Choosing a dog
Choosing a dog is a step that you should not take lightly, since this one will become your companion for the next ten years.
Be careful not to focus too much on the physical appearance of your companion: many masters choose to adopt an animal with attractive features, but whose needs cannot be met by their lifestyle and with whom the whole education process that follows can become a hell...
To avoid making this type of mistake, which is detrimental to both the dog's well-being and the owner's happiness, here is some information that should guide you to the right doggie for you!
Choose your dog according to its personality
Like dog, like master... Who hasn't heard this saying? Believe it or not, it could not be truer!
Your personality should be part of the criteria that will guide your choice of a four-legged companion. Since you are going to spend a lot of years together, it is better that your two personalities match or complement each other, otherwise the dog and the owner might end up unhappy.
So, I suggest that you take a step back and look at your own personality to determine which dog is really right for you. Be honest: Are you really an extrovert? Are you calm and collected? Are you looking for an affectionate companion or an independent partner?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you should be able to wisely choose the dog personality that will match yours.
Choose your dog according to its lifestyle
The question of lifestyle is also essential: it is unthinkable to choose a dog without making sure you can meet all his needs!
You would like to adopt a great sportsman overflowing with energy, like the superb Husky or the mischievous Staffie, but you are rather homebody?
Are you thinking of getting a cheeky little Poodle, but don't spend much time at home?
You'll have to review your criteria and ask yourself the right questions, otherwise you risk making your pet very anxious. A dog confronted with a lifestyle that does not correspond to its needs is indeed likely to develop behavioral disorders, sometimes dangerous for the owner and the psychological balance of the dog.
Moreover, the disorders caused by a lifestyle that is not adapted to the dog's needs are at the origin of many abandonments each year...
It is therefore the duty of masters concerned about the animal's well-being not to become themselves the executioners of their faithful dogs by abandoning them after they have developed destructive or aggressive attitudes in response to an inadequate environment.
Take into account your work schedule, the size of your home, your daily availability, the frequency of your vacations, your budget, etc. Gradually, you will be able to determine whether the dog that will feel most comfortable around you will be athletic or phlegmatic, independent or clingy, reserved or eccentric!
Choosing a dog based on your budget
Many owners neglect this aspect, but the adoption of an animal has an immediate and long-term cost.
Beyond the kibble budget - which can become very important when a dog is very athletic or belongs to the biggest sizes - you also have to think about the possible veterinary expenses which can be counted in thousands of euros.
In order to be able to take care of their companions in all circumstances, many owners choose to subscribe to a dog health insurance. If this protection has the advantage of avoiding sudden big expenses, it has nevertheless a monthly cost that you should not forget when calculating your budget.
Finally, if you are considering adopting a dog that is fragile or needs regular grooming, keep in mind that the costs can quickly pile up...
Also, if you have a limited budget, I advise you to turn to hardy breeds, with iron health and able to survive without seeing the groomer every month!
Which dog breed should I choose?
Unlike crossbred dogs, purebred dogs have traits that are specific to their breed standards and therefore largely predictable.
There is a wide variety of dog breeds with a wide range of temperaments, physical traits and abilities, which the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has classified into 10 groups with multiple subsections.
These 10 groups bring together "related" breeds with certain relatively similar characteristics. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect dog, but some breeds benefit from being entrusted to canine behavior experts and from evolving in a specific environment.
To help you in your search for the perfect canine companion, here is an overview of the qualities and needs found in most of the breeds in these groups.
I'm looking for a tireless and intelligent dog: group 1 breeds
Group 1 is made up of the Shepherd and Cattle Dog breeds, excluding Swiss Cattle Dogs.
These dogs have been carefully selected for centuries for their ability to work alongside humans.
Most of the representatives of this group are hardy, courageous and enduring animals, which are distinguished by their intelligence, their responsiveness to their master's requests and their concern for a job well done.
Their characteristics have earned them the right to work, even today, alongside rescuers and police officers, as is the case with the famous Belgian Shepherd.
Particularly alert, sheepdogs and Bouvier dogs are known for their ability to retain a large number of commands and their devotion to their masters.
The Border Collie, for example, is known for its impressive intellect, which has earned it the title of the world's most intelligent dog.
The traits and abilities of Group 1 dogs make them particularly appealing and attractive to many owners.
However, it is important to keep in mind that they are very active animals, always looking for stimulation and only have eyes for their owners.
They will not be suitable for sedentary owners or those who are not around much, because they do not like to be alone, to be idle and to be away from their beloved humans.
I'm looking for a loyal and alert dog: group 2 breeds
Group 2 is represented by Pinscher, Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
These are powerful animals, generally with a strong guarding instinct, descended from war dogs.
They are known to have a keen interest in guarding the territory, property or people they feel they have been entrusted to guard.
Like Group 1 dogs, they work wonders as working dogs in security and rescue.
The legendary Newfoundland, the impressive Rottweiler and the imposing Great Dane are all in Group 2.
These dogs are very attached to their master, have a calm and balanced character and are particularly devoted.
However, they cannot be placed in the hands of all owners, especially novices.
Their strong temperament requires a scrupulous education that will not encourage their guarding instincts - already pronounced! - so as not to make them impulsive and dangerous animals.
