What Type of Dog Should I Get?

Jul 19, 2017

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You need to think of a lot of factors when choosing a dog breed and what type of dog you should get. Because it’s not just your preferences that matter but most importantly, the welfare of the dog you are about to bring into your home. You need to be able to ensure that they will not just be healthy and safe, but that they are happy and not miserable. Otherwise, they’re better off with another family or maybe back in the shelter.

Dogs need love and care, and they need to be in the proper environment or else, they will suffer. They can also develop some conditions like extreme fear and anxiety when they’re not in an ideal environment and when their humans are not taking proper care of them.

There are different types of dog breeds. Whether you are adopting or purchasing one from a breeder, you need to make a careful decision and remember that this is another life you are committing to.

Responsibilities of a Dog Parent

Taking a dog home is not the same as taking home a toy. You cannot just dispose of them when you’ve lost interest. Just as you would plan and prepare for having a child of your own, deciding to become a dog owner or a dog parent should have the same planning and preparation.

Dogs are not toys. They have lives and they have feelings and aspirations just like we do. You need to respect that life or not get a dog at all. This is why the type of dog that you choose matters. If your home and lifestyle do not fit the dog breed that you will get, the dog will suffer.

You also need to keep your dog healthy and well-fed. You need to ensure that they get the right amount of vaccines and take them to regular veterinary visits. These are some of the things you need to know about routine vaccinations for puppies and dogs. You also need to give them proper grooming. If you don’t know how to groom a dog, you should take them to a groomer regularly.

All of these have costs. And if you don’t think you will have the money to take care of all their needs for the long haul, you better not get a dog at all. You need to be prepared to spend for your dogs the way you will spend for a child. And if they get sick or get into an accident, you also need to make sure you have emergency funds for whatever might happen.

Don’t be an irresponsible owner.

Getting to Know the Owner

First, these are the factors to consider in your life before even thinking about the dog.

Residence

One of the main things that determine the type of dog you should take home is the kind of house you live in. How big is it? Is it an apartment or a condo unit? Is it a full-size house? This is assuming of course that pets are allowed in your compound or neighborhood. If you have a small apartment, it’s best to choose small breed or toy dogs but you also need to make sure that they are the quiet type. Small dogs like Chihuahuas can get really noisy and aggressive and your neighbors might complain.

For letting them in and out of your door, here are the best dog doors. And if you’re traveling with them, here are the best dog crates and best dog harnesses.
Neighborhood

Now that we’ve mentioned neighborhood, you need to consider the area that you live in. Is it an inner city or a suburb? Do you live in a rural area? If you have a big neighborhood with lots of space to walk or run your dog to, you would be great with big breeds like Belgian Malinois or Husky.
Time for Exercise

You also need to know how much time you can spare to exercise or walk your dog. This is the main indicator of the type of dog you should get. Can you spend 30 minutes to an hour to exercise your dog? Or do you not have time at all? If you don’t have a lot of time to exercise your dog, you can choose those with little need for exercises like Basset Hounds or English Bulldogs. Dogs like Yorkshire Terrier are sporty dogs and they need a lot of exercises or they will get depressed and unhealthy.
People Living in the House

Next, you need to put into consideration the people living with you in your house. Are you alone? If so, does that mean your pet would be alone when you leave? Do you have kids? Are there elderly or disabled people in your home? Choose dogs that are great with kids like Corgis and Shih Tzu. Pit bulls can be kid friendly too but they need proper rearing.
Lifestyle

Another very important factor in choosing the type of dog you will take home is your lifestyle. Are you out most of the time? In that case, you need to make sure that there is someone who will take care of your dog for most of the time that you are aware. If not, better look for dog schools or dog day care centers in your area that you can take your pet to before leaving.