How to choose a dog? The choice is not easy
There are probably no animals in the world that are as diverse in appearance, size and character traits as dogs. Along the way, we encounter small dogs and large dogs, fluffy and smooth-coated, gentle and stubborn-natured. So which breed should you choose to suit you? How do you choose a dog responsibly?
Which dog breed will be right for me?
To find out, it's worth thinking about this and asking yourself a few simple questions.
Time for a dog
How much time can you dedicate to your future dog? Do you enjoy long walks along forest paths regardless of the weather, or would you prefer strolls through a park? If you are an active person, choose a breed that loves to run and enjoys long walks. This way you'll have a great companion during cycling, rollerblading, horse riding, or perhaps you're training for a marathon. Fortunately, there are many such breeds, and even some small dogs enjoy longer outings.
On the other hand, if you lead a less active lifestyle, consider a lazier breed; otherwise, a dog that needs to burn off energy and discharge it will be unhappy and naughty.
Grooming
How much time can you dedicate to grooming your pet? If you don't like brushing and don't have time for it, opt for a short-haired breed or a dog with medium-length coat. Such dogs only need to be wiped with a damp cloth or brushed once a week to remove dead hair. When choosing a long-haired breed, you need to be aware of frequent brushing and combing, and these grooming treatments must be done almost daily. Financial outlays will also be greater, for example the purchase of special brushes, shampoos, coat care products and visits to a grooming salon. You should also remember that regardless of coat length, it will be present throughout your flat.
Family and dog
Do you have small children, or do friends with children often visit you? If so, choose a calm, protective, patient, gentle breed. The size of the dog doesn't matter, as there are large breed dogs that get along wonderfully with small children, and there are also small, delicate breeds that will be reluctant to spend time with children. Remember too that no dog should be subjected to constant teasing from children. Even if your dog is an oasis of calm, there will come a moment when it will let the child know that such behaviour is not acceptable.
Your character
Ask yourself whether you are consistent, creative, and have a strong personality to raise a dog with a dominant personality and strong character? Or would you prefer a breed whose needs are easier to meet, such as a Maltese, Labrador, Bulldog, Setter, Shetland Sheepdog and many others. It is very important to think about this at this point.
Dogs with strong personalities that can easily dominate their owner are often working dogs: German Shepherd, Doberman, Belgian Sheepdog, hunting dogs, American Staffordshire Terrier. The ideal owner of such dogs will be a person who can be their guide without using force and will dedicate a lot of their time to training and working with the dog.
Order
Are you a perfectionist? If you care very much about order, you must choose a breed that dirties the least. Is this possible? Probably not entirely. You need to be aware of this when bringing a four-legged friend into your home. Every dog, whether it's a large or small breed, short-haired or long-haired, will leave its mark in the house.
The coat of long-haired dogs such as long-haired German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Afghan Hounds, Collie, Old English Sheepdogs will leave hair on the carpet, tiles, and even furniture, floating in the air. Meanwhile, the coat of short-haired dogs, which include Schnauzers, Bull Terriers, Boxers, Dalmatians, Polish Hounds, Swiss Mountain Dogs, is hard and wiry, which means it will stick into carpets and armchairs. There are also breeds that drool excessively: Mastiff, Newfoundland, Bulldog, Boxer, Great Dane; if you decide on one of these breeds, it's worth remembering this and having tissues at hand.
Sport and activity
Or perhaps you're a person who would happily train with your dog in various canine sports? Then it's worth thinking about an appropriate breed that has the predisposition for this. In agility or frisbee, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Fox Terriers, Miniature Poodles, and Australian Shepherds will work brilliantly. Or perhaps dog racing, where Greyhounds lead the way, or tracking competitions, where hunting breeds such as Polish Hunting Dogs and Polish Hounds work excellently. Belgian Sheepdogs, Boxers, Hovawarts and many other breeds will do brilliantly in sport protection work.
Summary
In summary, there is no ideal dog for everyone, but you can find an ideal friend for yourself; you just need to search well. It's also worth visiting pedigree dog shows organised by the kennel club to get a close look at the specific breed you're interested in, and a conversation with a breeder will be invaluable.
