Fever pets

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Family
By Lewis L

Thinking of adding a new dog to your home? Congratulations! It's an exciting decision, but also a very important one. After all, you are choosing to take on the well being of another living thing. This makes it necessary for you to make sure that you go with a dog that is right for your living circumstances. Here are a few examples of factors you should keep in mind when choosing a dog.

How much free time do you have?

One of the first considerations has to do with the amount of time you will be able to spend with your new pet. Do you work long hours that leave you with little free time? Perhaps your work requires that you travel frequently, which means you will need to place your pet into a kennel on a regular basis. If these two factors apply to you, then think long and hard before getting a dog. Pets need attention that goes beyond a comfortable place to sleep and fresh food and drink. If your pet is not likely to see much of you, then perhaps goldfish would be a better choice.

Will your new dog be comfortable?

Next, take a look around your home and think in terms of how comfortable various breeds would be in your home. If you live in an apartment and have limited space, a smaller dog might be a good option. On the other hand, if you have a home with a fenced in back yard a larger dog will do very well, since there is always the option of getting some exercise in a safe place. When choosing a dog, always keep in mind that your pet will need room to roam. Only consider breeds that will fit into your living space nicely.

Why do you want a dog?

Third, consider your reasons for wanting to own a dog. Are you mainly interested in having some company? If that is the case, then you will want to go with a breed that is very loving and will provide you with an energetic welcome when you come home. On the other hand, if the point of having a dog is to add an element of security to your life and home, you may want to go with a dog that is a little larger and tends to be somewhat territorial. Most of these dogs are still somewhat affectionate, but will tend to be somewhat suspicious of strangers in the home until they get a clue from you that it is okay for the individual to be there.

Do you have children?

Last, if you have children in the home, be very careful in your selection of a dog. Some dogs take very well to children and become playmates. At the same time, they will also become very protective of your children, which is a good thing. However, not all breeds mix well with children. When choosing a dog to be the family pet, go with a breed of dogs that is known to be children friendly.