Selecting a Dog

1. Costs - Can you afford a dog?
According to the ASPCA, the annual cost of a dog including food, veterinary care, toys and license are:

$420 for a small dog

$620 for a medium dog

$780 for a large dog

This figure doesn’t include capital expenses for spay/neuter surgery, collar, leash, carrier and crate. Another cost to consider is boarding.

2. Can I make a long-term commitment?
Committing to a puppy or adopting a dog will likely make you responsible for the health and happiness of your dog for 10 to 15 years.

3. Who will be the caretaker of the dog?
Who will feed, brush, exercise, and play with the dog?

Assuming you have the financial means and can make a long-term commitment as outlined in 1, 2, and 3 let's move to the selection process. You will need to consider the following:

How much time will you spend exercising the dog?
Many dog breeds, such as sporting breeds like retrievers require exercise every day and are more suitable for active people that will run or take long walks daily. If you are interested in owning a dog that requires less exercise consider the toy breeds like a pug, toy poodle, or Maltese.

Do you live in a house, a condo, an apartment?
Choose a dog that matches your housing situation. Large dogs will be happier in a house with a yard. If you live in a condo or apartment make certain you understand the rules for dog ownership. Some apartment and condo associations may impose rules on the dog size and breed types that are acceptable. If you live in an apartment try and avoid noisy dog breeds.

Do you have a yard? Is it small or large?
If you have a fenced large yard you can select the breed of your choice. If you have a small yard or a yard with no fence then you will need to select a breed based on the amount of time you have to exercise and play with the dog. It is key to both the dog and your happiness to wisely select the appropriate dog.

Do you have children?
Some dog types are ideally suited for families these include Labrador Retrievers and Beagles. Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels and some Terrier breeds may not be as tolerant around children. Make sure you select a dog that everyone can enjoy.

Do you have other pets?
If the answer is yes, then select a dog with a calm temperament such as a Poodle or Shetland Sheepdog. Avoid dog breeds that are bred to go to ground and hunt small animals such as many of the Terrier breeds.

What is the weather like were you live?
You may not want to own a Mexican Hairless in cold weather or a Husky or St. Bernard in tropical weather. Select a dog that will be happy in your environment.

Grooming and shedding
Several breeds have thick coats that require lots of brushing. The Keeshond and Collies are examples of breeds that require a fair amount of brushing. Many short-coated dogs require less brushing but they shed. Some shed year-round. Some dogs require professional grooming. Poodles and some of the Terriers fall into this class. Make an effort to determine what is important to you in the selection process.

How do you want the dog to behave?
Are you looking for a watchdog, a herding dog, a sporting dog, a Terrier, or a family pet? Understand that each breed will act differently and it is in your best interest to select the dog that meets your expectations.

Do you want a puppy or will you adopt a dog?
Some people purchase a puppy from a breeder to understand the historical temperament of the bloodline. This can be very beneficial as owning a dog is a long-term commitment. Adopting a dog from a shelter is also a wonderful gesture but you may need to contend with unique behavioral problems as some of these dogs may not have come from caring families.

Please visit the dog breed section of this web site to learn more details about a specific breed.