Sometimes you just need a simple, reliable dog that you can take on holiday with you. Maybe you’re looking for a family pet that can remain friendly with kids while still keeping an eye on them when they need help with their homework. Or perhaps you just want a dog that can accompany you on walks and be your loyal companion during those cold gloomy days.
Whatever your reasons for looking into getting a dog, this article is going to help you pick the perfect one. We’re going to cover everything from the fundamental differences between all the different types of Charlies to the pros and cons of each one. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Factors To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Dog
There are a number of things that you need to keep in mind when choosing a dog. In order to find the perfect match for your needs we’re going to run down the list of things to consider.
Health
The first and probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a dog is their health. You certainly don’t want to get a dog that is sick or injured in any way, shape or form. This is particularly important if you are choosing a purebred dog as you will have to make sure that they are fully fit and healthy before bringing them home. If you are planning on participating in organized sports or activities with your dog then you also need to make sure that they are strong enough to withstand all of the physical exertion. Their coat needs to be healthy as well so make sure to look into this when inspecting their skin. You can also take a look at the teeth for an indication of how vigorous they might be when chewing through food.
Size
Another thing that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is their size. All of our dogs have a common size and most likely you will be matched with a dog that is either between the size of a house cat or a small bear. If you are considering getting a small dog then make sure to go for a breed that is known for being small such as a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. There is also the option of getting a Husky or Tibetan Spaniel for those looking for a big dog. The size of your dog is going to determine a lot about the type of collar and leash that you will need to get along with them. For instance, if you are planning on taking your dog on walks then you will need something that is comfortable for both of you to wear whereas if you are taking your dog to the park for fun then you can go for a lighter collar so that it doesn’t interfere with their freedom of movement. Another important factor to consider is that large dogs require more space which can be a problem if you are on a tight budget. So be sure to think about this when choosing a dog. Another thing that you need to remember is that large dogs are more prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia due to their size. It is highly recommended by vets that if you are getting a large dog then you get them checked for hip dysplasia prior to taking them home.
Intelligence
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is their intelligence. Just like with their health, you want to make sure that their intellect is up to par. If you are planning on letting them lick your face or hands then you need to make sure that they are highly trainable so that they don’t hurt themselves by lapping up the wrong food. Their mental capacity is also important to take into consideration since you will have to keep an eye on them to make sure that they don’t get into trouble. For instance, a dog with a high mental capacity is more likely to be able to learn new things faster than a dog with a lower mental capacity. If you are getting a dog that is already a trained service animal then make sure to get their license so that you know who is permitted to walk them. In order to determine how smart your potential dog is, you can take a look at their brain-to-body weight ratio. The smaller the ratio the higher their intelligence. Also, some breeds of dogs are known for being more intelligent than others. Look into these sorts of things when choosing a dog. You can also test their intelligence by having them sit still for a long time while you quietly walk around them. They should not be able to tell what you’re doing even though they will likely try. This method of testing is known as a staring test. Just remember that some breeds of dogs are more intelligent than others so be sure to check out specific breeds before making a decision.
Agility
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is their agility. Just like with their mental capacity, you want to make sure that they are agile enough to perform the tasks that you need them to do. You can test their agility by having them stand on their hind legs and leap around. This is called a high-jump test, and it determines how quickly they can get their energy up when jumping. Just make sure that these tests aren’t banned where you are living because they can pose a bit of a risk to the dog if they aren’t done properly. These tests give you a good indication of how agile your potential dog is, but you will need to go for a walk with them or take them on a test drive to really see if their agility is up to par. Another important point to make here is that some breeds are more agile than others, so you want to make sure to get a specific breed if you need an agile dog.
Temperament
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is their temperament. You certainly don’t want to get a dog that is bad-tempered or aggressive, but you also don’t want to get a dog that is overly friendly either. This is largely going to depend on the breed of dog that you get. For instance, a Bulldog is known for being extremely aggressive while a Poodle is known for being extremely friendly. If you are looking for a specific breed then take a good look at their temperament before making a decision. Another point to make here is that some dogs are more temperamental than others so you want to make sure to get a specific breed if you need a certain temperament.
Personality
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is their personality. Just like with their intelligence and agility, you want to make sure that they have the right amount of personality for you. If you are looking for a calm and relaxed dog then get a Poodle or a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog that is more active and energetic then get a Bulldog or a Labrador Retriever. The key to finding the perfect match for your needs is going to be in the breed that you choose so be sure to check out different types of Charlies and see which one suits you best.
Looks
Last but not least, we have the looks factor. This one is pretty important because you want to make sure that the dog that you get is going to be attractive to others. If you want an attractive dog then get a Poodle or a German Shepherd since these breeds are generally considered to be attractive. Something else that you need to keep in mind while choosing a dog is that some breeds are more attractive than others, so you want to make sure that you get a specific breed if you need an attractive one.
All in all, there are a lot of things to keep in mind while choosing a dog. Hopefully, this article has helped you find the perfect one according to your needs. Just remember that some dogs need more work than others so make sure to be patient and set some time aside to train them. Good luck out there!