How To Choose the Best Dog for You and Your Family
Are you looking to add a dog to your family? Choosing the right dog can be a big decision, as it's important that both you and your pup are compatible. Different breeds come with different energy levels, exercise needs, sizes and temperaments – so doing some research ahead of time can help you make the right choice. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what factors might contribute to making the best decision for both you and your pup-to-be!
1. Size of Dog
Generally, small dogs like chihuahuas and smaller terries are not the best for families with smaller children. Small dogs are very fragile, and an accidental squeeze can cause serious injuries to these dogs. The opposite is true for larger dogs because they can sometimes be too rough with small children and babies. The big breeds are not ideal for smaller homes like condos and apartments. An ideal dog for your family should be harmless to your children. For example, pit bulls are the most trusted dog size and are entrusted with protection, even for the smallest humans. They are good for families because they love nothing more than cuddling, an ideal attribute for your small children.
The American bully breed can be ideal if you have a small home or live in an apartment. This dog is medium in size, but there are large sizes as well. The male bully breed weighs between 70 and 120 pounds, while the female weighs 50 to 90 pounds. The height of the bully breed will vary depending on the gender, with the male being 19 to 21 inches tall and the female 17 to 19 inches in height.
2. Exercise needs
When choosing a dog, it's important to consider their exercise needs and ensure you have time to meet them. Different types of dogs will require different levels of exercise: for example, a Labrador Retriever may need up to two hours of vigorous activity every day, whereas a Pomeranian may only need a short walk or light playtime. Choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle can help ensure you and your pup get the exercise to stay healthy and happy. If possible, speak with an experienced pet professional with knowledge of different breeds and play styles to gain better insight into which type of dog might work best for your routine.
3. Grooming requirements
There is no doubt that breeds with long hair, like border collies, have more grooming requirements than breeds without fluffy coats. If you want to spend less time and money grooming your dog, you should consider short-haired breeds. These breeds usually require occasional baths and brushes.
For example, the pit bull has short coats requiring occasional grooming and a good diet to keep it in pristine condition. Although the grooming needs of a pit bull are similar to other dogs, they have sensitive skin that you should take into consideration.
4. Hair shedding
The fact remains that dogs shed despite the size - large or small breeds – haired or short-haired. However, this fact should not make you cringe since there are breeds that shed less than others. For example, bully breeds like pit bulls shed less because they are NOT hypoallergenic. This means that they are single-coated, unlike the more shed-heavy double-coat found in other breeds. The lack of an undercoat of fur greatly reduces the amount of shedding but is never eliminated. Moreover, their short hair is less noticeable on furniture and clothes than those from longer-haired breeds.
5. Lifespan
Smaller breeds live longer than large breeds. However, there's no money-back guarantee that a dog of any size will reach a certain age. Therefore, you must consider a breed's general longevity to avoid facing a hard goodbye at an early age. For instance, the lifespan of an English bulldog is between eight to 10 years, whereas the American bully breed has an average of 12 to 15 years.
6. Talk to a dog breed professional.
If you are buying a puppy, ensure you ask to observe both parents to know the behavioral traits your pup is likely to inherit. Additionally, ensure you inquire about the parents' health and any issues your puppy could inherit. If you are picking from a litter, select a pup with bright eyes, a healthy look, playful and curious.
7. Type of Breed
Different people are attracted to different dog breeds for various reasons. For example, you may have been raised around a certain breed and spent a bit of time with the breed in your life, or you love how a certain breed looks. You might also go for a breed based on what you read or heard about the breed. Thoroughly research if you are looking for a specific breed to find out if you can handle the potential challenges of temperament, grooming needs, and health problems.
Additionally, ensure the breed fits in with your family and lifestyle and get along with other pets.
Mixed-breed dogs are also wonderful additions to your home. Combining two or more dog breeds can balance out the two dogs' personalities and physical characteristics. However, be ready for the unexpected like how the puppy will look when grown, and it's potential health problems. Many experts believe that mixed-breed result in dogs with fewer health problems than purebred dogs. And finally, they are a great companion and are intelligent and one-of-a-kind.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the different things to consider when choosing a dog breed, we hope you're feeling more confident in your ability to choose the best pup for your family. Remember, always consult with a professional before making your final decision. For assistance with researching the breed with the best characteristics to fit you and your family, book a new puppy or dog consultation with us at Atlanta Pit Bull Training.
