Dogs

        Out of all the pets listed, the dog is perhaps the hardest pet to pin down. They come in so many different sizes, fur type, temperaments and activity needs that it is hard to find everything you want in one package. The purpose of this guide is to help pinpoint that decision down to at least 5-10 possible choices out of 160+, and then you can continue research on your own.

SIZE is one of the first factors you may want to take a look at. The larger the breed the higher the food bill, as well as the veterinary costs (some medications are paid by the pound). Although many small breeds can be just as energetic as their larger counterparts, if not more, a large breed needs a lot more exercise and longer walks than a small dog. Although many small dogs can be a handful if not appropriately trained, a larger breed like a Rottweiler could make your life miserable if they dominate the household. On the other hand, the majority of big dogs are great family pets and great with kids. They are also great guard dogs, just by size alone.

COAT: Keep in mind the climate you live in. Some dogs do not do well in the heat, like 'flat faced' breeds, and some do not do well in the cold, like short coated Chihuahuas. Consider the time you will have to spend on the breed's coat. Just because some of these breeds have short coats, like the Boston Terrier, does not mean that they do not shed. Short hard hairs can be harder to get off your cloths than long hairs. The other misconception is that there are dogs that are 'hypoallergenic'. This may help people that are allergic to the hair, and most dogs that don't shed tend to smell 'cleaner'. The fact is that most people are allergic to the dander and saliva, not the fur. Spend some time around the dog you are considering before bringing them home.   BEWARE of mixed dogs that are said to be non-shedding because they are mixed with a breed that does not shed. If you take a Labrador Retriever and mix it with a Poodle, there is no guarantee the coat will be the texture of a poodle.

WORKING DOG VS. PET: Some breeds of dogs need to keep busy. If you are going to get a working canine as a companion, such as a Border Collie or German Shepherd, know that these dogs can get very destructive if not given a job to do. These breeds also need to be exercised on a regular basis physically, as well as challenged mentally. Before purchasing, know what the dog was bred to do, and then decide if they will fit into your lifestyle. Although you may not want a Border Collie to herd sheep, but you may want a dog that excels in agility trials or Frisbee. If you have other small pets at home, keep in mind that this Border Collie may try to herd (chase) the cat.

OTHER PETS: As mentioned above, be careful when bringing a new dog into a house with an already established family of pets. Likewise, when you are considering a dog and MAY want a cat or other animal in the future, do not get a dog that is not good with other animals unless raised with them. Most terriers are bred to hunt vermin, and in most cases will look at your pet rabbit or guinea pig as prey.

INSURANCE and BANNED BREEDS: Take a look at your homeowner's insurance policy or apartment insurance before picking a breed. If you own some particular breeds, most policies now have an at least '10 Most Wanted' list. If you have dogs on these list the companies have the right either not to cover you at all, or raise the policy rate. Dogs like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Pit bull), are high on this list. These dogs are also outlawed in some communities, so you may want to check the ordinance in your town.

PRICE and AVAILABILITY: Prices can range from a few hundred to to few thousand for a particular breed. The biggest reason for high prices is the availability. Breeds like the Affenpinscher tend to have small litters, so you may need to be on a waiting list for awhile to get one. Breeds like the English Bull Dogs have problems with birthing due to their large heads, so a cesarean section must be performed, which is a big expense added onto the price.   Other reasons are the number of breeders, especially with new breeds or dogs that are bred for a particular purpose (like certain hunting dogs).

SHOW VS. WORKING LINES: When choosing a working dog as a pet, check whether the dog was bred for show or work. There may differences in size, temperament and focus. On the other hand, if you are looking for a hunting dog, for example, you want to purchase a dog from a breeder that specializes in selective breeding for this purpose.

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