What Type of Dog Should I Get

So you’re past the problem of choosing whether or not you want a dog. If you decided the time is right then all you need to do now is figure out what type of dog is best for you. This is quite a tricky business as there are many factors you should consider.

Start by examining your current lifestyle. Do you have children, maybe someone with allergies, do you prefer low-shedding dogs. There are many other factors, let’s take a look at the most important things to look out for:

Different types of dogs have different sizes

Either you have your mind set on a small or large dog, or you just can’t decide between the two. If you’re not sure what you want then a medium-sized dog is probably best.

Small dogs are normally delicate. Being mishandled usually causes serious injury. They are also very sensitive to cold weather. They will also need obedience training, nothing is more annoying than a little thing you could step on acting like a tough boss.

Larger dogs are more claustrophobic. You’ll either need a large home, or constant walks to keep him content. Also training is very important, if for example you raise a giant breed puppy like a lap dog when he grows up he’ll walk all over you.

Activity level varies from breed to breed

Most likely you already know that a dog’s activity level is closely related to it’s breed. However every dog needs exercise constantly, even if it’s a calmer breed. If you can’t manage a couple walks per day then you’re probably better off with a low energy dog, such as a Basset Hound.

One important thing to remember is that most behavior problems come from a lack of activity. If your dog is digging up in your yard, chewing on everything he can find, barking constantly etc, then you know he needs more activity.

Physical maintenance is a must

All types of dogs need general grooming, but some hair coats require much more care. In this case routine grooming is a must, and you need to have the time and patience to do it constantly.

Most short haired dogs shed a lot, this can be a problem if you don’t prepare for it. Various grooming tools help to reduce shedding. Also dogs with floppy ears require constant ear cleaning because they are prone to ear infections.

Age can be a factor

When factoring in age you think about how much time, training and supplies differently aged dogs require. Puppies are the most demanding in this regard. You will need constant training, especially over the first 6 months. Be prepared for a lot of house breaking accidents.

Adult types of dogs might be a better choice if you want to get the high energy level and temperament. However an adult dog isn’t necessarily a trained dog, you might have to dedicate a few months to that anyway.

Purebred or mixed bred

Most people prefer purebred dogs. There are many reasons for this, either they are specifically attached to a dog breed for spending a lot of time with it in their younger years. Maybe they just like how a type of dog behaves and looks like.

If you want a purebred dog you need to thoroughly research the type of dog before deciding anything. Be aware of any health problems as well as time consuming chores such as grooming and walking. Make sure the breed fits your lifestyle and your family.

Mixed breed dogs are interesting opportunities. A combination of 2 or more breeds can yield a balance between personalities and physics. You will find that many mixed breed types of dogs have fewer health problems, adapt quicker and better and are good-natured. Just keep in mind to expect the unexpected.

When you think you found what type of dog you should get make sure you find one that appears healthy. Look for a bright-eyed dog, with a shiny coat and a lively temperament. There should be no smells or unfortunate conditions when you go to pick him up. Also make sure you know about any special needs he might have before you decide to make the purchase.

Why you should neuter your male dog and cat

THE ADVANTAGES OF NEUTERING MALE DOGS & CATS

DOGS:
– Has no effect on the dog’s alertness or natural protective instincts.
– Minimises sexual and territorial aggression.
– Reduces hyperactivity and the dog becomes more relaxed in its home environment.
– Lowers the dog’s general activity level (advantageous with certain breeds such as Boxers).
– The dog becomes more affectionate with the owners, children and other pets.
– Minimises or eliminates bad habits such as jumping over fences, chasing of cars, urinating in the house, etc.
– Minimises the likelihood of having prostate problems.

CATS:
– Neutered cats become more affectionate and less inclined to wander off their territories.
– Neutering reduces and even eliminates spraying altogether.
– Reduces and even eliminates “cat choruses” which are usually caused by unneutered males challenging each other for females “in season” or for territory (i.e. minimises sexual and territorial aggression).

DOGS AND CATS: 
– Stops straying when females “in season” are in the neighbourhood and also reduces the possibility of the male getting into fights or being run over by a motor vehicle – which can prove to be costly in terms of veterinary fees.
– Prevents mating with females “in season” in the neighbourhood.
– Minimises or eliminates the possibility of the male contracting sexually trans¬mitted diseases.
– Reduces the possibility of the male developing tumours in the anus.
- Results can be expected to show within six weeks to three months of the operation.

A MALE CAN FERTILISE MORE FEMALES IN A YEAR THAN A FEMALE CAN HAVE LITTERS IN HER LIFETIME.

One female dog and her offspring, in 6 years, can be responsible for the birth of 67,000 dogs!!
One female cat and her offspring, in 7 years, can be responsible for the birth of 420,000 cats!!
Every sterilized cat or dog stops many unwanted babies and makes a huge difference.

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What dog should I get?

Italian greyhound:
healthiest in general of the three
dental problems
easy to break their legs, even from jumping off furniture
difficult to potty train
can’t be left outside in the cold, will need sweaters in winter, even inside

Frenchy:

Toughest of the three

Stubborn

most playful

eye and breathing problems

have to clean their wrinkles so they don’t stink

can’t be left outside when it is hot

Chinese crested:

Most delicate

easy to break their legs like the italian greyhound

commonly lose all their teeth

skin problems, require weekly baths, and often lotions and sunscreens

can’t be left outside when it is cold, will need sweaters in the winter, even inside

can’t be left outside when it is sunny, will sunburn, need sunscreen

Personally I’d go with the Frenchy, they are the most fun, the other two are kinda weenies. Plus it is very hard to find a good chinese crested breeder, with healthy dogs, and it is hard to find a good italian greyhound breeder that’s not a puppy mill or just selling weird chihuahuas.