Getting a canine companion can be one of the best decisions of your life. However, the task of choosing a dog breed can be overwhelming, especially, when it is your first one and when there are several factors to ponder over. The decision of choosing the dog breed can influence each member in your family in addition to the dog itself. This blog post will feature some of the important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is one of the main factors to be considered while choosing a dog breed. Ask yourself, how busy you usually are and how long can you set aside to take care or spend time with your canine companion. Some dog breeds like Rottweiler, Laborador Retriever and Dalmation need regular exercise.
On the flip side, make sure that you have plenty of time to set aside if you wish to choose brachycephalic dog breeds. Brachycephalic dog breeds have several health issues from birth.
Size
Size of the dog breed is also a crucial factor that can affect factors like his sleeping arrangements, workout routine etc. It is also ideal to decide on the dog breed size depending on whether you live in a house or apartment or any other living situation.
Ensure a balance between your living situation and dog breed requirements while deciding on the dog breed. For instance, it is wise to not get a big sized dog breed simply because you have a large house with a huge backyard, keep in mind that a large dog breed requires more food and quality dog food is not cheap.
Shedding
Dog hair can be one of the nastiest things to clean. Dogs that shed heavily can make your house a mess within no time. Unless and until you have ample time to set aside for cleaning your house, it is ideal not to get a dog breed that sheds heavily.
Surprisingly some of the dog breeds like pugs shed profusely. Dog breeds like American Eskimo, Australian Shepherd, and Beagle are also heavy shedders. Some of the low shedding dogs are Tibetan Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Shih Tzu.
It is also ideal to consider whether you will keep him indoors or outdoors while choosing a dog breed based on shedding.
Temperament
Dog breeds can be classified into different characters with respect to temperament. While some are easy going, some can be a bit hard to handle. If you have young children at home, then it is ideal to go with a dog breed that has a docile temperament and is extremely loyal, like a pug.
Getting a canine companion can be exciting for you and your family, however, ensure that you do not miss out on the one most important thing to consider, i.e. choosing the right dog breed. Make sure that you consider all the factors listed above prior to making the decision. It is also ideal to consult a pet professional like a veterinarian to get detailed insight on which dog breed to choose.