How to Choose the Ideal Dog for You

Dogs are one of the most popular pets around today. This article will help you work out what breed of dog would be best for you.

Do you have designs on a pet dog? If you have decided the time is right to get your own dog, you have some thinking to do before you actually get one. Your life will change as the result of becoming a pet owner, so it is worth thinking about the consequences of your decision before you choose a particular breed.

For example small dogs typically need a lot less exercise than large ones. If you like Labrador retrievers for example, you should be prepared to take them out every day, possibly twice a day. This is one of the things about Labrador retrievers that set them apart from smaller dogs, which would need a lot less exercise.

Another thing to remember with large dogs is that they take up more space! You'll have to accommodate a bigger dog bed and they will also take up more room wandering around the house. If you happen to get a big boisterous dog you need to consider whether your home is big enough to handle it.

You should also think about your own free time and whether you have the freedom to take a dog for a walk twice a day. This could mean getting up and going out before work in the morning, as well as again in the evening. This would not be necessary with a tiny 'toy' dog, but Labrador retrievers and other larger dogs would definitely need the exercise. With that said though, you may enjoy the exercise too. If you are looking for a reason to go out and get more exercise, this could be the right reason for you.

A further aspect to think about with regard to choosing a dog is the cost. If you want a pedigree you will likely spend a lot more on acquiring one than if you adopted a stray. There is a lot to be said for adopting a stray dog as well, although it is wise to find out as much as you can about the dog before you do anything else.

Another good point is to find out about Labrador retrievers in advance of getting one, or whatever other breed you have in mind to get. This will alert you to the pros and cons of that particular breed, as well as revealing some of the things to look out for. Each breed has its own quirks and traits, and if you can find out about these before you get the dog you will know more of what to expect.

As you can see it is worth doing your research in advance of looking for the dog to welcome into your family. It is the best way to make sure you get off on the right foot – or the right paw, if you prefer!