Some dogs in group 2, like the adorable Bulldog, are exceptions to the rule and adapt particularly well to life as a pet dog.
I'm looking for an energetic and reckless dog: group 3 breeds
Group 3 is made up of Terriers, small dogs that are known to be particularly enthusiastic and lively... But also very stubborn!
Sporty, active and alert, Terriers need to be able to exercise regularly to stay balanced and not make life impossible for their owners.
Although they are affectionate and close to their masters, they require a firm education without which they will quickly take bad habits difficult to make them lose because of their tenacity and temerity.
The Jack Russell and the Fox Terrier are the big stars of group 3, which also includes the popular Yorkshire and the powerful Bull Terrier.
I'm looking for a lively and affectionate dog: group 4 breeds
Group 4 is dedicated to Dachshunds, originally selected for hunting small game, just like Terriers.
Quite "clingy" and attentive to his master, the Dachshund can quickly get into the habit of playing the strong heads if he has not been properly educated.
It is a small dog barking and vivacious, which will make the happiness of the families provided that it is taken in hands with softness and firmness from its youngest age.
I'm looking for a proud and independent dog: group 5 breeds
Group 5 includes Spitz and primitive type dogs, i.e. the closest relatives of the wolf.
Most representatives of this group are known for their independent character - almost comparable to that of the cat! -They are robust and have a strong temperament.
They often need to be trained with the help of building a stable hierarchy system at the top of which the master stands, as they keep a very preserved pack instinct.
They are dogs that tend to be reserved, even suspicious of strangers and when they find themselves in a new situation.
They are therefore not the most adaptable or easy to train animals, but they make extremely affectionate companions who can quickly become full-fledged members of the family.
Group 5 includes the tireless Husky, the adorable Chow-Chow and the beautiful Akita Inu.
The thick fur of many of the dogs in this group should not make you forget that they are far from being cuddly dogs: on the contrary, they are dogs that will certainly not let themselves be cuddled by the first person who comes along!
I'm looking for a hunting dog: group 6 and 7 breeds
Group 6 is represented by the hounds, historically destined to hunt in packs.
Their strong hunting and predatory instincts make it difficult for them to fit into any household, and they remain more of a working dog that thrives on tracking game and in an environment that stimulates their sense of smell.
Unwilling to be satisfied with a sedentary life, most hounds are prone to obesity when they do not have the opportunity to exercise for long periods of time on a daily basis.
This is the case with the Beagle, which is well known for its pronounced overweight problems...
We also count in this group the splendid Dalmatian, wrongly chosen by many masters as a pet for its beautiful spotted coat to the detriment of its great need for outdoor activities!
Group 7 is composed of pointing dogs, initially selected for hunting like the dogs of group 6.
If some specimens of this group can make good companion dogs, it remains complex to make them cohabit with "prey" species (cats, rabbits...) and to impose on them an urban or sedentary lifestyle.
The Breton Spaniel, the English Setter and the Weimar Pointer are among the most common breeds in group 7.
I'm looking for a faithful and attentive dog: group 8 breeds
Group 8 dogs still belong to the hunting world as they are game catchers, retrievers and water dogs.
However, they have become well accustomed to life as pets thanks to their loyalty and great gentleness.
Indeed, we count among these outstanding companions the Labrador and the faithful Golden Retriever.
Sporty and always listening to their master, group 8 dogs need constant stimulation and exercise to be happy.
So don't let the angelic face of the Cocker Spaniel or English Spaniel fool you: if they don't have the opportunity to let off steam on a daily basis, these adorable dogs risk developing aggressive and destructive behaviors, as well as health problems!
I am looking for a dog that is close to its owner and adaptable: group 9 breeds
Group 9 dogs are specifically dedicated to pleasure and companionship: they have been man's best friend for hundreds of years!
Historically selected for their beauty, good-naturedness and pleasant company, they are mostly small dogs, capable of adapting to the comfort of an apartment life and an urban environment.
However, we must not forget that they are still living beings, who can hardly bear solitude and lack of physical activity.
Even if they are more tolerant of a sedentary lifestyle than working dogs, pleasure and companion dogs still require a lot of attention and love from their owners.
Bichons, Poodles and Pekingese are some of the most popular companion dogs among owners!
I'm looking for a sporty and sensitive dog: group 10 breeds
Finally, group 10 gathers greyhounds and related breeds.
Previously selected for hunting hares, sighthounds are now banned from this sector because of their excessive efficiency.
Well known for their sporting prowess on the racetrack, Sighthounds also make very good companions, affectionate, reserved and sensitive.
However, they can be fearful and runaway, especially if they don't have the opportunity to run regularly to satisfy their sprinting instinct!
Choosing a companion is not an easy task, especially when it comes to adopting a dog for the very first time.
So don't hesitate to ask serious breeders for more information to make sure that the breed you choose fits your lifestyle and expectations.
While the breed of the dog you're considering for your family can be a good indication of its character and needs, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing the perfect companion.
Carefully consider your future pet's pedigree and the character and health of both parents to ensure that there are no hereditary defects that could affect its mental balance and health.
Finally, trust your instincts and the bond you're able to form with a puppy from the first time you meet!
Looking for more tips on choosing the dog that will share your life for years to come? Ask us your questions in the comments of this article!