Factors to consider when choosing a dog

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By EMC News

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The decision to purchase or adopt a dog is one that requires careful consideration of a host of factors, including how much space the dog will need and whether or not the lifestyle of those who live in the home is a good fit for a furry, four-legged friend.

Once the decision has been made and it's time find a dog, the kind of dog to bring into your home is the next decision that must be made. Many people have a natural preference for certain types of dogs, be it a small and lovable Dachsund or a friendly, happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever. Though personal preference is significant, there are additional factors to consider before bringing a dog into your home.

TEMPERAMENT

Much like people, dogs vary greatly with regards to temperament. Some dogs are very active, while others are much more subdued. Some need significant play time outdoors on a daily basis, while others just need a few minutes outdoors to relieve themselves before heading back inside. A dog's temperament is important to consider for those bringing a puppy into their home, as temperament might dictate if a dog is responsive to training or strong-willed and resistant.

MAINTENANCE

Many dogs shed significant amounts of hair, but how often they shed might help owners determine if a specific breed of dog will be a good fit. For owners who don't mind maintenance, a dog that sheds year-round likely won't be a problem. But those who don't want to be cleaning up dog hair on a regular basis should find a dog that sheds only at certain times of the year. In general, long-coated dogs require lots of grooming, while dogs with shorter coats typically don't need as much grooming.

SIZE

Prospective dog owners with lots of space in their homes can accommodate a dog of any size, while apartment dwellers or those with smaller homes often find smaller dogs to be a better fit. But even those with ample space should know that larger dogs require more food and exercise, including walks or time spent running around in the yard. Smaller dogs don't need much space, and tend to eat less and stay healthy even with minimal exercise.

AGE

Few people can resist a puppy, but there are advantages and disadvantages to adopting both puppies and older dogs. Puppies are adorable, and allow their owners to be involved in their development from the very beginning. But puppies can be stubborn and very difficult to train, often testing their owners' patience. In addition, those with especially busy or hectic households might not have the time to properly train a puppy, which can lead to disastrous consequences down the road.

Older dogs are often trained already, and since many shelter dogs have already grown to their full size, owners won't be surprised down the road when their dogs are bigger than they expected. But older dogs adopted from a shelter might have some initial trust issues they need to overcome. Older dogs might also find it more difficult to adapt to a new home and a new owner.

HEALTH

Some breeds are known for having specific health issues, issues that can become costly to address as a dog ages. Hip and eye conditions are among the most common hereditary diseases or conditions, but these can be screened for before the pet adoption is completed. Purebred dogs might be more likely to suffer from certain hereditary conditions, though mixed breeds are not immune to such diseases or conditions. Before adopting an animal, be it a puppy or an older dog, educate yourself about a chosen breed and any potential health problems it might have.