Are you ready to bring a new canine pal into your life? Dogs have certainly earned the title of Man’s Best Friend. Fido is loyal, loving, and lots of fun, not to mention super cute. Of course, our canine companions vary quite widely on things like size, personality, activity needs, and grooming requirements. In order to make the perfect match, you’ll want to do a bit of research and a lot of thinking. Read on as a local Glen Burnie, MD vet offers some advice on choosing the right dog.
How Do I Decide What Dog Is Right For Me?
Adopting a dog is a pretty big decision. You’re committing to caring for Fido for the rest of his natural life. That often means well over a decade of tail wags, playtime, snuggles, and adventures. Choosing a dog that you don’t really click with deprives both you and your canine buddy of that ideal, perfect relationship. And while there’s a lot to be said for bonding and love, it’s also important to pick a pup that suits your household and lifestyle.
There are quite a few things to think about before signing those adoption papers:
Gender: While this may not be the most important choice for some, there’s also nothing wrong with having preferences. Males tend to be larger and are sometimes a bit more active than females.
Size: This is definitely a big one, but it will matter to some more than others. If you own your own home and have a fenced yard, you probably don’t need to worry too much about weight or breed restrictions, at least unless you have an HOA to deal with. However, if you’re renting, that is going to be pretty important, as many landlords only allow dogs up to a certain weight.
Exercise: Another thing you’ll want to consider is Fido’s zoominess level. Some pups need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. For others, simply running around the kitchen will provide a sufficient workout.
This is one area where mismatches can really become clear and important. If you’re an indoor type that doesn’t want or need to spend too much time at parks or on trails, an active, adventurous pooch may be the wrong fit. On the other hand, if you want your canine pal to be able to keep up with you on trails, a lazy lapdog may not be your ideal dog.
Grooming: Fido’s pretty coat is one of his best features. Of course, you’ll also need to look at your furry pal’s beauty care needs. Some pooches only need an occasional brushing and a few baths a year. Others need daily attention in this area.
Shedding: Shedding is also something to look at. Fido looks adorable with both short, sleek fur and long, fluffy locks. Of course, he also doesn’t mind sharing that pretty coat. You’ll want to figure out where your comfort zone is as far as dealing with fur.
It’s worth pointing out that some breeders refer to specific breeds as hypo-allergenic. Many of the ‘doodle’ mixes—which are not official breeds—are described this way. This isn’t entirely incorrect. This is one trend that came about because Poodles do not shed or produce as much dander as other dogs, and thus are often a bit easier for people with allergies to deal with. However, there really is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.
Intelligence/Stimulation Needs: We love all of our four-legged buddies. That said, we do have to acknowledge the fact that some are a bit more astute than others. Some pooches are extremely smart and need lots and lots of activity and stimulation. Others are, well, probably better known for being cute and lovable. Breed does play a role in this, of course. Some of the smarter pups include Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and Border Collies. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Afghan Hound, who has the dubious honor of being the least intelligent of all our canine pals. (These guys are still Very Good Boys, of course!) For some people, a pooch that will understand complex commands and know how to fetch your slippers or turn the light off is a great match. Others don’t mind if their dog is, well, a few fries short of a value meal in the brains department.
Trainability: Intelligence and trainability are closely linked, but they aren’t necessarily the same thing. Some pups are quite smart, but are hard to train because are stubborn or may fixate on certain things.
Protective Characteristics: This is another thing you’d want to look into. If you work from home and sometimes have clients come by, a pooch that is going to go berserk every time the doorbell rings may not be the best choice. On the other hand, many people really appreciate the fact that Fido will alert his humans if there is someone at the door.
Prey Drive: Breeds also differ wildly in terms of how deep their predatory instincts go. As you may know, some dogs just have a naturally strong prey drive. This very much ties into breed history. Many dogs were originally bred to hunt. Certain terriers, for instance, don’t generally do well in households with cats.
If you have or want to have children, and/or if you are considering adopting other pets, especially smaller ones, this is one thing you can’t overlook.
Age: Puppies are usually in the highest demand. It’s not hard to see why. There is a lot to be said for raising Fido yourself. Plus, you get to enjoy that adorable toddler stage. On the other paw, there is a lot of work involved with raising and training your little buddy. Puppies also need lots of playtime, as well as close supervision.
However, puppies aren’t the only option. Adult dogs can be great choices. They’re already trained, and you won’t have to guess about what your dog will look like fully grown.
Don’t overlook seniors, either! Older pooches also have quite a lot going for them. For one thing, they’re super cute. Pups in their senior years also often have a very sweet, friendly demeanor. They aren’t as interested in chasing squirrels across the yard: they just want to be petted and doze at your feet! You may also find it very rewarding to give an older dog a comfortable retirement.
History: You’ll also want to find out what you can about Fido’s history and/or background. If you’re going to a breeder, do your due diligence and choose a reputable one. Going for a rescue dog? Spend some time with your potential pet, and find out what you can.
Health: You’ll also want to consider your potential pet’s health and medical history. Ask your Glen Burnie, MD vet for more information on what to do and look for.
The X Factor: Last but not least, it’s also important for you to just connect with your canine companion. Sometimes people just instinctively know when they’ve found their dog. Listen to your heart!
Make An Appointment At Our Glen Burnie, MD Animal Clinic
Have you just adopted a dog? Do you need to bring your canine pal in for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. As your Glen Burnie, MD pet clinic, we are here to help!
