| Were you aware that there are literally hundreds of | | | | circumstances. |
| distinct dog breeds? When you decide to get a dog, | | | | Another major point to consider is how much exercise |
| choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is | | | | you can offer your dog. If you have a reasonable |
| essential. With so many different dog breeds available, | | | | sized yard, fencing it off will provide a good space for |
| this can become a very daunting task. Luckily, there | | | | your dog to exercise itself. If you live in an apartment, |
| are ways in which you can narrow down your options | | | | consider getting a dog that requires very little exercise. |
| somewhat, making the whole thing a lot easier. | | | | An excitable Border collie would be a poor choice for |
| First and foremost you should be considering one | | | | an apartment life. Also, how much exercise can YOU |
| major factor..... How much space do you have? If you | | | | put up with? There is no point getting a dog that |
| live in an apartment there is little point in getting a large | | | | requires lots of exercise such as a Hunting or Sporting |
| dog that takes up a lot of room and may also need a | | | | dog breed if you cannot keep up the exercise regime. |
| lot of exercising. For living areas with limited space, | | | | Try and get a dog that suits your lifestyle. |
| consider the Toy group of dogs such as the Terrier | | | | Grooming you dog is something to think about. If you |
| Group or Miniature Pinscher. Also the cost of keeping | | | | do not have a lot of spare time in your life try to avoid |
| your dog should be evaluated. Very large dogs may | | | | dog breeds like the Standard Poodle which will need |
| eat significant amounts of food whereas smaller dogs | | | | very regular grooming sessions. The short haired |
| will eat very little in comparison. Try doing a rough | | | | Terriers or Whippets make a good choice for |
| calculation of cost for several different dog breeds | | | | somebody who has little time to sit and groom for |
| over a twelve month period. Take into consideration | | | | hours at a time. Conversely if you have a lot of free |
| food and regular visits to the vet for inoculation, | | | | time, regular grooming sessions with your dog will |
| worming etc. You will see that larger dogs are very | | | | provide you both with a lot of quality time that you will |
| often much more expensive to keep. | | | | both enjoy. |
| If you have children, you may want to consider what | | | | When choosing your dog, take a look at the bigger |
| dog breed would suit them. Children can be quite | | | | picture. Try to resist the temptation to go for the |
| heavy handed with pets sometimes; getting a | | | | cutest, cuddliest, adorable dog you can find. Consider |
| Chihuahua for example may not be such a good idea | | | | your lifestyle, your home, your family and try to find a |
| as they are delicate animals. Similarly, having a Great | | | | dog breed that fits best with your life. After all, your |
| Dane or Saint Bernard marauding around the house | | | | new dog will be sharing your life with you for many |
| could be dangerous for a child. The age and number | | | | years to come so making sure that you are both |
| of children you have should definitely be considered as | | | | happy is an important thing to consider. |
| this will affect what type of dog would best suit your | | | | |