Dogs are wonderful creatures. They love to give you affection, crave your attention, and make the best pets. Dogs, unlike cats, do require a bit more time from their owners. They have to be walked, exercised, and fed each day. There are certain dog breeds that you might find better over others. Before you can adopt a dog you need to understand the differences between the breeds.
The first thing to be aware of is that the American Kennel Club classes dogs by group. There are seven different categories of dogs: sporting, non sporting, toy, terrier, hound, working and a miscellaneous class. Matching your family with the right group will give you a good foundation to work from. Read up on each group and find out what makes it special.
There is a commitment involved in dog ownership. They truly become like a child, incurring food and medical expenses. Dog health is an important consideration. Be sure to read up on the health needs of your perticular breed. Be prepared to take your dog with you on trips, or make suitable arrangements when you are gone. Match your lifestyle to the type of dog you want. Clean conscious people may need to steer away from the long hair, high shedding dogs, while those who want a dog to participate in hikes and outdoor adventures will want a high energy dog. If you are in an apartment, you may want a lower energy dog that is content to stay inside.
Owning a dog can benefit more than just the dog. The benefits of owning a dog seem to extend significantly beyond the pleasure of such a relationship. Various studies have identified many health and mental health benefits as well. It has also been found that different breeds provide different benefits, most likely due to the different natures of different breeds of dogs.
For a family needing a small dog a Pug is a great choice. If you want a larger dog that can be taught, the German Shepherd is a good choice. The German Shepherd is one of the most lovable dogs in the world. They are not only great pets, but also guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. A German Shepherd will reach 95 pounds at the maximum, with 26 inches in height. German Shepherds were first raised as herders, so they do very well protecting younger children and ensuring their safety. They do need intensive training as puppies. They will learn quickly, which is another reason to provide a firm yet respectful hand during German Shepherd training.
While there are over 300 different dog breeds you can begin to see what you need to look for in an adoption. Any dog you adopt will need you to care for them. They will also require training. Dogs do have health issues, which require you to take them to the vet. In fact before adoption you must be willing to take care of the expenses a dog can have.
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