Looking for the perfect dog to call your best friend? Not every dog will suit you and your family. Read on to find the right canine companion for you.
People often say that we, humans, do not deserve dogs. Our dogs love us unconditionally and are extremely loyal to us. They are like angels without wings, giving us companionship when we need it the most.
But, not all dogs are angels. It is not because one breed of dog is better than the other. The fact is not all dogs suit all people. A breed of dog that is perfect for your neighbor may not be perfect for you.
Choosing the right dog for you is not easy. People often get infatuated with a dog breed and end up adopting one, only to find it extremely difficult to raise. Are you asking yourself, which dog is best for me? You are at the right place. This guide will help you find a great pup for yourself.
You can also read this article in Dogo App.
Choosing Your Perfect Canine Friend
To choose the perfect canine companion, you must first ask yourself a series of questions. Try to do some research on the dog breed before settling on one. Here are a few factors you should focus on before making your decision.
Financing Your Dog
Firstly, you must decide whether you can finance your dog. It would help if you thought about the cost for food, maintenance, visits to the vet, training, toys, etc. Remember that your dog is a long-term investment. As a responsible pet parent, you should calculate your budget and income to understand if you can provide for your dog.
Having a dog can turn out to be quite expensive, so don’t just go and adopt one on impulse. This is a major reason why so many dogs end up in shelters because owners can’t afford their finances.
When you adopt a dog, you are committing that dog will depend on you to provide food, shelter, love, and care.
Another factor to consider when financing a dog is the cost of grooming. Some breeds require regular grooming, which can be expensive if done professionally. However, grooming can also be done at home with the right tools and training. It is important to research the grooming needs of the breed you are considering and factor in the cost of grooming supplies and any professional grooming services you may need. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of boarding or pet-sitting if you plan to travel without your dog. These costs can add up quickly and should be factored into your budget when considering the cost of owning a dog.
Some dogs are more expensive to maintain than others, so do your research thoroughly before deciding to adopt one.
Would the Dog Suit Your Lifestyle?
Adding a new member to your household means making some adjustments. Your lifestyle will affect your dog’s life. To choose the right dog, you must understand whether the breed will fit your way of living.
We love doodles because it is such a versatile breed, it adapts to almost every lifestyle. But, Golden doodles are social creatures. You must give them enough time and affection to save them from falling into depression!
Think about which dog fits your lifestyle. How many hours will you be able to give your dog? Are you outgoing, or do you prefer staying home? Dogs need to be walked, and they must get enough exercise, so consider the activeness of a breed before choosing one.
Another factor to consider when choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle is the size of your living space. If you live in a small apartment, a large breed may not be a good fit, as they require more space to move around. On the other hand, if you have a large yard or live in a rural area, a high-energy breed may be a good fit, as they require more space to run and play. It is also important to consider any allergies or sensitivities you or your family members may have, as some breeds are more hypoallergenic than others. By considering all of these factors, you can choose a dog that is a good fit for your lifestyle and ensure that both you and your dog are happy.
Would Your New Buddy Fit in Your Household?
Are you single, or do you have a family? Not all dogs fit in with families. Especially if you have young children at home, you must choose a gentle breed. It can be potentially dangerous to raise an aggressive dog in a house full of children.
If you are single or a young couple, you might want to choose an energetic dog. Terriers, huskies, dalmatians, and hounds are great for single owners. Families should opt for intelligent and calm breeds such as Newfoundlands, Beagles, Pugs, and most shepherd dogs.
Golden retrievers, Labradors, bulldogs, and poodles are great for anyone, as long as you take care of them properly. Make sure to get a puppy that fits into your family dynamics.
Another factor to consider is the amount of time you have to devote to training and socialization. Some breeds require more training and socialization than others, and it is important to choose a breed that you can commit to training properly. Additionally, it is important to consider the age of the dog you are adopting. Puppies require more time and attention than adult dogs, and it is important to be prepared for the time commitment that comes with raising a puppy.
Does the Dog Go Well with Your Personality?
Are you an outgoing, social person or an introvert? Whether a dog is a perfect companion for you depends on your personality too.
Remember that your pet mirrors you. So, if your dog’s personality clashes with yours, it might cause a problem.
Social people should opt for friendly, social, and active dogs. Extroverts will be more willing to take the dog on doggy dates and encourage them to be more social. Opt for Goldendoodles, retrievers, Labradors, and other social breeds.
Introverts will prefer dogs that like staying indoors or aren’t that keen to socialize. German Shepherds, Shiba Inu, and Greyhounds are all great dogs for introverts. If you are a couch potato, get yourself a Great Dane!
About Obedience
Some people love babying their dogs. If you are someone who treats their dogs like princes and princesses, you are unlikely to get bothered if they start behaving like brats. But, most people prefer having obedient pets.
Pet breeds that are by nature very independent mostly do not listen to their parents. People have this problem with breeds with a wilder nature, like Husky, Afghan Hound, Bloodhounds, etc.
Make sure to socialize your puppy well. We can’t stress enough how important the socialization process is. It affects the whole life of your puppy! Be prepared to devote a lot of your time and attention to your puppy, especially in the first weeks when you bring them home. It is a perfect time to begin potty training, crate training, and basic obedience commands. Training a puppy is much easier than disobedience adult dog.
Additionally, always remember that lapdogs are still dogs and not plushies. They need physical training and mental stimulation, too.
About Temperament
If a calm person adopts a hyperactive dog, they might struggle with raising them. Match your temperament with your dog, or at least be aware of what you are getting into before making your adoption.
No two dogs are the same despite their breed. The puppy you are thinking of adopting might be different from what your research said. Observe the dog and spend time with them, before making a decision. Do your best to learn as much as possible about the dog.
You might discover that your favorite breed of dog might not be right for you. Do some research and find a dog breed that you can handle. Finding a dog of the temperament you can handle is crucial.
Serving a Purpose
If you are thinking of adopting a dog, there must be some purpose you want it to serve in your life. Whether it is simply for companionship or maybe you want a friend for your child, pinpoint that purpose.
Some people want a dog for a specific purpose like taking part in dog shows, hunting, farming, as a guard dog, therapy dogs, etc. If you do a little research on that specific purpose, you will find the right dog breed for you.
Bottom Line
Finding the right pup may not be easy, but once you bring home that jumpy, tail-wagging, furry bundle of joy, it will be worth the trouble. If you remember the above-mentioned factors during research, finding your new best friend would be a fun and exciting experience.
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