How to Find the Right Pooch for You
Ashley Peters

 One of the most frequently asked questions I hear is, “How do I pick the right type of dog for me?” I’ve heard this from customers, friends, family members and even complete strangers I’ve met while walking my dogs. My answer is always the same, and always seems to turn into 20 questions. I decided that this would be a great article for summer because so many families bring home puppies, or adopt adult dogs during this time of year. I’ve learned everything I know about dogs from asking questions and actually working with these animals. Not to mention I have always had a dog or 2 in my house. This article will be based on my own personal experiences and I hope that they provide a little light into the huge variety of dogs to there is to choose from.

Purebred VS Mutts
Let’s start with purebred animals. There are some benefits to choosing dogs of know lineage; for example, you already know what they’re potential size and temperament will be. As well as their life expectancy and coat type. Unfortunately many purebred dogs have been so closely bred that it accentuated certain undesirable traits and has increased the risk of hereditary diseases. This is not to say every purebred dog will have these problems, but there is a higher risk that you need to take into consideration. Another thing to keep in mind is the price tag associated with purebred animals. Some of these dogs go from $500.00 to $1200.00 easily.

Now let’s talk about mixed breeds, or mutts. These are my personal preference when choosing a dog. They usually are very loving, intelligent dogs and make great family pets. They are resistant to most health problems and are generally cheaper than purebreds, if not free. Some downfalls include not knowing how big they’re going to get or how they’re temperament will be, or even how their appearance will change as they grow. A short haired puppy may very well grow into a long haired adult.

It’s truly all up to you and your personal preference about whether you bring home a purebred dog or a mutt. They all have their good and bad aspects. You just need to take your time and do some research.

Puppy VS Adult
How much time do you have to spend with your new dog? Do you want to go threw the house breaking and puppy training? Or do you want a dog that has already been threw all the basics and who’s personality and temperament are already known?

Puppies are easily shaped into the type of dogs you want them to be; Living outside vs. inside for example. Puppies that are taken away from their mothers to early are more likely to have behavioral problems as they grow and may be more difficult for the inexperience dog owner to deal with as well. You should be getting a puppy between 7 and 8 weeks old and you want to try and see the puppy interact with its mother and siblings. Always look the puppies over. They should have clear, bright eyes, pink gums, white teeth and clean, shinny coats. Watch how they walk and run, how they play and interact with each other. A tip to remember is that the crucial socializing period is between 3 weeks and 3 months. So introduce your puppy to as many new things as possible during this time and you’ll be rewarded with a calmer, more rounded animal. Also if you are getting a puppy for your children, if a dog bite were to happen, the bites are usually less serious with a puppy.

Adult dogs have their advantages too, for instance you bypass the whole puppy training stage. You’re going to save on the initial costs such as puppy shots and spaying/neutering. Another plus to adopting a full grown dog is the family you’re getting the animal from will usually give you things like toys, dishes, beds, crates, leashes and collars. Most of the time you will get vet records for the dog too.

If you’re adopting a dog with an unknown past just spend some time with it. Take him/her for a walk, see how they’re around people, cars, kids and other animals. Try giving the dog a toy and see how easily it lets go. Go ahead and give the dog a treat and see how it reacts to this. These are good ways to check for aggressiveness and or cowering.

Big VS Small
Choosing the right size dog is very important. You need to ask yourself things like how much room you have? How much time you have to spend with the dog? Keep in mind that size isn’t a good way to judge energy for one. In most cases smaller dogs, like Jack Russell’s, need much more exercise then say a Great Dane. Also many dogs suffer from the “Big dog, little dog” syndrome. This happens when, for example, the cute little terrier you just went and picked up wants to eat on the neighbors Rottweiler because in that terriers little mind it’s the biggest dog on the block! This does go the other way too, like when you’re 80 pound Lab wants to sleep in your lap. Other things to keep in mind are that a smaller dog will be cheaper to take care of, less food and medications for instance. Basically what I’m getting at is you need to talk to people who have the type of dog you’re interested in and see what their advice is to you. Most responsible breeders will not sell you a dog if after talking to you they think it’s a bad match.

 Male VS Female
Gender is for the most part a personal preference as well. But here are a few common differences to keep in mind. Male dogs:

Some of these behaviors will show less if the male is neutered, like aggressiveness, urine marking and mounting behavior. After neutering the animal is less likely to get testicular cancer and prostate infections.

Female dogs :

Spayed females are less likely to get mammary and uterine cancers depending on how the procedure was performed.

Remember that there is no gender difference for excitability, nervousness or defensive barking habits.

 Coat Types
Dog coats vary in length, color, type, texture, color and density to name a few. You must be aware of any special grooming needs that a dog may have. Does this dog need to be clipped frequently? Are you going learn to do it yourself, or take the dog to the groomer’s? Is it hot or cold where you live? Do you have dog hair allergies? Do you want a dog that doesn’t shed? These are all very important questions.

 Multiple Dogs
More often than not adult dogs will generally take to a new puppy more easily than another grown dog. To make tings easier on yourself wait until your dog is at least 1 year old and trained before getting another dog. That ways you’re not over training the puppy and under training the older pup. Another thing to be aware of is if the dog you already have is a problem dog, it may teach the other dog its bad habits. Lastly you should always train your dogs separately because it will be easier on you and the animal. You can then focus on what each dog needs individually.

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