Are you ready to welcome a new canine companion into your life? Dogs have surely earned the label “Man’s Best Friend.” Fido is loyal, affectionate, and a lot of fun, not to mention quite cute. Of course, our canine buddies vary greatly in size, personality, exercise preferences, and grooming requirements. To find the best fit, you’ll need to conduct some study and a lot of thought. Continue reading for advice from a local Rapid City, SD veterinarian on how to choose the ideal dog.

How Do I Know Which Dog Is Right For Me?

Adopting a dog is a major decision. You are committed to caring for Fido for the remainder of his natural life. That frequently translates to more than a decade of tail wags, playfulness, snuggles, and excursions. Choosing a dog with whom you don’t get along deprives you and your canine companion of the ideal, perfect bond. While there’s a lot to be said for bonding and affection, you should ultimately choose a puppy that fits your family and lifestyle. There are several things to consider before signing the adoption papers.

Here are a few significant examples:

• Gender: While this may not be the most crucial decision for some, there is nothing wrong with preferences. Males are larger and may be more active than females.
• Size: This is a large one, although it will be more important to some than others. If you own your own house and have a fenced yard, you shouldn’t have to worry about weight or breed limits, unless you have a HOA to deal with. However, if you’re renting, Fido’s size will be quite crucial, as many landlords only allow dogs up to a particular weight.
• Exercise: You should also consider Fido’s zoominess level. Some puppies require as least one hour of rigorous activity per day. Others will find that merely jogging about the kitchen is enough of a workout.

This is one area where discrepancies can become obvious and relevant. If you like to stay indoors and do not want or need to spend a lot of time in parks or on trails, an active, adventurous dog may not be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you want your canine companion to be able to keep up with you on hikes, a lethargic lapdog may not be the best fit.

• Grooming: Fido’s beautiful coat is one of his most appealing attributes. Of course, you’ll need to consider your pet’s beauty care demands. Some dogs just require an occasional brushing and a few baths each year. Others require constant attention in this region.
• Shedding: Shedding is another factor to consider. Fido looks gorgeous with both short, sleek fur and long, fluffy hair. Of course, he doesn’t mind sharing that beautiful coat. You’ll want to determine your level of comfort while working with fur.

It is worth noting that certain breeders refer to certain breeds as hypoallergenic. Many ‘doodle’ mixes—which are not legitimate breeds—are described in this manner. This isn’t entirely incorrect: this trend arose since Poodles don’t shed or produce as much dander as other dogs, making them simpler for those with allergies to manage with. However, no dog is totally hypoallergenic.

• Intelligence/Stimulation needs: We adore all of our four-legged friends. However, we must accept that some are more astute than others. Some dogs are exceptionally smart and require a lot of movement and mental stimulation. Others are probably better renowned for being adorable and endearing.

Of course, breed is an important factor in this. Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are among the more intelligent puppies. On the other end of the spectrum, the Afghan Hound has the dubious distinction of being the least intelligent of all our canine companions. (They’re still really good boys, of course!)

For other folks, a dog who understands complex orders and knows how to grab your slippers or turn off the light is an ideal match. Others don’t mind if their dog falls short of a value meal in terms of brains.

• Trainability: Intelligence and trainability are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Some puppies are quite intelligent, but they are difficult to train because they are stubborn or obsess on specific things.
• Protective Characteristics: This is another factor to consider. If you work from home and occasionally have clients visit, a dog that will go crazy every time the doorbell rings may not be the ideal option. On the other hand, many people enjoy Fido’s ability to inform his humans if there is someone at the door.
• Prey Drive: Breeds also differ dramatically in terms of how deeply their predatory instincts run. As you may be aware, certain dogs have a naturally high prey drive. This is very much related to the breed’s history. Many canines bred to hunt, such as certain terriers, do not thrive in families with cats.

If you have or plan to have children, and/or are thinking about adopting other pets, particularly smaller ones, this is something you should not miss.

• Age: Puppies are usually in high demand. It’s not difficult to understand why. There is a lot to be said about raising Fido yourself. Plus, you get to enjoy the charming toddler time. Baby dogs are almost unreasonably adorable! Of course, raising and training your tiny buddy requires a significant amount of effort. Puppies require plenty of playtime and attentive supervision.

Adult dogs can be excellent choices. They’ve already been trained, so you won’t have to guess what your dog will look like when it’s completely grown. They are also highly active, which can be a lot of fun for energetic people.

Don’t overlook elderly either! You may also find it enjoyable to provide a nice retirement for an elderly dog. Older dogs also have a lot going for them. For one thing, they’re adorable. Senior pups are also known for their charming, sociable nature. They aren’t interested in chasing squirrels around the yard; instead, they want to be patted and doze at your feet!

• History: Learn all you can about Fido’s history and/or background. If you’re going to a breeder, do your research and select a reputed one. Looking for a rescue dog? Spend some time with your possible pet and discover what you can.
• Health: You should also investigate your possible pet’s health and medical history. The shelter may not have thorough records, but they should have some information from recent exams.
• The X Factor: Last but not least, it’s crucial for you to just bond with your dog. Sometimes individuals know instinctively when they’ve discovered their dog. Listen to your heart!

Schedule An Appointment At Our Rapid City, SD  Animal Clinic

Have you recently adopted a dog? Do you need to bring your dog in for a checkup, vaccines, or parasite control? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. As your Rapid City, SD pet clinic, we are here to assist!