How to choose a dog for your household is probably one of the most important decisions you are ever likely to make.
To find a dog that is compatible with you and your family can be truly life enhancing for you and your dog.
A trusted pet can be a faithful friend who will give you joy and a inner sense of well-being for years and years.
On the other side of the coin incompatibility between new pet and its owner can be catastrophic for both parties.
So, it pays to be extremely careful when choosing a dog.
This guide will give you a number of pointers as the factors to take into account when choosing a new dog.
Male or female dog.
The differences between a male and a female dog can be many and varied.
Male dogs have the instinctual tendencies of mating, roaming and fighting which can make them difficult to handle and unpredictable around children.
It may be an idea, therefore, to have a male dog neutered.
Female dogs are thought to be more affectionate, but they can be just as loyal as a male dog and as guarding.
What it comes down to is the issue of compatibility.
If you get on with your dog and your dog gets on with you then you have the basis for a wonderful relationship.
Puppy or older dog.
In essence, what you're looking for when choosing a dog is a mirror image of you.
So, if you're young and energetic with a lot of time on your hands, then a boisterous puppy could be for you.
You'll be able to love and nurture that dog and mold it into something that fits in perfectly with your lifestyle.
If you're little older and more sedentary, however, then it would be a mistake choose the younger dog.
If you can't give the dog the time and attention it craves then you're both going to become frustrated and disillusioned.
Perhaps an older dog used to people and look for a good rub, a spot by the fire and a few daily strolls would be more suitable for you.
Essentially it's horses for courses! Pure Bred or mixed? The benefit of acquiring a pure bred dog is essentially the predictability quotient.
If you decide to go to a breeder then you're also buying into a wealth of knowledge which takes away a little of the uncertainty that comes with buying a dog.
To a certain degree, you will know about the probable temperament of that dog and the exercise needs even the shedding characteristics.
Be warned though.
This is not an exact science.
As with human beings, dogs have emotional needs which cannot be predicted in such a detached and 'scientific' way.
Take a local at the set up of the breeder.
Are you satisfied with the training methods of the breeder? Are the methods ethical and healthy? The alternative to a pure bred dog is the mixed bred.
The main benefit of choosing a mixed bred dog is that many of the most attractive traits of two are more breeds are combined to make the resulting dog stronger, more intelligent and more compatible with a relationship with a prospective owner.
This kind of in-bred design is referred to as Hybrid Vigor.
Lifestyle.
One of the most important decisions you make is whether your new dog really fits in with your lifestyle.
For instance, if you lead a busy life with an hectic schedule and time is a premium then a dog which is energetic and requires lots of attention is not the dog for you.
If you can't give that dog your time and your energy then don't get the dog.
Similarly if you live a sedentary life don't get that dog.
What I'm essentially trying to say here and I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it: Get the dog that fits into your life and that mirrors your personality.
Following that simple rule,