Be Sure You Choose The Right Dog Breed For You

Each year, more and more new dog breeds are added to the already growing list. Currently, the American Kennel Club, or AKC, recognizes over 150 different breeds and has seven different groups to categorize them. These groups include; sporting, working, toy, terrier, hound, herding, and non-sporting breeds.

The working category of breeds refers to those canines who aren’t merely pets or companions for humans, but rather are working animals that are now or have been trained to perform certain tasks. The working breed category includes: border collie, boxer, german shepherd, great dane, labrador retriever, rottweiler, st. Bernard, siberian husky.

Terriers are a lively group of dogs that were originally bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and foxes, with most types coming from the British Isles. This category includes some well known dog breeds such as: american pit bull, australian, boston, bull, cairn, fox, jack russell, rat, scottish, welsh, west highland.

Also called teacup or tiny, the Toy category features the smallest of dogs who generally weigh under 20 to 25 pounds and include: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Havanese, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Toy and Miniature, Poodles, Yorkshire Terrier.

There are also categories that use other criteria to describe dogs, such as those that are considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Some of these include: Airedale, Basenji, Cairn, Kerry Blue, Norfolk, Tibetan, and Welsh Terriers; Chinese Crested, Poodle, Schnauzer

A growing number of ‘designer dogs’ that mix certain breeds are becoming popular. These include many dogs that are part Poodle:

- Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle)

- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle)

- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle)

- Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle)

- Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle)

Dog breeds may also be grouped by the size and weight of the dog.

- Toy breeds are 10 pounds or less.

- Small breeds are 10 to 25 pounds.

- Medium breeds are 25 to 50 pounds.

- Large breeds are 50 to 75 pounds.

- Extra large breeds are over 75 pounds.

While any dog can be trained to be good around children and toddlers, there are those who seem to have an extra affinity and tolerance for kids. And of course, any dog who is not trained or poorly socialized will not do well with children. Some of the breeds known for being good for families with children include:

- Basset Hound

- Bulldog

- Collie

- English Setter

- Golden Retriever

- Newfoundland

- Samoyed

- Standard Poodle

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for You

There are many different variables to consider when trying to decide on the right breed of dog for you and your family. Before trying to pick which type of dog would do best in your home, ask yourself the following questions:

Training: All dogs require some type of obedience training and house training, but some need a bit more work than others. Do you have the time and patience necessary to train certain types of dogs?

Size: Do you have the room in your home and yard to accommodate a dog, and if so, what size?

Exercise/walking requirements: Do you have the time and energy it takes to see that a dog has the proper amount of exercise they need to stay happy and healthy?

Grooming and shedding: Is anyone in your home allergic to animals? Do you have the resources and time to devote to grooming your dog on a regular basis?

Choose the Right Dog Bed for Your Pooch

Do you know what exactly is a dog’s home? It is his bed. And so selecting the right dog bed is important. Some owners already have an idea of what they are looking for in a dog bed, but other owners are unsure of even where to begin looking for one. While it may seem as easy as just going to a local store and selecting a bed, there are actually a large variety to consider, and with this comes a variety of different factors to take into consideration before purchasing a bed.

5. The Price

One price does not fit all when it comes to beds for dogs. Similar to human beds, there are a variety of different brands and costs. Believe it or not, there are even designer and luxury dog beds available! These will offer extra cushioning, extra support and extra room. Many of them actually resemble a couch while others look similar to a human bed. Some designer dog beds that are specially ordered will even be personalized with the dog’s name.

4. Pet Size

There are a large variety of dog breeds from very small to extra large and with this comes a wide variety of different dog bed sizes available. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting one is the size of your dog. Although you might simply think a small dog will need a small bed and a large dog will need a larger one, it isn’t always this simple. Remember that if you are looking at the same bed in two different sizes, it is quite possible that the larger bed will cost a substantial amount more than the smaller bed, simply because it costs more for the extra materials.

3. Pet Health

Orthopedic dog beds are available that add extra support for older pets or pets with joint injuries, such as hip problems, disc problems, knee problems or are just old and have trouble getting around. Most orthopedic beds are made from similar materials as human orthopedic beds, with high-density foam that allows for extra support on the joints and makes it much easier to go from sitting to standing.

2. Choice of Fabric

Believe it or not, dog beds are available in canvas, denim, fleece, cotton, suede and even upholstery material. Your choice of fabric will be dependent on the type of dog you own and the climate you live in. For dog owners with a long-haired dog or an outdoor dog like a Siberian Husky, you will want to select a cool cotton or canvas, so they won’t overheat while staying inside the house.

1. Durability

Durability is incredibly important when considering a dog bed. You want to find the best quality and comfort for your dog, and once you find the right one, it should last a lifetime. Shop around and find the best; your dog deserves it.

The best Dog bed should provide:

A private space and sense of security;
Insulation from the floor in both winter and summer;
Cushioning joints and bones;
Controls to spread of hair, dirt, and dander.

Getting a dog bed will also save your furniture, as your dog will soon prefer his bed to your sofa.

Unusual Dog Names That You Can Choose

When you bring home a new puppy, the first decision you have to make is what you will name this newest member of the family. Just as parents look at lists of names for babies, dog owners look through lists of names to find unusual dog names that suit the breed and personality of the puppy. Some dog owners like to name their small breeds of dogs after the names of perfumes, while large dogs tend to have names reflecting their size and skill and are named after Greek and Roman gods or famous warriors in history.

