Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family depends on many factors. While all dogs are wonderful, they have different personality traits and behavior characteristics, making some dogs better for specific living situations than others. In this article, we will examine some of the questions you should ask yourself when deciding on the right dog breed for your household.
Questions to Ask When Deciding on a Dog
- How big is your home? If you live in a small apartment or condo, obviously, smaller dogs make more sense. Larger dogs would not only be challenging to live with in small spaces, but it may be unfair to the dog as well. Dogs need the opportunity to move around and exercise. (If you have a small space but can exercise your dog often, this may be workable.)
- Is budget an consideration? Dogs cost money, even if you adopt them through a shelter.
Owning a dog involves expenses for their food, health care, grooming, and toys. They can cost their owner over $1,000 annually, and that is just for basic care. If you need to pay for obedience school, training, or a dog walker, this cost goes up. Some breeds actually are more susceptible to health issues and statistically, will cost you more in vet bills – so you should choose a dog that is generally known for its long and healthy lifespan. dogs. - Why do you want a dog? Another essential thing to consider is the reason for getting the dog. Some people need a service dog, others are looking for home protection, and others may want a companion for their children to grow up with. If you have medical issues, you may want a service animal. If you love hiking through the woods, you’ll want an athletic animal.
- Can your schedule accommodate a pet dog? Many people dream of having a dog, thinking about the companionship, playing and loyalty. But having a dog is a serious responsibility and and represents a major time commitment. You’ll need to dedicate attention to feeding, bathing, and taking care of your dog, not to mention fun, stimulation and exercise. It is not fair to the dog to leave him home alone all day, pining away with nothing to do. If you have the time and dedication, having a dog is an amazing experience.
Choosing the Right Dog Breed
The bond you have with your dog is the most important aspect of dog ownership, but there are some traits and characteristics that can narrow down your search. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
- Best Dog Breeds for Children: Golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, poodles, Irish setters, Newfoundlands, beagles and bulldogs.
- Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support: Golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, corgis, yorkshire terriers, German Shepherds, border collies, greyhounds, pomeranians, bull terriers and poodles.
- Best Dog Breed for Mobility Services: Labroador retrievers, Newfoundlands, Burmese monutain dogs, Rottweilers and St. Bernards.
- Best Dog Breeds for Elderly Companionship: King Charles Spaniels, bichon frise, maltese, pomeranians, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers.
- Best Guard Dog Breed: Rottweilers, German Shepherds, doberman pinschers, bull mastiff, Akitas, great Pyrenees, Great Danes, giant schnauzers.
No matter the dog breed you choose, they need to be properly trained in obedience. If you need help with training your dog, call the professionals at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We are here to help.
