When bringing a new dog into your home, it is essential to think about how well they will fit into your lifestyle – right Size Dog for your Life. If you live in a small apartment and have extremely young children, bringing home a high-energy, large-breed dog may not be the best option. On the other hand, if you have plenty of outdoor space and the patience to train your new pet, you can opt for a dog of just about any size. Find out more about how to choose a dog in Canine Weekly.
Don’t make the mistake of adopting a dog without first thinking through whether or not their size is appropriate for your situation. Here are some tips that can help you chose the right Size Dog for your Life:
- What is your family life like? Do you live alone or with a partner or spouse? Do you have any children? Do you frequently have people over who have young children? When we began considering bringing a new dog into our home, our children were teenagers, which gave us a lot more options. For young kids, however, Pet Finder recommends going with smaller dogs like Papillon or Dachshunds. Larger breeds like boxers, poodles, beagles, or Labrador retrievers are also great choices for families since their larger size reduces the risk of them getting injured by young children. Keep in mind, however, that these larger breeds do require more exercise and more space to play.
- How much space do you have? One of the most important things to consider when deciding on a size for your dog is the amount of indoor and outdoor space that you have available. If you live in an apartment, small dogs are usually the best choice. Most apartment buildings have size restrictions, which means that it should be easier for you to find a place to rent. If you want a bigger dog and live in an apartment, consider a greyhound. They do well in small spaces. Regardless of where you live, consider what routes you would take when walking a dog and whether or not there are dog parks or doggy daycare facilities close by. These types of play areas give dogs a chance to burn off some energy while spending time with other dogs.
- What is the dog’s demeanor? Size has very little to do with personality when it comes to dogs. Once, a dog trainer told me that he only wore protective footwear when training the small dogs – not the larger ones. After watching one of his training sessions, I could see why. Even the smallest dogs can have huge personalities. That is why it is important to get to know the dog you are considering adopting before you bring them home. At the shelter or adoption facility, ask to play with them outside or take them for a short walk to make sure that they are a good fit.
- How do you want to spend time with your dog? Imagine spending time with your pet. What do you see yourself doing? Do you envision yourself cuddling on the couch, going for long hikes, or doing something that falls somewhere in the middle? Dogs that were bred for herding like border collies are extremely active. Conversely, bulldogs are ultra-relaxed and need very little exercise. Taking your lifestyle into account when deciding on a dog size is important so that you both enjoy your time together.
- Do you want a puppy or an older dog? Even though puppies are extremely cute, there are some drawbacks to adopting them. They have sharp claws and teeth and haven’t yet been trained. That means you will have to deal with everything from potty training to teaching them to sit. Puppies take a lot of patience. If you are up for the task, adopting one could be a good choice. If you want something a little bit easier, however, consider opting for an adult dog. Most shelters and rescue organizations spend time getting to know the dogs in their care. They can give you an idea of how much training a dog has had before you adopt them. Dogs that already know commands like sit or stay are likely to be well behaved as they get older.
- What size dog do you prefer? With dogs, size doesn’t play a role at all in how friendly, smart, or social they are. Every dog is different, which is why it is so important to meet a lot of dogs before deciding which one to adopt. For instance, one of my old roommates had a yellow lab that we jokingly referred to as Speedbump since all he did was lay around. Another friend of mine, however, had a lab that had a tremendous amount of energy and barked at everything. I have known people who have had small dogs that are extremely easy to train and others who have had small dogs who refuse to obey even the most basic commands.
- Do you want a purebred dog or a mixed breed? People have widely different opinions on whether purebred dogs or mutts make better pets. People who prefer mutts argued that they are less prone to health problems. For instance, purebred Labrador retrievers commonly get hip dysplasia, while mutts are less likely to develop this condition. Breeders, on the other hand, argue that their dogs are better behaved and easier to socialize. In reality, neither group has the upper hand in this ongoing argument. The choice is ultimately yours as to whether you want a mutt or a purebred dog. One thing to consider is that mutts are almost always much less expensive to adopt.
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