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Choosing your dog: a friend for life

Congratulations! You have decided to have a dog. What breed, what size, will it shed, long coat or short coat, what kind of climate do you live in, do you live in the city or in the country, do you have children, do you have allergies, etc.? With over 150 breeds to choose from, that task can be quite overwhelming. Having a dog can sometimes be frustrating. Your typical daily routine will be disrupted when your dog is a puppy and learns the rules of the house.

A dog is a living creature that breathes. They have needs, wants, and demands, not to mention a lot of love to give. They generally live between 10 and 15 years. Aside from the purchase price, there is the cost of feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. A larger breed dog, such as a Saint Bernard, will eat more than a Chihuahua. A Samoyed will need a weekly, if not daily grooming. A Schnauzer will not shed, but will need an occasional haircut.

The races are divided into groups. Sporty, Hound, Worker, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporty, Herding, and Miscellaneous. Each group means what the dog does best. For example, a Siberian husky is a member of the task force. They are used for sled dog racing due to their incredible endurance. They can run miles and miles and never seem to sweat. Working dogs (like the Siberian Husky) are usually high-energy dogs. It takes a lot of activity to tire them out. A toy dog ​​would be perfect if you don’t want to break a sweat while looking at your dog.

Size is a factor to consider. Do you live in an apartment where a smaller dog may be all that is allowed, or do you own your own home with a large backyard? The owner’s age and disposition are key to helping determine size. An older person may be better for a Yorkshire Terrier than a Labrador. Remember that all dogs start out small, but the breed of the dog determines the final size. Even a Great Dane starts out small, but quickly grows into a small horse that needs a large yard and lots of food.

Having a good quality vacuum cleaner is key if you have a dog with long fur. Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies have double coats that shed profusely. You should vacuum several times a week. Grooming should become a habit to help deter and control some shedding. However, if you don’t want to have to vacuum or remove hair from your clothes, a Schnauzer is great. They do not come off and it is only necessary to have them cut their hair every few weeks.

Where you live? Do you live in Florida or Wisconsin? A Chihuahua would be very comfortable living in Florida, but not in Wisconsin. The opposite would be true for an Alaskan malamute.

Kennels that breed thoroughbreds are very reliable sources. A professional breeder knows the pedigree of each of his dogs. They breed healthy dogs and will inform you of any parental health issues and what is normal as your dog ages. You can apply to be a member of a dog club specialized in the breed you are looking for. You can also find more information at the national dog clubs.

Dogs are man’s best friends (and women and children). Your dog will quickly become a member of your family, so doing your research before buying a dog will help prevent you from getting a poor quality dog ​​or one that is not right for you. Make sure you have a written guarantee from the breeder. That way, if the dog doesn’t fit, you can return it within a set period of time. Buying a puppy from a breeder allows you to know the dog’s date of birth, vaccinations, registered name and registration of the father and mother (dog dad and mom).

Good luck to you and your new best friend!

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