For years dogs have been part of our lives. Most homes kept dogs for security purposes. For this reason, the dog is considered man’s best friend. Lately, a change in lifestyle has seen people rear dogs for not only security but also as pets. It is, therefore, essential to look at different factors when choosing a dog for whatever reasons.
If it’s for security purposes then a dog with characteristics that show protectiveness is essential. If it’s a pet, you are looking for a dog that is friendly.
This article will be helping you make the right choice of a dog. When choosing a dog for whatever reasons here are seven factors to consider. Let’s take a look:
1. Temperament
Dogs have been considered man’s best friend since time immemorial. But some dogs are aggressive while others are friendly and calm. If you are looking for a dog for security purposes, then the dynamic type is the best choice. If what you require is a pet, then the calm nature is best for you.
2. Size
Most people think that the bigger the size of the dog the more active it is. The opposite may be exact in other instances. The small breeds tend to be more active than the large breeds which are lazy and prefer to lie around. Small size dogs are better for households that have children. The bigger the size of the dog, the more food it consumes, it sheds more, and its medication is expensive than the small size.
3. Family Needs
While choosing a dog, you should always consider the members of your family. For example, Small breeds are not very good friends to small kids. Kids tend to see them as toys, and this may lead to the dog causing harm to the child. Also, some members are allergic to dogs especially those that shed more; it’s, therefore, essential to choose a dog that sheds less.
4. Affordability
Just like acquiring any other asset, choosing a dog is an expensive affair. You ought to decide how much you are willing to part with to purchase this precious animal. Your reasons for buying the dog also determine how much you will spend. For example, if you want a dog for security purposes, then a well-trained dog is essential. Well trained dogs are very expensive to buy.
If it’s a pet then you will need a dog that is not scary to be around, it has to be good looking and clean. When choosing a dog, ensure that you can pay for its grooming, housing, toys, and even medical expenses comfortably.
5. A Lifetime Commitment
Most people love buying dogs for their loved ones. For example, you decide to buy a puppy for your children, a time comes, and they leave home for college where they can’t take the dog with them. Are you willing to continue taking good care of it?Be Open When Choosing a Dog Race
It’s not only expensive to buy a purebred dog, but also there is no guarantee that the dog will live up to the standard characteristics of its breed. Sometimes, a mixed race dog is preferred. It’s cheaper than a purebred dog, and most of the times it ends up having better characteristics for what you are looking for in a dog.
7. Choose an Older Dog
Acquiring an older dog has various advantages. For example, an older dog has most of its characteristics known such as its size, its accommodation requirements, medical issues if any, how much training it has acquired, and any other behavior it might have.
On the other hand, if you acquire a puppy, then you get to discover for yourself, which may be tricky especially if you are not always available.
Conclusion
Putting all these factors into consideration helps you ensure that family members enjoy the company of a faithful pet. If it’s for security purposes, then you can rest assured that you are safe with the choice you made. So next time you go out looking for a dog; know that it’s a lifetime commitment that is costly. Armed with this few but critical factors you can never go wrong in choosing a dog, and you will also have acquired a best friend for life!