How to choose a dog?

The decision to get a dog requires a serious and responsible approach. It cannot be accepted spontaneously, obeying a momentary inner impulse. Before taking any specific actions in this matter, you need to carefully consider all the nuances associated with choosing and purchasing a puppy, and soberly assess your own capabilities and strengths.

It is important to understand that this step places the burden of responsibility on the person for 10-15 years... What to consider when planning to have a dog, how to decide on the breed and sex of a puppy, how to choose a healthy animal - the answers to these and other questions later in the article.

If the decision to have a dog is finally made, the next step of the potential owner should be choosing the right breed. One of the main mistakes at this stage, which many inexperienced breeders make, is the choice of a "fashionable" breed that is in demand. Observations show that in certain periods of time, there is a demand for dogs of a particular breed, most often due to the influence of the media industry.

It has been noticed that after the release of film premieres with the participation of dogs of a certain breed, a fashion trend arises in society. So, at one time, St. Bernard puppies (the film "Beethoven") began to be in demand, at another - Labradors ("Marley and I"). After the premiere of the feature film "White Captivity", husky dogs began to enjoy dizzying popularity.

According to dog handlers, following fashion trends in choosing a dog breed usually leads to disastrous results. The newly minted owner of a fashionable breed very quickly comes to the conclusion that the character and habits of the pet do not suit him and even annoy him. For this reason the priority aspect in choosing a breed should be a person's personal preferences, temperament, hobbies and lifestyle

The coincidence of the temperaments of the owner and his pet largely determines the emergence between them of a stable relationship and complete mutual understanding. It is natural that energetic and mobile pets are suitable for people leading an active lifestyle, and phlegmatic and calm dogs for those who prefer calmness and a measured pace of life.

When choosing a dog of one breed or another, you should take into account the peculiarities of its maintenance and requirements for care. So, long-haired dogs (Yorkshire terriers, lapdogs, Samoyeds, South Russian shepherds) require increased attention in terms of care. Without regular and careful grooming, these animals quickly lose their presentable appearance, and in advanced cases they begin to suffer from skin diseases.

For some breeds of dogs such a specific trait as increased salivation is inherent. In particular, this is inherent in the St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, Bordeaux and German Mastiffs, Mastino-Neapolitano.

Molting is another significant aspect of keeping a dog of a particular breed that requires attention.... Seasonal hair loss is characteristic of absolutely all animals, including short-haired ones. If a person is not ready to regularly care for the dog and pay due attention to the condition of its coat, it is better for him to postpone the purchase of a pet.

The purpose of acquiring a dog is a separate and very important criterion that must be considered when choosing a puppy of a particular breed. The potential owner must clearly understand for what purpose the animal is purchased. Some people see in the future pet a formidable guard, others - a reliable friend and excellent companion, others - an assistant in the hunt, and the fourth - an unconditional winner at exhibitions and competitions.

In each case, certain qualities of the dog are brought to the fore, which will influence not only the choice of the breed, but also the choice of the puppy.

Thus, when choosing a particular breed, it is important to consider:

• personal individual characteristics, lifestyle and rhythm of life, temperament and preferences;
• the purpose of acquiring the animal;
• the amount of free time that will be devoted to raising and caring for the dog.

The conditions of keeping that the potential owner is able to provide to the future pet require special attention. It is problematic to keep large or very active dogs in a small-sized city apartment, where they will not only create inconvenience, but also experience severe discomfort themselves.

Cynologists claim that not only indoor decorative dog breeds, but also some of their larger breeds, feel good in apartment conditions. However, here it should be borne in mind that if a miniature dog can be taught to relieve himself on a diaper, then with a large dog you will have to walk regularly and for a long time.

Choosing a dog for keeping in an apartment, it is worth focusing on the characteristics of the breed, suggesting not only the size and complexion of the animal, but also its temperament, the ability to endure loneliness and get along with other pets. Potential owners with children should also pay attention to the predisposition of a particular dog breed to friendly communication with the smallest family members.

Here is a small overview of the breeds popular for apartment maintenance.

The oldest breed of burrowing dogs, whose ancestors, according to a number of sources, lived in the days of Ancient Egypt. Initially, dogs of this breed were bred for hunting, but since the time of the Russian Empire, they began to be bred predominantly as family animals (companion dogs).

Depending on the variety (rabbit, miniature or standard), the weight of a dachshund can vary from 3.5 to 9 kilograms. By the type of wool, it is customary to distinguish between smooth, long and wire-haired dachshunds.

A popular decorative breed developed in China. Main purpose - companion dog... The average weight of an adult animal varies from 6 to 8 kilograms. The height at the withers is about 30 centimeters.

Pugs are very friendly, mobile, loyal to their owner. Having a cheerful and gentle disposition, these dogs easily find a common language with children and pets. The peculiarity of animals of this breed is night snoring, due to the characteristic structure and shape of the muzzle.

