Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Choosing the Right Breed of Dog through Puppy Photos

There are more than a hundred different breeds of dog today. Each has its distinct traits and characteristics which is why you have to select the right one that matches your own personality and caring capacity. Puppy photos will help you decide physically if you are not yet familiar with many breeds. Dogs need all the attention and physical exercise they can get so you have to assess well or else you only risk incompatibility issues in the future.

What You Can Handle

First, determine your reasons for getting a dog. Is it for security? Companionship? Orientation for children? Remember that dogs should receive the proper care and guidance throughout their lives or they will only become neglected. Too many dogs have been given up by their owners simply because they made the wrong decision and could not adequately care for the breed. Determine how much time you can allocate each day or week for your pet.

Will you be able to exercise your dog regularly? Can you feed it on time every time? Can you groom it well? Each breed has special physical characteristics that require special attention. For example, bulldogs and pugs have a lot of wrinkles that need to be cleaned daily to prevent dirt accumulation and infection, sharpeis are specifically prone to skin problems, Siberian huskies and German shepherds need to be groomed and brushed frequently and Great Danes and Rottweilers need to be walked for at least an hour daily.

Knowing the Breeds

There are 7 groups of dog breeds, each are categorized according to the specific functions of the dogs that belong in it. Namely these are the working group, hound group, sporting group, non-sporting group, toy group, herding group and the terrier group. The working group are those that have functions for protection, rescues, weight pulling, etc. The hound group are bred for hunting.

The sporting group are excellent in water and terrestrial activities. The toy group were bred for companionship. The herding group are particularly intelligent and work the fields with their owners all day. The terrier group are good for hunting vermin and other pests. The non-sporting group is very diverse involving dogs with different special traits and abilities. Some of the dogs in this group also used to serve functions that are no longer available today such as coach gaiting and bull baiting.

More Considerations

Look for a breed that will suit you, your family and your home best. Some dogs are particularly prone to heat, cold, moisture or allergies. You should also check if you have allergic reactions to fur, ticks, fleas or mites. Make sure you can meet the nutritional needs of your pet for a healthy and long life.

Other things to consider include price, since some breeds are pricier. Also check if you want a highly trainable dog for certain tasks in the house. Some breeds have longer or shorter life spans to others so always look at the next 8 to 15 years since you will most likely be bringing your furry companion with you for a long period of time. Consider your level of experience in pet care too because some breeds may be harder to look after. Ask for puppy photos as well as short descriptions from breeders to know which one suits you best.

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