How to Find the Right Dog for You

Author: Brian Alan Burhoe

""How do I choose the right dog?""

Most of us want to start with a puppy -- raising it from its beginning. But sometimes we want an adult dog. They're already trained. An older owner appreciates a less rambunctious dog, calmer...

Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice.

Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.

""The key element,"" say the folks at Worldwide Pet Sitters Directory ""is choosing the right breed for you!""

So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: Learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.

Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed, are similar to a specific ""breed standard."" This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing about how big he'll get and what general physical and behavioral characteristics he'll have.

Of course, the size, appearance, and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you know the ancestry of a particular mixed-breed puppy or can identify what type of dog he is (e.g., terrier mix), you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out, too.

Mixed breeds offer several advantages over purebreds. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog who's likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, in fact, are often considered the more ""natural"" dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a totally unique companion

You need to know the dog's age, is it meek or assertive, how good is it with childern?

Many decide to find a purebred dog. The great advantage to getting a pureblood, is that you can almost always tell its temperment by its parentage.

To be able to recognize responsible breeders, you need to know the signs of an irresponsible breeder as well. Irresponsible breeders can not answer your questions about the breed; its exercise requirements, grooming requirements, activity level, temperament, among other breed standards. They can tell you about their dog, but the breed in general is a mystery to them. They have done little to no research on the breed or its characteristics. Irresponsible breeders also provide no form of health guarantee for the puppy once it has left their premises.

The puppies have often not been checked by a vet, or dewormed, although they will often have had their first shots. Ask for a health record detailing what they have been given. If you are wanting a purebred puppy, registered with a kennel club, ask about the papers if they do not volunteer the information. Never buy a supposedly registered puppy without having the papers in your hands when you leave. There is no guarantee you will ever get the papers otherwise.

The papers usually consist of information for you to fill out and send in to the registry, in order to register the puppy.

Responsible breeders do the opposite of all of the above.

They can answer almost any question you ask, and if they do not know one or two, they know exactly where to find out. You can ask about coat color, adult size, activity levels, does the breed shed, or any other question, and they will answer them. Ask about general dog information, and they can answer that as well, not just breed characteristics. They can provide references from previous people who have purchased puppies.

A health guarantee and record goes home with each puppy, detailing exactly when the puppy was dewormed, the puppy vaccinations it was given and when, as well as when the breeder's veterinarian examined the pup.

The health guarantee can vary in the amount of time given, but usually provides times for you to take the pup to have it examined by a vet, offering a refund if any defects or hereditary problems are found. A responsible breeder willingly provides you with registration papers, and can give valuable advice as to how to fill them out. Above everything else, you will be able to see a responsible breeder's concern for the breed, and especially for each puppy in the litter.

They will give you contact information, and instruct you to call, write, or email whenever you have a question, or just an update. They are always available to help and to answer any questions as your puppy grows and matures, and goes through the various stages of puppyhood

A wide chasm separates a responsible, caring breeder, from a breeder interested only in making an extra buck. Knowing the signs to recognize the two will allow you to find a good breeder, and even more importantly, your new best friend.

To learn more about dog behavior, breeds, finding the right dog through Breeders Directories such as DOG BREEDERS BIZ -- go to PUPPY DOGS INFO! It's all there!

See more Articles by Brian Alan Burhoe at PUPPY DOGS INFO Dog Breeds Training Care & Literature: http://www.puppy-dogs.info

About the author: Brian Alan Burhoe is the author of many dog-related articles and short stories. His fiction includes the free online story WOLFBL OOD A Northwestern in the Tradition of Jack London . Many of his articles can be found at PUPPY DOGS INFO Dog Breeds Training Care Literature . Or do an Author Search on GoArticles!