How to Pick the Perfect Dog for Your Family
Who can resist that floppy pug face? Or those stubby calves? How about those piercing blue husky eyes?
When choosing a dog for your family, so There is more to consider than appearance. Choosing your dog based solely on appearance can be disastrous – if you choose a dog that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, he could end up in a shelter and your family will be heartbroken. So, before you impulsively pick out your new furry family member, be sure to consider these four main questions.
1. Variety characteristics
Although not static, Breed characteristics are guidelines What behaviors can you expect from your new puppy. You want to make sure your family is able to meet your dog’s exercise and attention needs.
“You should know the main characteristics of the breed, but you should also make sure the dog’s energy level matches yours,” Beverly Ulbrich, California dog trainer and founder of The Pooch Coachexplain.
2. Increase the cost of breed stereotypes
Although you may be looking for a protection dog, remember that your Homeowner’s insurance may increase depending on the breed you choose. What some consider an aggressive breed can cause your prices to skyrocket. These varieties usually include:
- Bulldog
- Bulldog
- Rottweiler
- siberian husky
- german shepherd
Some landlords may ban certain breeds outright or charge additional deposits. If you can prove that your dog is well trained – AKC Good Dog Certificationfor example – you may be able to convince an insurance company or landlord with liability issues Your dog is safe.
3. Possibility of genetic disease
Some breeds are prone to medical problems that may require long-term and expensive medical care later in life.
“The defining characteristics of many breeds are the result of genetic mutations,” Dr. Brandy Vickers explain. “No breed is 100 percent problem-free, but mixed-breed or mutt dogs are less likely to have problems than purebred dogs.”
Common breed-related questions include:
- Breathing Problems in Pit Bulls and Pugs
- Shar Pei skin folds caused by connective tissue defects can lead to eye, ear and skin problems
- Dachshund short legs are the result of defects in the formation of long bones.
Registering your dog for insurance early on can alleviate medical problems so they are not considered pre-existing.
“I think accident and sickness insurance is a good idea,” Dr. Vickers said. “But insurance companies are not created equal.”
make sure you are familiar with Pros and Cons of Insurance and Some Statistics Choose the right insurance for your dog. Ask before registering whether breed-related issues will be covered.
“Some companies will consider breed-related problems to be pre-existing conditions and won’t offer coverage to treat them,” Dr. Vickers said.
Of course, the vast majority of pet parents love their furry friends no matter what, but sadly, some abandon their dogs when they get sick. This can be avoided by choosing breeds that are less prone to genetic diseases.
4. Age is directly proportional to work
The age of your adopted dog can also become an issue.Remember, puppies need a lot of Be aware – usually they can’t control their bladder for more than a few hours and they need training, so you need to spend more time caring for younger dogs or dogs that haven’t been abused. If you’re new to puppy training, or don’t have a lot of free time to care for your puppy, then this might not be the right fit.
“If you’re not an experienced dog owner, then you might want to consider an older dog or one that seems easy to train and handle so you don’t get bogged down,” Ulbrich says. “Of course, taking training will get you up to speed quickly.”
the bottom line
As cute as some breeds are, they might not be right for your family. Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle so you don’t end up sending him back to the shelter out of frustration–this happens more often than you think!