Choosing a Dog Breed
Choosing a dog breed is just as important as deciding that a dog will be right for you. If you buy a breed solely on looks, you may not be satisfied with its temperament. Choosing a dog breed can be made easier by having criteria about what you’re looking for.
When choosing a dog breed, make sure you consider all of the factors. Below, I have elaborated on the different criteria. Be sure to discuss the choices and criteria with anyone else that will be living with the dog. If the dog is going to be a family pet, make sure that everyone agrees. As a family, you might have to negotiate. For example, one family member might like a big, tough dog, while another might want something they can pick up. In that situation, a small but tough dog might be the answer.
Criteria #1: Size
Size is a very important factor to consider when choosing a dog breed that will work out best. Dogs range in size from 2-lb chihuahuas to 200 lb mastiffs. Which size would you like better? A bigger dog probably won’t live as long, you can’t pick it up, but they tend to be more active. They cost more to spay and neuter, more to feed, and need more exercise in general. Smaller dogs can be picked up, cost less to feed, live longer, but can be more snappy, less active, and easier to injure. A lot of people like medium sized dogs (30-70 lbs) like golden retrievers.
Also, consider your living space when choosing a dog breed. A mastiff may not do well in an apartment, but a chihuahua would.
Step 2: Are You Allergic?
Before choosing a dog breed, please visit an animal shelter or be around dogs so you can see if you are allergic to dogs. Anyone else that will bve living around the dog should also come so they can see if they are allergic. If you find that you start to cough, sneeze, or have a runny nose around dogs, there is still a way you can have a dog. Some dogs, like portuguse water dogs, poodles, and many terriers are hypoallergenic. In other words if you are allergic to dogs, you may not be allergic to them.
