the general expense of having a dog.
There are vet bills, flea treatments, food and even toys. If you do have young children already then you need a dog that is responsive to your command. Labradors are brilliant for that, and so are Boxers. If you want to save money on dog food, check out these best dog food brands.
That way, you can easily give your dog the nutrition they need without breaking the bank.
Shedding
Although all dogs shed, some dogs can shed considerably more than other breeds so this is definitely something to consider. Breeds such as a Husky can shed year round while also having seasonal shedding spikes when they blow their undercoat.
On the flip side of this, something like a Poodle will still shed year round but at a lower rate and their coat can often catch their shed preventing it from falling all over your home. If you have allergies to dog fur then this is definitely something to consider.
You can check out this article on home remedies to stop dog shedding if you do have allergies and have a dog that is a heavy shedder.
Temperament
The characteristics of a breed can be very revealing, so it is important that you do your homework. To start off with, think about where your breed comes from, and the climate that it is used to.
Working dogs, such as border collies love to have their own space. Dalmatians on the other hand thrive in a lively household. Some breeds also tend to be more sociable than others
as well, but that being said, every dog is unique in their own way.
Exercise
All dogs need to have some degree of exercise. A dog that is stressed, bored or even frustrated
can easily become destructive. Working breeds tend to need a lot of exercise too, and this can include German Shepherds or Labradors. There are dogs who need less exercise, such as toy breeds. That being said, they still need a walk every day.
Training
Certain breeds respond well to training. Labradors are cooperative, and poodles learn quickly. Many people think larger breeds require more training, however this is not true.
Yet, changing negative habits as an older dog might be difficult. If you don’t stop your aggressive puppy now, it won’t stop later. Treats and consistent training are essential. This keeps kids focused and rewards positive behavior.
