How to choose a dog without making a mistake

Bringing a dog into the home isn't just another toy for a child. As soon as the puppy walks through the door, it becomes a full-fledged member of the family. Caring for the animal comes with a heavy responsibility. So how do you choose a dog?

Content

1 New friend
2 How to choose a dog to suit your personality
3 In an apartment or in a house
4 The nuances of choice

New friend

To never regret your choice, answer these simple questions for yourself:

Do you have enough free time, or do you spend all day at work and completely forget about vacation? A dog, especially a puppy, needs not only walks but also adequate interaction with its owner. Only then can a trusting relationship develop between human and animal.
What do you need a new friend for? It will be companion, guard dog, a hunter or a small lap dog?
Do you have enough money to keep a pet? Even the most basic mutt is an additional expense. They require special nutrition, regular veterinary checkups, and various accessories to ensure a comfortable life in the home. You can't skimp on a pet; they're a valuable member of the family.
Will you be able to provide your pet with adequate living conditions? Some breeds thrive in an apartment, while others require a spacious enclosure.
Are all family members prepared for the new arrival? The dog will demand respect from everyone. The animal shouldn't become a toy or a burden.

How to choose a dog to suit your personality

To become one with your pet, choose a puppy based on your character and the breed's temperament.

Choleric. You are energetic, explosive, love active recreation, and want to dominate everything around you. You need a dog who is equally active, one who will always be ready to run after your bike, happily join you on a hike, and be able to withstand active children's games. Choleric dogs quickly learn commands, are extremely loyal to their owners, and are ready to protect them from strangers. Almost all small and medium breeds fall into this temperament type: fox terriers, toy terriers, poodles, and Pomeranians. pug, most of the hunting ones.

Sanguine. You are an active person with your own perspective on life. You love to travel and can't live without interacting with others. A dog with a balanced character would be a good fit for you. Sanguine animals are moderately active and will always be by their owner's side, but they are known for their unpredictable behavior. They are often overcome by laziness. Sanguine dogs include Labrador, Airedale Terrier, Great Dane, Bull Terrier, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, shepherd.

Melancholics. You're calm, yet often doubt your actions. Your dog is incredibly lazy. It's too lazy to even get off the couch to go for a walk. Melancholics are also lazy in training. These are predominantly large, "folded" breeds: mastiffs, St. Bernards, Cane Corso.

Phlegmatic. You live by a pattern, by clearly established rules. You don't conflict with others, yet you're determined to get things done. The dog is a breed motivated by action. These include large Newfoundlands and small dogs. Pekingese.

In an apartment or in a house

To make the right choice of dog, consider not only your desires and personality traits, but also what you can provide for your pet.

Apartment living requires a great deal of attention. Many animals dislike confined spaces and require long, active walks and playtime. In an apartment, a pet will be alone most of the time, with only two outings per day. There are breeds specifically bred (or adapted) for such conditions: small pugs, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, toy terriers, and Scottish terriers. Medium-sized breeds such as boxers, spaniels, and poodles thrive in confined spaces. A larger animal, such as a Labrador, is also an option.
Any large dog is suitable for a private home. If you're looking for a guard dog, the first choice is a German Shepherd (German, Caucasian or Central Asian), then in the ranking - the Black Terrier and Moscow watchdogThey can live in an aviary. Any hunting breed, fighting dog, or rescue dog is suitable for indoor living, provided there is free access to the outdoors.

The nuances of choice

It's important to consider not only which dog to choose but also where to buy it. The first choice, of course, is a kennel that breeds a specific breed and meticulously maintains its standards. Experience shows that most people get a puppy from friends. The worst option is to buy one at a market or pet store, risking the health and life of a new family member.
Which gender should I choose? Female dogs are more attached to people and are easier to train. Many people dislike female dogs because of their heat cycle, but domestic dogs typically only go into heat once or twice a year. If you don't want puppies, you can spay the female dog. Male dogs are more playful and independent. Training male dogs requires tremendous patience. If you decide to get a male dog, be prepared for long walks: it takes 40-50 minutes for a dog to completely empty its bladder.
If you're an inexperienced breeder, consider getting a puppy. An adult animal already has a well-formed personality, so it's difficult to change it to suit your needs. It's recommended to bring a puppy home no earlier than 45 days after birth, but the ideal age is 3-4 months, when the puppy is sufficiently socialized and has received its first vaccinations (if you're adopting from a breeder).

How to choose the perfect dog: video