A breed of herding dogs, the home of which is Wales. The average weight of adult animals is 9-12 kilograms, the height at the withers is about 30 centimeters.

The Welsh Corgi is characterized by a cheerful and playful disposition, they are very mobile, energetic, hardy... Their friendly nature allows them to easily find a common language with children, get along with cats and other pets.

A popular decorative breed, the history of origin of which is usually associated with the island of Malta. The main purpose is a companion dog.

Maltese are very elegant, graceful dogs with long snow-white hair. The average weight of adult animals is about 2-3 kilograms, the height at the withers is 20-25 centimeters.

They are very sociable, intelligent and agile animals, loving games and movement. They need an active host. Distinctive character traits of a maltese are good nature, tenderness, sociability. They easily find contact with children, willingly play for walks with other animals. However, Maltese strangers are treated with caution.

A popular breed of dog, originally bred as a hunting dog. Currently, dogs of this breed are used as guides, rescuers and companions.

The average height at the withers in adult animals ranges from 55 to 58 centimeters, the weight can reach 40 kilograms. The relatively large dimensions of the Labradors are considered appropriate conditions of detention. A small and cramped city apartment is not suitable for keeping this breed.

A very active and friendly breed of dogs, bred in France. Depending on the growth variety, the height of adult animals can vary from 28 to 60 centimeters.

Animals of this breed are considered to be very intelligent and quick-witted. They quickly master and memorize commands, easily learn new skills.Poodles can easily find a common language with children. They are non-conflicting and non-aggressive, loyal and loyal. When starting a dog of this breed, the owner should take into account that Poodles require careful grooming of their coat, which can fall into tangles without being trimmed or combed out.

Most often, the guard qualities of the dog are important to the owners of private houses. To guard the house, large, strong and independent animals are usually purchased, easily tolerating loneliness. To keep such pets, you need durable aviary with insulated booth (if the dog is not planned to be kept in the house).

One of the oldest dog breeds bred in the USSR. The average height of adults can be 75-80 centimeters, weight - 45-50 kilograms.

They are very large animals with thick hair. The abundant coat of the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs allows them to easily endure bad weather and cold, making it easy to keep the dogs in open-air cages with a warm booth.

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by their fearless and decisive character. They are courageous, assertive and even aggressive. When purchasing such a dog, the owner should take into account that rigidity, confidence and literacy are important in its upbringing. Possessing excellent guarding qualities, dogs of this breed show distrust and often aggression towards strangers.

A popular dog breed bred in Germany. The height of adults is 55-65 centimeters, the weight can reach 40 kilograms.

These animals are characterized by stable psyche, endurance, the ability to endure unfavorable weather conditions. They are easy to train, quickly learn new commands. With proper upbringing, German Shepherds become not only reliable guards, but also faithful companions and even dogs-nurses.

Service dog breed, bred in Germany. These animals are characterized by impressive dimensions. So, the average weight of adult dogs is about 45 kilograms, height - about 60-70 centimeters.

They are energetic, strong and loyal dogs that need correct education and competent socialization. In the absence of these factors, animals often grow up aggressive.

Quite an ancient breed of dogs bred in Central Asia. The main purpose of the breed is protection and guard duty.

These dogs have a fearless and determined character, they lend themselves well to training and education. They are characterized by phlegm and some inertia.

The sex of the puppy is one of the important aspects to consider when choosing a pet. It is generally accepted that female puppies have a more friendly character, more often show affection and tenderness towards the owner. Male puppies, in turn, are usually more active and curious.

Usually, bitches are chosen when the owner is not embarrassed by the prospect of further leaks and pregnancies of the animal. To avoid situations associated with these factors, you should resort to sterilizing your pet.

To select a healthy puppy from a litter, all candidates must be carefully examined and studied. A healthy animal should have normal development and constitution, corresponding to its age, breed and other parameters. The coat should be clean, shiny and thick. Bald spots, felted tangles are not allowed.

When examining, attention should be paid to the condition of the puppy's skin. There should be no traces of scratches, bites, spots, or strange formations on it. The eyes, ears and groin should also be clean and free of any discharge. The look of a healthy animal is clear and meaningful.

Healthy puppies willingly play with each other, show interest in strangers and objects. Lethargy is often indicative of an animal's illness.

Having finally decided to purchase a dog of a certain breed, it is advisable to study in advance as much thematic information as possible. You should also get acquainted with the breed standard, study the criteria for choosing the right pet.

Experienced breeders do not recommend buying a dog from dubious sellers, "off hand", in the markets. The safest and most reliable way is to apply for the purchase of a puppy to a kennel or a specialized club.

The price of the puppy deserves special attention. A purebred animal cannot be suspiciously cheap. Often such a trick is used by unscrupulous sellers who want to get rid of unhealthy and hopeless, and often even completely outbred puppies.

How to choose a dog, see the video below.