Which Dog is Right for You?

Which Dog is Right for You?

You’re interested in acquiring a dog. If you want a purebred, you have the problem of deciding on one of almost 400 different dog breeds. Which breed suits you best? Before you buy, consider these points:

-To live together in harmony, it is important that owner and dog be right for each other. Someone who tends to be sedentary and is not athletically included should not own a setter or Dalmatian, and a Doberman pinscher is not the best choice for a couch potato. These are serious mismatches. You also need to be aware that not all small dog breeds make good lap dogs, however cute they may look.

- Make a list of the traits you expect the new member of the family to possess. Do you want the dog to accompany you on bicycle trips and mountain hikes? Do you want it to be primarily a family pet or a watchdog? Does your family include small children? These are just a few examples.

- Don’t select a breed just because you like the way it looks or, possibly, because it is “in” at the moment! Trendy breeds and breeds that for many years that for many years were bred only for beauty often exhibit signs of degeneration with regard to their character and health.

How To Find the Right Breeder

Once you have selected a particular breed, allow yourself plenty of time to search for a suitable breeder.

It is best to contact the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the address of reputable breed clubs in this country. The umbrella organization for the dog breed association elsewhere in the world is the Federation Cynologique Internaionale (FCI) Only dogs from breeder affiliated with these authorities are internationally recognized and have a corresponding notation in their pedigree.

Since the AKC lays down stick ground rules for all its member clubs, it offers you the best guarantee of getting a healthy dog that is a typical representative of its breed.

Note: If, later on, you would like to participate with your purebred dog in breed-specific training courses and examinations or shows, your dogs generally will be accepted only if it comes from a breeder with AKC membership.

My Tip: A visit to a national or international dog show is a good opportunity to obtain information about dogs breeds. You can find out from the AKC when and where shows are held.

EDUCATING YOUR DOG WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING, KATHARINA SCHLEGL-KOFLER