How to Choose the Right Dog for You

Bringing a dog into your life is like adding a family member or best friend. It's also like having a small child who never grows up and totally depends on you.

Along with all of the sloppy doggie kisses and tail chasing delight at your arrival, what does your dog need from you?

How do you find out How to Choose the Right Dog for You and Your Family?

Small dogs are fine in an apartment and some travel well in cars or planes. They may require frequent grooming, which is expensive for stylized clips. Being low to the ground, small dogs must be kept away from dampness to avoid respiratory infections. Some smaller breeds are wonderful companions for disabled or older owners.

Medium-sized dogs want daily outdoor exercise, and not just a quick walk around the block. They love to fetch a ball or Frisbee and thrive in your praise. Give them plenty of chew toys, or the dining room table becomes a substitute. Some medium-sized breeds are child-friendly, while others only tolerate adults.

Large dogs need room to run and a strong hand to manage them. Ever wonder why dog food comes in 25-pound sacks? Get a large dog and you'll know why - they eat a lot! Those with loose hair shed a lot, so buy a vacuum with pet hair attachments, too.

Put the Vet's number on speed dial and expect to keep regular checkup appointments for shots, teeth cleaning and flea dips.

Toss into your budget some toys, doggie bed, designer outfits (just not for the petite Chihuahua) and you have an idea of what you have to do to care for a dog so that the dog is happy, and you, as its owner, are too!

There's a lot that goes into choosing the right dog for your family - and it includes both what your needs are, as well as those of your new pet.

A practical guide to guarantee you and your new "man's best friend" enjoy a great life together...

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Dogs and kids are a natural mix, or a natural disaster in the making if you choose the wrong dog.

A leading reason that dogs are abandoned or left at the pound is because the dog and family were not right for each other, but most people don't know how to choose the right dog in the first place!

A little time spent learning about different dog breeds helps make the first choice the right choice. Get the whole family involved by reading about dog breeds and visiting pet stores to ask questions before you buy.

The size of the dog is in opposite proportion to the age of the children. Small dogs are much happier around adults or older children. Large dogs can better cope with toddlers and children under 6 (who at times treat them like a thrill ride).

Toy poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese are kid-friendly small dogs. Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Collies are gentle larger dogs that adapt well to children.

Medium-sized dogs are good with children over age 6. Among medium-sized dogs, Border Collies and Springer Spaniels have gentle temperaments. Count on your Border Collie to herd the kids back in the yard with the same instincts of tending to sheep.

The best way for children of any age to appreciate a dog is to share in the care of the pet. A younger child can change the water bowls and an older child can help with grooming. These acts of care also bond the dog and child in a way that makes lifelong memories.

Before you introduce a family pet of any kind, especially a dog, take the time to discover how to choose the right dog for your children.

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