Choosing the Right Dog
Once you decide that a dog is right for you, there are many decisions that you will need to make.
What sex should you choose? The answer to this question really depends on whether the animals are sterilized or not. Sterilized males and females display minimal gender-specific behavior. If you have a preference, go with your instincts but recognize that there is no reason to choose one over the other, provided each has been sterilized. Males and females that remain sexually act. on the other hand, exhibit gender-based behaviors. Females will experience heat behaviors twice a year and can become pregnant. Unbuttered males are more prone to aggressive and wandering behaviors. Since very few owners should plan to breed their pets, choosing a sterilized animal of either sex remains the best option foremost people.
Do you want a purebred or mixed breed? For people interested in show competitions, a purebred is either necessary or highly recommended, depending on the type of show. Purebreds have more predictable personalities and physical types, though variability exists even within a single breed. Mixed breeds have less predictable traits, but display “hybrid-vigor which is a healthy mix of genes that can reduce or eliminate breed-specific ailments. Although careful breeder’s worktop eliminates the tendency toward ailments, the risk exists. A mongrel, on the other hand, is much less likely to possess these types M inherited ailments.
Do you need or want specific skills in your dog? Think about the kinds of activities you will share with your dog. Will it live indoors or out? Will it be involved in strenuous activities or have a more sedate lifestyle? Will it live with children? Will it be involved in herding, hunting, obedience or coursing activities?
Do you want an adult dog or a puppy? Puppies are great fun, and easier to socialize than adult dogs, but require a tremendous amount of care. They are completety dependent on you for their health, socialization and well-being. Adult dogs need less care, but may have prior problems. They may be potty-trained or socialized and difficult to retrain as they age. Even grown dogs, however, can adapt to new ways when given the proper motivation and reward.
When the time comes to actually pick a specific dog from the litter, be open to the advice of breeder. Assuming you are working with reputable people, they will help match the puppy’s personality with yours. They should ask you lots of questions about your hopes and needs, and watch you interact with the animals. There are also books that will help you analyze your best dog match.
Puppies in a litter have different personalities and dominance rank within the pack. The first dog that approaches you is probably the dominant dog and will ultimately need discipline and serious training. If you have never owned a dog before, or take laid back approach to pet ownership, this choice will probably not be for you. On the other hand, you do not want a dog that is extremely shy. It will be difficult to socialize and may not possess the frisky personality often desired in a dog. Small dogs in the litter may raise other issues. Remember Clifford the big red dog, which was a runt in the litter and grew up to be the size of a house? Like Clifford, the small dog may not have any health problems later and may meet or exceed its litter mates in size. Sometimes, the little dogs are simply a few days younger than the others and are perfectly healthy as long as they display normal behavior within the litter. Occasionally, however, the dog is suffering from health-related issues.
In these cases, no matter how cute the little puppy is, you should avoid adopting or choosing the right breed or type of dog depends on the answers to important questions. Be sure that you choose a size, age and temperament that is right for you. Visit dog shows, breeders and kennels to investigate the wide variety of choices available. Once you select a breed or mixed breed, there are several intelligent ways to find a new dog: at a reputable breeder or rescue groups (for purebreds) or through an animal shelter or humane society (for mixed breeds).