You’ve decided that you and your family are ready to have a dog, but now you’re stuck trying to decide what kind of dog. Many future pet owners might initially start their dog search by thinking about what breeds they like; however, a better starting point might be to consider what dog personality fits your lifestyle. Dogs are a huge commitment, so it’s best to pick a dog that is ideal for you and your family, as all dogs are different, even within the same breed.
Here are some questions to ask that can help you decide which breed might fit best in your family.
What type of space do you have?
Do you live in an apartment? A home? Do you have a fenced in yard? These are all important questions to ask as you determine what kind of dog to get.
If you are living in an apartment or small space, a dog who loves to run or who needs lots of exercise might not be ideal for you. However, you aren’t limited to a small dog simply because you live in an apartment. Some large dogs, like the Greyhound, do well in small places.
On the other hand, if you have a large yard that is fenced in, you have more choice in the type of dog that you can accommodate.
Are you active?
Do you like to go on hikes, jog or any other outdoor activities? If you love being active, consider a dog who has lots of energy and who can join you on your adventures.
Dogs such as the Basset Hound, Bulldog or Chow Chow would probably not be a great match for you as they are low energy dogs, but the Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer and Golden Retriever would love to be your running buddy.
Do you have children?
Children can dictate what type of dog you choose. There are lots of breeds that are known to be great in a household with children, such as the Boxer, Dalmatian, Beagle and Labrador Retriever, just to name a few.
If you are adopting a dog from a local shelter, you should ask what adoptable dogs are good around children. The staff at an animal shelter is happy to help pair your family with the perfect dog.
What kind of time do you have?
Just like a child, dogs need attention, love, and exercise. If you and your family have a hectic schedule in which you are rarely home, it might not be the ideal time to take on a dog, especially a puppy.
While there’s a lot that you need to take into consideration when taking care of a dog from veterinary costs to the time that you can give to the dog, it’s also important to make sure that they fit with your family. Many local area rescues offer the ability to foster a pet to make sure the dog is a great fit with your family. If you have questions about the dog or caring for them, many are more than willing to offer advice and help where they can. Visit your local shelter for more information. And when you do find the perfect pup for you, get everything you need for bringing home your new family member at Three Dog Bakery in Franklin and Mt Juliet.
This article is brought to you by Three Dog Bakery. At Three Dog Bakery, they are committed to making premium, natural treats with high-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables. They select only wholesome ingredients to ensure dogs have balanced diets and wagging tails.Three Dog Bakery has two locations in Middle Tennessee: 1556 W McEwen Dr #112, Franklin, TN 37067 & 1982 Providence Pkwy #102, Mt Juliet, TN 37122.
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