Dogs are usually the first and more obvious choice when it comes to choosing a family pet. However, it is important to choose the right dog who fits in well with your family and its lifestyle, so that you actually find a new friend for yourself and your loved ones. If you are looking for the right dog for your family, the following are some of the important things you should be considering.
The Time You Can Spend
The first thing to consider is the family’s schedule and how much time everyone has to take care of the dog. If the whole family is out for long periods of time, you should avoid getting very active breeds that need a lot of attention and exercise, like Dobermans or Border Collies. You will also want to avoid puppies, as they take a lot of time to train properly, and breeds which take a lot of grooming, like Puddles, for that can be quite a time consuming if done frequently.
Your Budget
It is also important to consider your budget. Buying a dog can be quite expensive, but adopting one has associated costs as well, like vet visits, shots, grooming, and other expenses that need to be considered when choosing what type of dog to get. Of course, if you groom your dog yourself, for instance, that will make it cheaper, but also take more of your time.
Space
However important keeping to a budget may be, temperament and exercise needs are definitely key aspects when choosing a dog. Exercise, for instance, determines how much time, attention and space your dog needs. If you live in relatively tight quarters, you don’t want to go for a big dog, but you don’t want to go for an energetic breed, like a Golden Retriever, either, because these otherwise friendly and docile dogs will become very annoying and destructive for their environment if they aren’t worn down properly and regularly.
Taking a Children Friendly Breed
On the other hand, temperament is especially important for families with small children. While easily trainable dogs are technically best for families, some of them are notoriously not friendly when in contact with children. Also, as children are quite prone to allergies and diseases, some of the dogs coming with an excessive amount of furry may not be the best ones for your family if it consists of children. Poodles are definitely a breed to avoid if you have children to care for or who visit frequently, while the popular Golden Retrievers are the top choice, provided you have ample space at your disposal.
You may also consider visiting the dog a few times with your family, and see how effectively you’re able to interact with it. Consulting a vet or pet specialist before deciding on the dog can be useful as well.
Of course, these are just some general tips to consider, as the bond between a family and a dog is very special, and it is certainly different in each case, in spite of the dog’s breed or natural predisposition. In the end, only the family can actually tell for sure if a dog is a good match for them or not.