For most of us, the desire to own a pet, especially a dog, started early in our childhood. Do you remember when you spent your time drawing dogs or shading in dog colouring pages? Now the time to decide what type of dog you would like to get.
Choosing a dog is something exceptional. Dogs are faithful companions that will soon become true members of a family.
Before deciding on the breed of dog, you want to get, do your research online for dog owners’ and breeders’ tips. Look at the different breeds, their specific qualities, size, and costs, of course.
Think about the place you live in. If you live in a flat, you would then look for a smaller dog and maybe quieter to not disturb your neighbors.
The dog’s temperament is another important aspect to consider.
You will also need to check the costs of keeping a dog:
- Food
- Sleep
- Training
- Toys
- Gadgets
- Cleaning
- Vaccinations
- Medication
- Passport to travel abroad
- Possible damages caused by owning a dog
- Any other dog products
Do you have children? You will need a friendly dog with lots of patience. The same would be for an older relative.
It is important then to think of the time that raising a dog involves as well. Do you live close to a park? Can you take your dog outside daily? Are you going to spend a lot of time away from home, maybe hiking with your dog?
How to choose your dog if you are single
If you are single and want to get a dog, you need to think carefully about how you will take care of your new pet.
Ask yourself why you want this dog. Is it because you want companionship? Is it because you want to feel safe?
What are the best dog breeds if you are a single woman? What about a single man? Does this even matter in the long term?
Dogs for working singles
Being single and working full-time suggests that your dog will be left alone for long periods during the day.
This means that you need to consider how your pet will entertain itself along with the aspect of feeding and toileting needs.
The most suitable dog would be from a breed that doesn’t require much maintenance and enjoys being alone.
Dogs that can be left alone
Chihuahua is a very small dog and would be perfect for someone living in a flat, maisonette, or smaller house. Chihuahuas love sleeping and spend much time snuggling down in their beds. This makes it the perfect breed to be left alone during work hours.
Greyhound is a breed renowned for their speed and will enjoy their time in a park or a running track. However, greyhounds are lazy and love sitting around and sleeping most of the time.
French Bulldog is the easiest dog breed to get on if you are single and working. Its medium size is perfect for smaller dwellings. It loves being in the home and relaxing and only needs to be taken for walks twice a day.
Chow Chow, this beautiful breed, makes for the perfect pet for singles that are away for long hours during the day. It only needs a walk a day, is extremely cuddly, friendly, and easy to take care of.
What are the best dogs for working families?
If you are a couple or already have a family with children, you might want a dog that will make everyone happy.
An important aspect to think about when choosing a dog for your family is who will take the dog for a walk and when. Who will feed it, clean it, or look after it, in general?
Working families need to consider dog breeds that are easy to take care of, calm, patient, and can be left on their own devices for longer hours.
- Basset Hound is small in size; this dog breed is the laziest by far! This makes the Basset Hound ideal for working families. It enjoys sleeping and lazing all day.
- Boston Terrier their mellow nature wouldn’t be guessed easily only by looking at its exterior appearance! They are happy to wait and entertain themselves whilst you are away and become really playful around on your return.
- Dachshund is also known as the sausage dog. Its size makes the perfect dog for smaller dwellings. It is a friendly and loving dog that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Due to its short legs, the Dachshund tires quickly of exercise and remains content to snuggle down for long naps during the day.
Dogs for families with toddlers and small children
- Bullmastiff is a friendly dog that loves being around children although its aspect makes it look scary to intruders. It can be left on its own for long periods of time and doesn’t need lots of exercise.
- Norfolk Terrier it’s a cuddly and friendly dog. Its size is small and doesn’t scare small children. This breed enjoys being part of a large family.
- Boxer comes from a breed that enjoys being part of a big family. These dogs love small children, are affectionate, energetic, and playful.
Dogs for people and families with allergies
- Maltese is one of the cutest breeds of dogs. Its size makes it the ideal pet for people and families living in flats or small houses. It’s suitable for people with allergies as it doesn’t shade their hair.
- Poodle is a very popular dog breed, easy to train, and highly intelligent. Although it requires a good amount of grooming, the fact that it shades a minimal amount of fur makes it a good breed for families with allergies.
Dogs for family protection
Bullmastiff has an impressive exterior aspect, lean and muscular. It makes the perfect guard dog for a family. Very affectionate with children enjoys exercise, and would make an excellent addition to any household.
German Shepherd takes their guardian role very seriously and would protect their masters at any cost. It is a highly affectionate dog that quickly becomes attached to children.
When thinking about buying a dog for older relatives, you need to look for the best companion dog breeds, such as Schnauzer and check for low-maintenance dogs.
For more details, information and tips go to this article. Also, do not miss the 33 Cool and Interesting Dog Facts (some of them might surprise you).