Choosing the right dog
Narrated from: Choosing a dogThe canine is the most accepted domestic animal in the world. Originally developed by man to help hunt food, the modern day dog was domesticated approximately fifteen to sixteen thousand years ago from the gray wolf. The dog had a significant role early on in human culture. They worked right beside humans in the search for food. In addition, the dog was employed to aid in moving objects and they helped pull weighty loads, and were skilled herders. Purchasing a dog for something other than work was not made fashionable until people began keeping them for companionship.
According to a recent estimate there are over 400 million dogs on earth and over 75 million dog owners in America. “Man’s best friend” edged out the housecat as the most popular domesticated animal in the United States.
As domesticated dogs became more and more popular people began encouraging cross breeding in order to find a way to merge the best traits of each breed. The American Kennel Club only shows recognition to one hundred and fifty-seven separate breeds of dogs but in reality there are several thousand if the mixed breeds are included. This can make selecting the right dog a challenge.
The single most important consideration is the recipient of the dog. A single person often looks for different characteristics for their pet dog than a family would. Generally, a single person is more likely to select a bigger, more aggressive animal than parents, who look for a dog that is good with children.
The Rottweiler, German shepherd and pit bull are usually considered to be stronger and more intense dogs, lacking the required amount of patience for a family with playful children but this isn’t always true. Breeds that are often listed as some of the best family dogs are the cocker spaniel, golden retriever and border collies that make the best family dogs due to their affectionate and lively personalities, making them great for children.
Some dogs require more maintenance than others such as the poodle for example. Poodles, which come in toy, miniature and standard size, require brushing on a daily basis for 10 to 15 minutes a day. These are not outdoor dogs and should not be kept outside. Other breeds such as the husky are liable to shed uncontrollably during the spring and summer. Therefore, if you don’t have the time to brush a dog or vacuum your house on a daily basis, then it would be better if you take these breeds off your list of possible pets.
Diet is also a serious consideration because it follows that a larger dog will eat more than a smaller breed. A Newfoundland or Burmese mountain dog requires a massive amount of food to provide the necessary fuel to keep their larger bodies healthy. Feeding a larger dog can be very expensive compared to a smaller breed. In the same vein, medications both medically necessary and preventative alike, are much more expensive for the larger breeds.
Intelligence is an enormously important trait to consider when buying your pet dog. A smarter animal is much easier to train and may be better with children. Two of the most intelligent dog breeds are the poodle and Border collie who also like to herd the youngsters of the family. Both breeds are relatively simple to get housebroken and are excellent pets for a family.
While most children love dogs, they rarely enjoy taking them on daily walks. For many children the responsibility of walking the family pet is one of their jobs. A more energetic breed will require more play activity and more walks. According to experts, the pug, bichon frise and the various types of bulldog have a distinctly lower intensity level of activity when compared to other breeds, and get along very well with children.
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