Buying Guide: Dogs

"But, Mom, I promise!" Steve wailed. "Ple-e-e-ase!" So Mom and Dad went to the shelter and picked out a puppy. The first few weeks were great; Steve named the puppy Sam and took him out to play every morning before the school bus turned down his street. Every afternoon, he rushed home to play with his new friend -- for the first few weeks. [read more]

A brainstorming session to set some parameters on critical characteristics for the dog that will share your home is an invaluable aide to making a good selection. Decisions on size, coat type, potential health problems, ease of training, need for exercise, behavior, temperament, and attitude made before you see that litter of pups or visit a pet store or shelter will help make a good decision on the animal that will share your home. [read more]

The lament is often made that common sense isn't very common these days, but it is still the ticket to dispelling ignorance and solving problems, even dog problems.

The foundation of a good relationship with a dog is the making of a few common sense decisions. Each family that has or wants a dog must determine the position that dog will have in the household and the interaction it will have with family members, neighbors, and strangers. If people and dogs adapt well to the circumstances set up by those decisions, the relationship works. If they do not adapt well, the relationship may need repair. The decisions, adaptations, and amendments in this relationship serve the same purpose as decisions, adaptations, and amendments in any other relationship — to make it work for the benefit of all concerned. [read more]

The American Kennel Club recognizes 143 breeds of dogs, but the American public is probably only sure of a dozen or two. Veterinarian Bruce Fogle features more than 400 breeds in his beautiful Encyclopedia of the Dog, but even serious dog fanciers are likely to mis-identify the Swedish Drever as a cross between a Beagle and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or confuse the Black Russian Terrier with the Giant Schnauzer. [read more]

Dog breeds are not interchangeable. For centuries, man has bred dogs to do particular jobs. Today, few dogs do those jobs, but they still harbor the skills and adaptations that made them successful in their original careers. Breeds require different types and amounts of care, training, food, and exercise. They have different "personalities" and drives. Some are laid back and gentle, some are dominant; some are noisy; some dig holes, climb fences, and escape through doorways to satisfy their need to run. Others are always busy and can be destructive if not given enough to do. And still others are bright, but more or less difficult to train. Some are good watchdogs and others are over-friendly. [read more]

Eenie, meenie, miney mo... When choosing a dog there are things to know...

Selection of a breed or type of dog is the critical first step in building a bond that will last a lifetime. A thoughtful choice can open the door to joy; mistakes can lead to disappointment and frustration - and to surrender of the dog to an animal shelter. [read more]

Once you've chosen the breed of dog that appeals to your esthetic sense and meets your family's needs and circumstances, you have a plethora of potential sources for your new companion. Not all sources are equal. Breeding philosophies, breed knowledge, prices, financial arrangements, contracts, and customer or client assistance differ among the various puppy sellers. Most puppies purchased from any of these sources are acceptable pets, but chances of buying a lemon are greater with some than with others. [read more]

Responsible breeders answer buyers' questions, keep puppies they cannot place, allow bitches to recover sufficiently from one breeding before doing another, and take back any puppy that does not work out. They breed dogs because they admire their breed and want to contribute to its betterment. They guarantee their pups free of genetic diseases common in their breed and replace the pup if the disease should crop up. They consider the puppies they produce to be their responsibility for the life of that puppy, so they follow-up frequently to see what's going on. [read more]

Many people who are looking for a purebred dog don't want to pay the price for a healthy, well-bred puppy. In dogs as in many other life matters, you get what you are willing to pay for. Not only must you put effort in finding a good breeder, you should expect to pay for the work that breeder has done to produce puppies that are sound in mind and body and for the work the breeder will continue to do to help with advice when asked. [read more]

Animal shelters are appropriate sources of pets for families with low budgets or the desire to save an unfortunate dog from euthanasia at a kill shelter or a long stay in a no-kill shelter. Shelter dogs, especially those turned in by their owners, may already be housetrained and have some manners. Most will be more than a year old and full grown; new owners won't have to wonder how big he'll get or how much grooming she'll need. [read more]