If you want something completely unusual in a name one thing you can do is choose a name you like in English and then look for the translation of that name in other languages. You do need to still adhere to the norm in choosing a name that is short and easy to say. This will make it easier for both you and the dog to get used to the name that you will be using many times during the day.

If you are a lover of nature and spend a lot of time outdoors with your dog, there are many nature names you can choose that are unusual. Some suggestions for you to think about are:

- Breeze

- Cloud

- Crystal

- Fire

- River

- Eddy

- Stream

- Storm

- Spring

- Sunset

- Autumn

- Tornado

- Thunder

You have an endless list of choices in choosing a name in this manner. Just think of your favourite outdoor activity and come up with an unusual name based on this.

It is best to stay away from normal girl and boy names that people choose for their children when you are looking for an unusual name for your puppy. If you have a Siberian husky, for example, why not look at names of places in Siberia that you can use as a name? There are many native names of towns in any countries of the North that would also be suitable and unusual names.

When you decide you want something out of the ordinary as a name for your pet, you can have a tremendous amount of fun sifting through the lists of names and trying to say each one. But who says you have to choose a name from a list? Why not make up a name? This would be truly unusual and would certainly cause others who hear the name to ask what it means and why you chose it. In this way, you could simply choose a word you like rather than have to think about the breed and the characteristics of the dog. Chap for example is a unique name that shows you feel that your dog is your best friend.  Since most dog owners refer to their dog affectionately as Fellow, you can use this name or change it to something similar such as Fella. One dog owner who couldn’t decide on a name decided to leave it up to the dog. When a person would ask what the dogs name was he would answer sk Her and this became the name that stuck.

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed For You

Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time now, their personalities still differ from one breed to the other. Chihuahuas are cute, but did you know that they are not suitable for families with small children, because of their territorial and impatient nature?

So how do you go about choosing the right dog breed for you?

You must sit down and carefully consider what your lifestyle is like, and how much time, money and space you can dedicate to your new companion. How you live and who you are as a person, will dictate what type of dog will suit your lifestyle, your own personality, and your accommodation. DON’T make the mistake many new dog owners make and just pick a puppy ’cause it’s real cute… you are likely to clash later…

Here’s a simple checklist of the most important considerations when choosing the right dog breed for you.

Your Living Arrangements

Do you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a house? If it’s the former, go with a small-sized pup like a Pomeranian or Toy Poodle. If your area is large enough for a medium or large dog, you can choose breeds among German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or even a Great Dane.

Your Family Arrangements

Do you have children or do you live alone? Some dogs work well with children like Golden Retrievers or Siberian Huskys. On the other hand, some dogs are aloof especially with children like a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier. You also have to take into account any pre-existing pets in your household. If you have cats or bunnies you need to make sure the new puppy you bring in is tolerating.

Activity Levels

If you’re the type who loves outdoorsy stuff like running or hiking, the best breed for you might be American Foxhound, English Setter or even a Standard Poodle. But if you’re the type who loves to stay at home and rest, these breeds might be suitable for your lifestyle: Chihuahua, Basset Hound or Pekingese.

Match the breed to your existing activity levels – be truthful with yourself. If you spend your nights infront of the TV, but you’d love to start walking in the evenings, don’t get an overly active dog in the hope that it will motivate you… These type of plans usually fail, and then you’re left with a dog that’s unhappy and destructive because it is bored and locked up most of the day – be realistic.

Grooming and Food Expenses

It’s kind of logical that large dogs consume large amounts of food and small dogs consume less. But you’d be surprised at just how much a Grate Dane needs to eat in a day. So when considering a dog breed, and you’re unsure of their food requirements, give your vet a call and ask him to advise you.

Another cost to consider when getting a pooch is how much grooming will he need. With some of the shorter coat dogs, you can do the grooming yourself. But dog breeds like Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Yorkshire Terrier needs daily grooming – and at least monthly taking to the doggy parlor. So take into account the time and money you’re willing to spend on caring for your dog.

Trainability

Different dog breeds take different amounts of time to obedience train, so consider if you feel you’d want to train your puppy, or if you don’t really mind a whole lot.

Vet Bills

OK, taking a dog into your care is a big responsibility. You have to love it, feed it, groom it, but you also have to make sure its health care is also looked after. In that respect, cats are much easier to take care of.

Vet bills are a big chunk of what you will spend on your pooch over your joint existence, so you need to carefully consider if it is something you can afford month after month, and year after year. There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than having to let go of your beloved pet 5 years into your relationship, because you’re having to choose between vet bills and feeding your children.

Sounds extreme, but it is a serious point. Make sure you find out how much it will cost for vet visits, vaccinations, treats, and toys. Then consider taking pet insurance just in case something goes wrong and you need cash for treatment.

In conclusion – take your time to choose a suitable canine mate. Consider that your dog is likely to be a part of your life for the next 15 or even 20 years. That is pretty permanent – so don’t leave it to chance. Make sure your personality and lifestyle suites the dog breed you choose and you’re more likely to have a hassle-free loving and lasting relationship with your dog.