What Kind of Dog Should I Get?

Trying to figure out what type of dog to get might require some thought. There are many variants, each with their own distinct personality. The key is to base your selection on your own needs and to make an informed choice. Let us look at some of the factors that ought to determine your choice.

For Security Reasons

All dogs can bark, but if you want a breed that can scare off potential intruders, get a Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd. These animals are very faithful to their owners, but strangers and potential robbers will be terrified by them. If home or business security is your priority, these breeds will do. Other excellent guard dogs are the Great Dane and Bloodhounds.

Toy Dogs

If you want a cute, adorable little toy dog, you can choose from a variety of dog breeds. Some of the most popular options include Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzu. These make for ideal pets. When deciding what type of dog to get, you also need to consider the requirements of the animals.

These toy dogs for example, need more regular maintenance than guard dogs. To keep Poodles and the Shih Tzu looking trim and pretty, their coat needs to be trimmed regularly. These don’t just take time, but also money.

Companion for Kids

Properly trained, almost all dogs can be good companions. However,  some are more playful than others. If you want to give your kids a pet, there are several breeds to choose from. They include Golden Retrievers, Spaniels and Collies. The Old English Sheepdog is also a long time favorite as is the Shar Pei.

When considering what type of dog to get, also take into account, the age of your kid / kids. The Pitbull Terrier doesn’t make an ideal pet for kids. Neither does the Bulldog. Although they look cuddly, these animals may get impatient with rambunctious kids.

Exercise Requirements

A responsible pet owner will also consider the dog’s physical needs. The more exercise a dog requires, correspondingly, more space is necessary. If you have limited room or do not want a rowdy animal, get a Bichon Frise, Bulldogs or Chihuahuas. They make for excellent pets in apartments. Other dogs that need little exercise are the Japanese Chin, Cardigan Welsh and the Affenpinscher.

Very Active Dogs

When you begin to contemplate about what type of dog to get, it is important to know about which breeds are active. The Cocker Spaniel, Italian Greyhound and Norwich Terrier are among the most hyper breeds. The Dachshund, Wheaten Terrier and Welsh Terrier also need plenty of exercise. The Flat Coated Retriever, Vizlas and the Gordon Setter are among the most energetic.

These dogs need plenty of space to walk around. They can make for excellent companions. However, they can be too excitable for small children. They might also be difficult for first time owners to handle. If you have experience, managing these dogs will not be a problem.

When getting pets, you should also think of what to feed them. Also consider the vaccination, medication and other necessities. Taking in a pet means giving them care and attention.

There are many breeds you can choose from. But if you want to know what type of dog to get, going over the above mentioned factors will surely help.