All dogs need a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy. For less active breeds, owners can simply meet this need with short daily walks or an invigorating play session in the backyard.
Size
Some people are drawn to big breeds while others prefer little dogs. Although size is mostly a matter of personal preference, there are a few factors that make a larger or smaller dog a better choice for certain people. You may like the idea of a Saint Bernard, but you might not relish the cost of feeding one. The amount of food that a larger breed eats is just one of the things that make owning a bigger dog more expensive. Larger pets also need larger bowls, beds, and toys. Even medications can be pricier for bigger animals.
Larger dogs obviously need more space, but don’t overvalue this consideration. Many people mistakenly think that big dogs and apartment living don’t mix. The truth is that many large breeds can live comfortably in small spaces or without large fenced-in yards, providing they get enough exercise each day.
Smile! A friendly, even-tempered dog makes a wonderful family companion.
Necessary space is actually just one of the many misconceptions about big dogs. Some people also stereotype bigger pets as more aggressive by nature or as poor matches for homes with children. Some of the largest breeds actually have the best temperaments with and tolerance for kids. The Newfoundland, for example, is often called the “nanny dog” because of the breed’s fondness for children.
It is important for all dog owners to train their pets, but this is especially vital for those who own larger dogs. Regardless of how friendly a big dog is, he can injure someone without meaning to just with simple exuberance without proper manners. Owners, too, can get hurt if they don’t train their larger pets. Imagine trying to walk an Old English Sheepdog who hasn’t been taught proper leash etiquette when you wish to go one way and he wants to head in the opposite direction.
Little dogs also suffer from their share of undeserved labels. Many people assume that smaller dogs are less, well, doglike. Don’t tell the Miniature Pinscher or Parson Russell Terrier that, though. These dynamic breeds have energy to spare and can do nearly everything that bigger pets do. They enjoy playing, going for walks, and even participating in organized activities. Havanese, Papillons, and Rat Terriers are just a few of the smaller breeds that have competed in the American Kennel Club’s National Agility Championship.
A dog who rolls over for belly rubs feels at ease around you.
Like their larger counterparts, small dogs also have a few drawbacks. Many owners insist that smaller breeds are more difficult to housetrain than bigger pets, although I have found this to be based more on the individual animal. Their smaller size also makes many toy breeds more vulnerable to several medical conditions, such as dental problems (due to tooth crowding), patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), and pancreatitis.
Coat and Grooming
Another important consideration is how much care your new dog’s coat will need. While some breeds require virtually no coat care other than an occasional brushing or bathing, others need both frequent and intensive grooming. Longhaired breeds like the Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier require daily brushing to keep their hair from tangling. A dog doesn’t have to have a long coat to be high maintenance, however. Bulldogs and Chinese Shar-Pei need their wrinkles cleaned as often as other dogs may need to be brushed. The Chinese Crested’s skin is prone to acne, making skin care a top priority for owners of this breed.
Do you want an active companion who’s ready to explore with you?
After owning Cocker Spaniels for more than two decades, I adopted a mixed-breed dog. Jemma’s short brindle coat was one of the first things that drew me to her. In addition to her coat’s stunning appearance, it doesn’t grow like the more profuse coats of our Cockers—a fact that I hoped would make life a bit easier. I soon realized that while grooming Jem is definitely easier, I now had to deal with an immense amount of shedding. She is totally worth the inconvenience, but this point illustrates that even shorthaired dogs can require coat care. In our case, it comes in the form of regular brushing, extra vacuuming, and a lint brush by the door. Some shorthaired purebred dogs known for shedding include the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Dalmatian, and Labrador Retriever.
More than Looks
No matter how much you may appreciate the look of a particular breed, it is paramount that you don’t base your choice of dog on appearance alone. Some of the most beautiful breeds can also be the most challenging pets, especially for a person new to dog ownership. One example is the Australian Shepherd. With the breed’s mix of dark patches and light markings, Australian Shepherds are stunning animals. They are also impressively intelligent and active, which means that without proper training and leadership, this breed can develop numerous behavior problems.
Rottweilers also need early and consistent training, as well as frequent and vigorous exercise. The Bichon Frise is among the breeds that need meticulous grooming. If you aren’t prepared to meet a particular breed’s needs, that breed clearly isn’t the one for you.
Even after you have settled on a specific breed, it is important to select the best possible pup for you. Sure, the dog with the best markings may be fun to look at, but the one with the best temperament will make the most pleasant companion. Intelligence and trainability are traits to look for in a potential pup, especially if you plan to compete in any organized activities, such as obedience trials. Don’t worry, though. The canine species is filled with dogs who possess both beauty and brains.
Space Considerations
It is a myth that a home needs large amounts of space for a dog. Even the largest breeds don’t take up as much room as you might expect. An Irish Wolfhound won’t care whether you live in a spacious ten-room colonial in the suburbs or a rent-controlled two-bedroom apartment in the city as long as he has enough space to eat, sleep, and move around a bit. Even in situations where you feel cramped, your dog will likely still have all the space he needs.
Still, it is important to consider how much space you are willing or able to devote to your new pet. An Irish Wolfhound’s bed or crate will take up a lot more room than one for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If your dog will spend most of his time—and get much of his exercise—indoors, make room for a toy bin of some sort as well as an open floor area where you can play with your pet.
Large-breed puppies become large adults, something for which owners must be prepared.
It’s a bit of a myth that owners of active dogs need large, fenced yards. While it is certainly easier to have an expansive play area at your disposal, what matters is that your dog gets enough exercise. A Boxer who runs on leash with his owner each morning will stay just as fit as one who chases a ball in the backyard every afternoon.
Popular City Breeds
If you live in a city, you have probably noticed that some breeds are more popular in urban settings than others. These include:
Boston Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dachshund
French
