Pets Information

Which Breed Is Right For You?


Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?

Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy buyer/dog owner, you must be aware of the traits, both good and bad, of the breed you are considering. Many pet owners own the breed they do because of an impulse buy. Sometimes this works out fine and other times dog owners find out, too late, that this is not such a wonderful breed (for them) after all. Sadly, it's the innocent dog that suffers when it gets placed in a new home, returned to the breeder or, worst of all, taken to the pound!

Each breed was developed with a definite purpose in mind. Each breed (or most anyway) have breed specific health and or temperament problems of which you should be aware. Some breeds have coats that need hours of grooming to keep the dog in good shape. Some breeds shed more than others. Some breeds are very active and hyper while others are quiet and sedentary.

Because different breeds have different characteristics, it's a good idea to first define exactly what traits you want in a dog. Do you want a large dog, medium or small? What is the main purpose of having the dog, other than companionship? Do you want the dog to hunt with you? Do you want a dog that is a good guard dog? How about children? If you have them, you want to be assured that the breed you choose is going to get along with the kids. And if you do have children, what age are they? A dog breed that tends to be very hyperactive and aggressive would not be a good choice with very small children as the dog will likely do damage if it jumps on the kid and play bites. However kids in the 10 years and up range would probably thoroughly enjoy an active outgoing playmate.

What about grooming? How much time are you willing to spend on this chore? What about shedding? Some dogs don't shed at all and others shed almost constantly. How much noise are you willing to put up with? What about trainability? Some breeds are notoriously difficult to housebreak and/or train while others practically discipline themselves. If your interest is obedience, seek out those breeds that excel in the field. If you're a hunter and have visions of fall days in the duck blind with your trusty dog, you wouldn't go out and buy a Chinese Crested. If you hope to own a dog that will be around for 15 to 16 years, don't purchase a large breed.

Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the dog information you want. Visit her site today for the latest dog information.


MORE RESOURCES:

Food Consumer

Exotic Pets Risky for Kids
WebMD - Oct 6, 2008
By Miranda Hitti Oct. 6, 2008 -- Parents considering getting a "nontraditional" pet, such as an iguana, chick, or monkey, should weigh the risks those pets ...
Kids and Pets: CDC Advice for Staying Healthy and Happy MarketWatch
For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home Washington Post
Exotic Pets Could Infect Children, Doctors Caution findingDulcinea
HealthNews - United Press International
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Albuquerque helping people keep pets
Las Cruces Sun-News, NM - 7 hours ago
By SUE MAJOR HOLMES AP Writer ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Albuquerque is trying to prevent pets from being abandoned by families and senior citizens who are having a ...


Pets for Young Kids: Does Exotic Mean Toxic?
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 12 hours ago
Readers responded big-time to my blog yesterday on a new study that warns parents of young children against exotic pets. Several readers pointed out that I ...


Humane Society helping feed, spay pets
The State, SC - 2 hours ago
By NICK McCORMAC - Special to The State In some cases, those choices involve the extreme step of families having to give up family pets they can no longer ...
Animals seized in area's largest rescue now up for adoption News-Leader.com
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Stuff.co.nz

Exotic pets pose health risks
Globe and Mail, Canada - 16 hours ago
So your son is begging for a pet turtle. Before you cave in, consider the salmonella it packs along with it. Reptiles, monkeys, rodents and other exotic ...
Keep Hamsters and Exotic Pets Away From Your Children eFluxMedia
Doctors Warn Some Common Pets Unsafe For Kids NBC13.com
Doctors Say Exotic Pets Pose Danger To Health Of Kids dBTechno
NY1 - WNDU-TV
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Pets Displaced By Ike Go To Minnesota
Click 2 Houston.com, TX - 15 hours ago
HOUSTON -- More than 100 pets that were displaced during Hurricane Ike will find new homes in Minnesota, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday. ...


Police Rescue Pets from Vacant Apartment
WSAZ-TV, WV - 10 hours ago
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) —Huntington police rescued 5 dogs and a cat from a vacant apartment in Huntington. The animals were in a 2nd floor apartment in the ...


Prickly pets
The South African Star, South Africa - 2 hours ago
Warning: young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets - or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles, for that matter - because of risks for disease. ...


Eating what comes naturally to pets
Lake Country Calendar, Canada - 4 hours ago
“The nutritional benefits to eating purely natural foods are not only good for humans, but also for pets,” says Senani Ratnayake, registered veterinary ...


Green Roof Homes for Pets
Riverwired, NY - 3 hours ago
While green pet homes are lacking, there’s one company you can turn to for all your sustainable pet home needs… Sustainable Pet Design an amazing company ...

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