So perhaps you have gone through the benefits of owning dogs and are now thinking that perhaps it’s time to be a pet owner. But before that, it’s important to know which dog breeds which suit you the most as there are over 5000 dog breeds. There are a lot of conditions and criteria on which this decision rests:
Dog Size: First and foremost, it is a myth that large dogs require large spaces and small dogs need small spaces. The truth is that your dog will behave and adapt itself to how much space it is given and how it has been brought up. So it is only recommended to have a large dog only if you have previous experience with them since they could also require professional training as well.
Purpose: There must be a purpose for getting a dog- it could be out of fondness, for protection or something else. In accordance with this, you will have to examine the responsibilities involved in it. If you need dogs for protection then having guard dog breeds will work the best but if you want one for entertainment then designer dog breeds work best or if you want a family dog then golden retrievers or Labradors will work well.
Lifestyle: This basically pertains to income as a whole since that will ultimately affect how much you can spend after the welfare of a dog like on its food per week and other maintenance costs. So if you are planning on getting a large dog then it is advisable that you prepare yourself and your wallet for the trouble that will come with it since large dogs have a lot of energy and so they will have to be taken on walks or parks more for a workout. Large fluffy dogs like Newfoundland require a lot of maintenance so be mentally ready to incur such expenses if you are going forth with this. But for a low-income household, getting a small low maintenance dog will be the best.
Home: As stated above large dogs will require more workouts and play times. Along with it, they will also require a house with a lot of space where they can move freely. So there are some questions which you have to ask yourself and hopefully, these will clear your doubts:
- How big is your home?
- Does it have an outdoor space?
- If you live in an apartment then what floor does that outdoor or open-air space occupy?
Children and Family: It should be noted that dogs are very empathetic and that will copy or internalize behavior which is shown or directed at them so it is important to keep in mind the type of family you have and if there are any children. Children will benefit the most from having a dog around as it will teach them patience, kindness, sharing, and responsibility but if you have a large family and there is a possibility that you might not be able to give adequate time to a dog then it’s advised that you reconsider having one.
Affordability: As stated in the first point itself, if you have a low income then perhaps reconsidering buying a dog will be a better idea since dogs do require a lot of maintenance which includes a lot of costs apart from just food- it includes direct costs like vaccinations, medical expenses and secondary costs like dog belt, clothes, dog soap and shampoo, toys etc.
Time Spent: It’s important to consider how much time you can devote for a dog per day since raising a pet is like raising a child and they require time so that they can bond with you and also that you can teach them how to behave properly. Remember a dogs’ behavior depends on their upbringing. If you don’t give enough time to your dog then it will grow up unattached to you or your family and moreover it will not be trained enough to live with them. Also, the less time you devote towards the dog will result in the dog becoming lethargic and unaffected.
Shedding: All dogs shed more or less but obviously, big and furry dogs shed a lot more than small ones or from those who have short hair on their furs. Dogs like golden retrievers, Newfoundland, Dalmatians are shedding powerhouses and will keep you on your feet trying to vacuum up all that hair. So if you are facing slight time constraints then having a dog that sheds less is more advisable.
Veterinary Doctor: To most dog owners this factor probably won’t even strike them. In fact, many outright ignore it as unimportant. But think about something- would you move to a city where there weren’t any health services? No right, so why would you want to deny your dog the same courtesy. Always make sure that there is an emergency veterinary clinic nearby in case of emergency. In the beginning, a dog requires various vaccinations and this continues periodically throughout its early years. Having a very clinic nearby will ensure its safety in case of an emergency.
Recommended for you:
10 Benefits of Having a Dog
Dogs are living breathing beings and should be treated as such. They are not toys or just for entertainment for you or your kids. If you are sure to adopt a dog then treat it with love and as a family member. Don’t think of it any less just because it’s an animal and in return for that kindness, it will light up your whole world.
