Dogs are man’s best friend. For dog lovers out there, you must be dreaming of getting a dog of your own. However, there are a lot of dogs to choose from! How will you know which one should you get?
Finding your dream dog can be overwhelming. There is so much to choose from, and sometimes having too many can lead to bad decisions.
How Can I Know Which Is The One?
If you know what you can offer to your dog, it will be easy to pick the right one. There are some factors that would help in giving you an idea of which one is for you. When looking for adorable puppies for sale you can instantly have a pretty good instinct about your future dog.
However, even knowing the type of dog’s advantages and disadvantages, you still might not be confident one which one to choose, in that case, there are other things to consider if you are still indecisive.
Factors To Consider In Choosing A Dog
Before you really get the perfect dog for yourself, try to think about what kind of dog you will be getting. It will be easier to figure out who will be your new furry best friend by considering these factors.
Age
You have a choice to buy or adopt a dog, depending on its age. You can choose to have a puppy or a full-grown one. You can even get an old dog if you like. The age of your dog will have perks and consequences.
Getting a puppy will mean you will be able to see it grow and, therefore, you will get to spend more time with it. However, this also means you need to invest more time in taking care of it. Puppies need more care and attention compared to adults and seniors.
You need to train them, and they are most likely going to be destroying a lot of your things. You will also be familiar with the mess. They will require a lot of patience.
If you choose to get a grown one, it might be better for you. Adult dogs would already be familiar with different environments. They also have mature and established traits. But this does not mean they would not require any form of training. You might need to train them a little but not as much as with a puppy.
Senior dogs are not the first option, but they still are a great one. They are great companions. However, since they are already old, you might not be able to spend a lot of time with them.
Breed
This factor is what most people will be thinking about. What breed will you choose? Each breed will have different inborn traits. From that, you can get an idea of which one will be compatible for you.
The seven types of dog breeds are Working, Herding, Hound, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Toy, and Terrier. If you want a guard dog, a german shepherd might be the best choice. A corgi is an excellent herding dog that will be perfect as a family dog.
Size
Canines also come in different sizes. Some dogs would only be as big as your hand. Some would be bigger than you.
Preferring to have a small dog would be better if you have limited space at home, but because of their size, they are more fragile. Some of the small dog breeds tend to develop a tough attitude that you would need to control.
Big dogs would obviously require ample space. They would also be much more expensive to take care of. However, larger dogs can be better companions if you love the outdoors.
Maintenance Level
A dog is lovely to have, but taking care of it will be a responsibility. You should make sure that you will be up for the challenge. It is not fair for you to get a pup only to neglect it/
Dogs depending on their breed, size, age, and health, will have different maintenance levels. They will require regular shots. You will also have to groom them regularly. Some dogs require extensive grooming compared to others.
The cost of food will also be something you need to be aware of. Aside from this, some dogs are susceptible to getting diseases you also need to watch out for.
Activity Level
Your activity level should match your future dog’s. Energetic dogs require you to take them out more and have a more exhausting routine. If you can’t reach the activity level of your dog, this could result in behavioral problems.
There are online quizzes that can help you choose the right dog breed suitable for you. You can also ask to doggy-sit your friend’s dog to be able to experience what it is like being a dog owner.
Have fun hunting the right one! Make sure that you are ready to take of a dog. They would need your love and care. In return, they will stick by you through your good and bad days.