Choosing a Dog Breed Checklist

Tragically, so many dogs end up in rescue homes because their owners did not consider some fundamental questions when they chose to get a dog.

Below are some of the fundamentals to be considered before you get a dog. It a sad fact that too many people buy a puppy without really knowing what it’s size and character will be when it becomes fully grown.

Think about:

• Can I afford to keep a dog? (Food and toys aside, puppy training and vet bills can be expensive)
• How much can I exercise a dog? (Think about your own fitness levels and time available each day to exercise your dog. Be honest with yourself, even if you don’t think you can manage much time for exercise there may still be a dog out there for you. Plenty of older dogs whose running days may be over end up in rescue homes hoping to be given a home)
• Who will be living with the dog? (Think about children, elderly relatives and people who will regularly be your home, your dog will have to get on with all these people too)
• Home space? A large dog will require a larger home. Like people, dogs get stressed, and a big dog in a cramped apartment will feel the strain, even if they do get walks outside)

Every dog breed is different and the one you choose will very much depend on your own lifestyle. Ensuring you’ve chosen a dog breed which you can look after and provide a suitable home for means you’ll get the best out of your pet.

These are just the basics. There’s so much to know about different dog breeds’ characters. Don’t be daunted by the process of choosing the right dog breed, it’s fun finding out about dogs and breeds you may never even have heard of!