Being a pet parent is a big responsibility because aside from making sure that the basic needs of your pet, such as food and shelter, are met, you also need to ensure that they feel cared for and loved by spending quality time with them. While it can be challenging, there are several benefits in owning a pet, such as a dog too. If you live alone, a dog can keep you company. On the other hand, if you have growing kids, a dog can teach them a lot about responsibility. In terms of the latter, below are some tips on how to choose the best dog breed for your family.
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Consider the Size of the Dog
More often than not, small dogs are more vulnerable because unintentional mishandling them can cause serious injuries. If you have small children, a small dog breed may not be suitable for your family for the moment. However, they can be a very convenient company when you go outside.
If you intend to travel or spend a long time outdoors with your small furry friend, a dog crate would prove to be beneficial. The dog lovers in MyBestDogList enumerated some of the best soft dog crates for travel perfect for various small dog breeds. On the other hand, a larger dog breed needs more space to move around, and as a puppy, they may likely break things around your house.
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Basic Grooming
Another thing that you need to consider is the maintenance and grooming of the dog. If you opt for dogs with rather long fur coats, then you need to ensure a more frequent routine grooming. On the other hand, breeds with shorter hair tend to shed more such that you need to keep up with cleaning around. You also need to consider that dog breeds with floppy ears are more prone to ear infection, such that you need to clean their ears more frequently.
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Energy Level
There are dog breeds which are more active than other dog breeds and you need to think about whether you will be able to keep up with the energy of your dog, given your lifestyle. Lower energy dogs such as a basset hound are alright with a couple of walks in a day while higher energy dogs such as a border collie can be a perfect jogging partner. Think about the time you are willing to commit to your dog because the behavioral problems that arise on dogs are usually because of excessive energy and lack of activities.
To wrap things up, make sure to consider the size of the dog that you want to have, as well as how they need to be groomed and maintained. Also assess the energy level of the dog breed you are considering to evaluate if you will be able to make ample time for them. You can also think about getting a puppy or an adult dog, but the key thing is once you find your perfect match, they will effortlessly fit into your family.
