Once you make the decision to adopt a canine, you’ll need to consider several factors that will influence the relationship you share with each other. This article will explore your new pooch’s role, your living space, lifestyle, and willingness to accommodate his grooming needs. We’ll also take a look at the decision to adopt a puppy versus adopting an adult dog – there are advantages and drawbacks to both circumstances that may be less than obvious.

Determining The Role Of Your Pooch

For most people, canines serve as four-legged companions. They are welcome friends on walks, car rides, or simply while passing time at home. But, the role of your pooch may extend much further. For instance, you may want him to offer protection (or, the appearance of it) at home while you are away. You might want him to serve as a companion for your son or daughter. Many people adopt dogs to function as hunting companions.

The role you wish your future dog to fill should influence the type you adopt. If you want a protector that has a physically aggressive appearance, a Rottweiler may be more appropriate than a Terrier. For a child’s playmate, a Labrador Retriever may be ideal. Knowing the role makes it far easier to choose a breed.

Do You Have Enough Space?

Your living space should play a key role in deciding the breed and type of canine to adopt. Most four-legged companions are domestic pets, which means they will spend a large part of their time indoors.

The size of a breed is an obvious concern. If you live within a 500 sq. ft. apartment, a St. Bernard will be a less than ideal choice. At the same time, some breeds are more active than others. A Jack Russell Terrier may be small enough for a cramped living space, but the breed is known to be extremely active. They need plenty of room in order to roam.

Research the level of activity characterized by specific breeds online. Also, consider asking a veterinarian to offer suggestions based on your living space.

Leading An Active Lifestyle

Because some breeds are more active than others, you should consider your own lifestyle when choosing from among them. For example, an Irish Wolfhound may need several walks each day while a St. Bernard will probably be content to lay around the house. If you intend to take your dog on jogs, you’ll want to adopt a pet that can keep up. If you hike on a regular basis, you’ll want a canine that can tag along and carry a few items for you.

Understanding Grooming Needs

The longer a canine’s hair, the more grooming he’ll require. This is especially true if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Long hair picks up burrs, twigs, leaves, and similar items. If you’re willing to spend a significant amount of time grooming your pooch, longer hair may be less an issue. For example, an Afghan Hound might be fine. Otherwise, a shorter-haired canine (e.g. a German Shepherd ) may be a better fit.

Adopting A Puppy Versus An Adult Dog

Most people who want to adopt a dog instinctively think of adopting a puppy. Puppies are a good choice for some owners and a poor one for others. It’s tough to identify a pup’s personality because it evolves as he develops. On the other hand, the owner will play a bigger role in shaping the puppy’s behaviors. Ultimately, making the decision between adopting a pup and a mature dog should include training issues, veterinary care, and the predictability of factors like temperament.

Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting adventure that promises to blossom into a rewarding relationship. But, take the time to consider the above suggestions in order to make the decision that best fits your life.

Despite what you may have heard, Bassets are anything but lazy. I have two friends with Bassets, and despite what others say, I have found this breed to be full of energy and quite playful. At the dog park, they may not be able to keep up the pace with sleeker dogs with longer legs, but don’t tell that to a Basset. In his mind he is just as fast and will eventually run down that greyhound in front of him. But because thay have short legs I would highly recommend investing in steps such as small dog steps, so they can easily get to higher objects if need be. One thing I would be careful of with this breed of hound is the sad looking face. Many people give in to the Bassets “sad” face, but overfeeding a Basset can be detrimental. As a result, the dog is very much over-weight, which puts a great deal of strain on the shorter legs. It would be smart to feed a Basset, or any other canine for that matter nutritious dog food.

The occasional treat or scrap is still ok though (except chocolate of course). The Basset is not a dog that sheds a lot, but he is capable of drooling a bit more than the average dog. This can be lessened with minor, un-invasive surgery. Since Bassets have very long ears, it is imperative that they be kept clean to help ward off infections. The Basset can be a little stubborn at times, but this too is largely over blown. In the end, these minor short comings are far outweighed by the love and joy a Basset will bring to your family.

Due to their genetics, mutts usually live longer, healthier lives because their mixed origins are can give them a stronger foundation than pure breeds. Additionally mutts tend not to suffer the same behavioral quirks that purebred animals do. Although the environment and training has a direct effect on these traits, mutts are generally well tempered, adjust well, and make superb family pets. Many even like to travel, or course you should use a dog car seat belt if traveling. You can find in mutts a mix of characteristics simply not possible in a purebred. A dog the size of a Yorky with the temperament of a Saint Bernard, or the size of a Great Dane with the boundless energy of a Jack Russell, for instance.

Aside from the cost factor (shelter dogs are much cheaper than buying from a breeder), taking a dog from a shelter is oftentimes saving its life. In addition, over the course of its life, a mutt is likely to need less expensive medical care. As with almost every dog, mutts make excellent companions and if treated with love and care will respond with the same for a lifetime. If you are considering purchasing a dog, before contacting a breeder, consider first going to your local animal shelter and meeting one of the many fine mixed breed dogs just waiting for a home.