How to Choose the Right Dog Breed?

1. The size of your house: If you live in a small flat, it’s better to avoid large breeds. They need lot of exercise. Even if you can take them for run and for long walks at least twice a day, do not keep large breeds because lack of proper exercise and movement makes large dogs prone to various ailments. People who stay in bungalows and have a proper garden or backyard, can freely keep large dogs. German shepherds being most common. Other popular large breeds include Labrador and Golden Retriever. Both these breeds are friendly and playful. All of them need proper walks, garden areas to exercise and do their business.

2. Your routine type: Do you have enough time to train your puppy? Will you be gone for long hours, leaving your dog alone? You must ask yourself these questions. Most dogs suffer separation anxiety. If there is no one at home to take care of the puppy, it’s unfair to the animal. Large dogs can still stay back alone for few hours. Small breeds are more prone to getting stressed. Small breeds include chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Beagle, Pug, Maltese- all of them come with their only personal traits, different behaviors and energy levels. You don’t have to get confused, but a little study about their basic traits will only help you in their training.

3. Weather conditions: Dogs have coat and fur that is meant for different weather conditions. Make sure that you do not get a puppy home only because it looks pretty. You should know which breed will be comfortable in the city that you live in. For instance, northern summers are a curse for the poor huskies. They enjoy being in the cold weather as they have thick coat and long fur. Unless you plan on keeping them in AC room 24×7 (which is impractical and unhealthy), please do not get a husky if staying in hot places.

4. Coat Type: There are dog breeds that shed a lot and some that hardly shed. It is important to know their coat type to maintain proper hygiene- for you and your pet. If they shed a lot, brushing them twice a day and using a deshedding brush at least once a day is important. You also need to vacuum your house and upholstery regularly. If you are intolerant towards animal fur or have any kind of sensitivities, avoids dogs with long fur like Golden Retrievers. Rather go for a Chihuahua or a beagle.

If you are adopting or are getting a rescued pup home, nothing like it! But you definitely need to know their history as most rescued dogs have an unpleasant past. Most crucial thing to remember is that you must be willing to put in whatever it takes, to give the dog a better life.

Post script: Dogs are for life. Once they enter your world, they will transform it in ways unknown (of course in a good way). They give you the love that you never thought you need. Hence, it’s your responsibility to give them a life they deserve. May each ‘day in the life of’ your pet be special for they deserve nothing less.