LITMIR.BIZ

      The joy of canine companionship is well worth the effort of caring for your pet.

      Finding Your Dog

      Once you’ve carefully thought about all of the foregoing considerations, it’s time to decide on the type of dog you want and where you might find him. You might have narrowed it down to a particular breed, or you may have your heart set on a mixed breed. Either way, you will have many choices.

      Is a Purebred Right for You?

      Members of a particular breed share a general appearance as well as many temperamental traits. Personalities will vary from one individual to another, of course, but many of these characteristics are also linked to a dog’s breed. Golden Retrievers are known as friendly and affectionate pets, whereas Akitas are more independent or aloof. None of these traits is good or bad, per se. Prospective owners must simply decide which combination of traits creates the best match for their lifestyles.

      The American Kennel Club (AKC) divides its recognized dog breeds into seven different groups:

      • Herding Group

      • Hound Group

      • Non-sporting Group

      • Sporting Group

      • Terrier Group

      • Toy Group

      • Working Group

      The members of each group typically have several traits in common, most often related to the breeds’ original functions. Members of the Working Group were first bred to serve laborious purposes such as guarding property, pulling sleds, or rescuing people from drowning. Likewise, Herding Group members helped farmers by herding cattle or other livestock. Hounds, sporting dogs, and terriers all hunted, but in different ways. Toy dogs had the easiest job—to serve as loving companions. The non-sporting dogs make up the most diverse of the seven groups, as what these dogs have in common is that they don’t fit into any of the other categories.

      Members of the Family

      With approximately 200 AKC breeds and a virtually unlimited number of mixed breeds to choose from, finding a dog who matches your family’s needs shouldn’t be too difficult as long as everyone is in agreement about the endeavor. Before you add a pet to your family, discuss the idea with each member of your household. Everyone must be prepared and willing to deal with all that owning a new dog entails. This doesn’t mean that each family member must take on an equal share of caring for the animal, but everyone should be in agreement about this life-changing decision.

      Your significant other may love dogs as much as you do but might worry that you don’t have enough time or other resources for a pet right now. If you both work full-time jobs, you must consider who will perform vital tasks like feeding, walking, and housetraining before you get the pet. Don’t try to delegate tasks as you go along; discuss them beforehand. A little planning goes a long way in making sure that you are ready for a pet.

      If anyone in the household has an issue with getting a dog, take his or her concerns seriously. Perhaps one family member is comfortable with a smaller pet but not a larger one. Likewise, even a dog’s age can make the difference in the decision to welcome a specific animal. Puppies can be demanding creatures. Adopting an older dog is often a better choice for families with busy schedules, but they must have enough time to devote to a new pet, regardless of his age.

      If you don’t yet know exactly which breed is best for you, you might have more luck narrowing your choices down to one of these groups. If you are a hunter looking for a canine assistant, a hound or sporting breed is likely your best match. People who want to participate in organized activities, such as agility or rally, often find that herding dogs make excellent athletes; Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies in particular are highly intelligent and trainable as well.

      If you are seeking a smaller yet playful pet, consider a toy breed such as the Italian Greyhound or Maltese. With proper training, working breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher often make capable guard dogs as well as loving pets.

      One of the biggest benefits of adopting or buying a purebred dog is that you’ll know much of what you are signing up for beforehand. You won’t be shocked when your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy tips the scale at 120 pounds (54 kg). Likewise, you will expect your Pekingese pup’s coat to grow long over time. You can keep it shorter if you prefer, of course, but those grooming bills won’t catch you off guard.

      Different qualities attract people to certain breeds. Perhaps you love the looks of more exotic breeds, such as the corded Komondor or the hairless Xoloitzcuintli. Maybe you prefer the Golden Retriever due to its steadfast reputation as the quintessential family dog. You might not even be able to articulate your reasons for fancying a specific breed. No matter what draws you to one breed or another, just make sure that all of its qualities—and needs—suit your lifestyle before making your final decision.