101 Things to Know Before Getting a Dog. Susan Ewing M.
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for easing the itchy, achy feeling of new teeth coming in.
Some breeds need more exercise no matter what their age. If you’re giving that Dalmatian a good long run twice a day, fine. If you don’t have the time and energy for that, choose a breed that’s happier with a stroll around the block.
If you love spur-of-the-moment getaways, maybe you should rethink getting a dog. You can’t just take off for a long weekend without making arrangements for your dog, whether that’s a boarding kennel, a pet sitter, or taking the dog with you. If you take the dog with you, you have to first make sure that he is welcome wherever you’re going. Will you want to take the time to pack everything you will need for your dog?
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Other Considerations
A noisy dog will do nothing to endear you to your neighbors.
Some people let their own nationality factor into their choice of dog. Someone with Scottish ancestry may select a Scottish Terrier or a Scottish Deerhound, for example. When my father finally got a dog, I think his Welsh heritage played a part in his choosing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. However, nationality should not be the sole reason for your choice; you must still pick a dog whose traits you like and who will be compatible with your lifestyle.
Allergies may also play a part in the selection process. One of the reasons Poodles and Poodle crosses are so popular is that they may be hypoallergenic. Note the word “may.” No dog is totally hypoallergenic, and some dogs that cause a problem with one person may be fine with another. Three breeds that are typically considered possible choices for those who are allergic to most dogs are Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Kerry Blue Terriers, because they have coats that are closer to hair than fur. These breeds don’t shed, but they need to be trimmed regularly.
Allergic reactions in some people may have more to do with whether or not there’s an undercoat. Single-coated dogs, like the Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier, may be just fine for the allergy sufferer.
Years ago, a woman got in touch with me for information about Pembroke Welsh Corgis. She had researched several breeds, and the Corgi was one of the breeds that fit her criteria for a pet. Her concern was that she was allergic to some dogs, but not others, and she didn’t want to get a dog and then find out she was allergic. At the time, I had five Corgis, so I invited her over to see what would happen. It wasn’t long before she was sneezing and her eyes and nose were running. She continued her search and eventually got a Parson Russell Terrier, which worked out very well for her. Each person is different.
Do you mind if a dog is noisy? If you own your own home, it might not matter if your dog barks at every leaf that falls, but if you’re in an apartment, a quiet dog will keep relations friendly with other tenants.
The Right Dog for Everyone
Dogs have been companions to people for thousands of years, and they range in size from Chihuahuas to Irish Wolfhounds. They have short hair, long hair, and no hair. Some bark a lot, and others rarely make a sound. With a little research and effort, you can find the perfect dog for your situation—but take time to do that research! It’s easy to fall in love, but if there’s not some thought behind it, it’s just as easy to fall out of love.
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The Initial Expenses
Adopting a mixed breed comes with the initial expense of adoption fees or a donation.
A purebred puppy from a breeder will most likely cost more initially than adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter. Pet-quality puppies often, but not always, cost less than show quality puppies. Some breeders charge the same price for all puppies because the same care goes into producing each puppy in the litter. “Pet quality” just means that, in the breeder’s opinion, the dog is not likely to win in the show ring. The puppy may have an undesirable marking or a physical trait that only a show judge would notice, such as a shoulder angle that’s not quite up to the breed standard. A dog should not be deemed pet quality because of any health issue. In fact, purchasing from a reputable breeder may even save you money on veterinary bills in the long run because genetic problems likely won’t show up later in your dog’s life.
Prices for purebred dogs cover a wide range. Generally, rare breeds will cost more because the supply is limited. Breeds that produce larger litters may be cheaper than breeds that typically only produce one or two pups in a litter. Conversely, if a breed becomes popular rapidly—for example, because of a movie (think 101 Dalmatians or Beethoven)—the price may go up because people are willing to pay for the privilege of owning a “celebrity” breed.
Even within a breed, prices can vary depending on the part of the country you’re in or what an individual breeder feels she can reasonably charge. You may be willing to pay more if you’re working with an expert breeder with a stellar reputation.
Rescue and shelter dogs will also cost something, even if just for spaying or neutering and necessary vaccinations. Many rescue organizations will charge an adoption fee to help defray the costs of housing, feeding, and veterinary visits for the dogs in their care.
What happens if you’ve found the perfect dog from a breeder or rescue, but he’s 500 miles away? Are you willing to make the trip to get that dog? The Internet has made it easy to look at and compare multiple dogs from all over the country, but once you’ve made your choice, you need to get your dog. If you’ll want to pick up your dog in person, think about how far you’re willing to travel before you fall in love. In some cases, shipping or a rescue transport may be possible, but the logistics are not always simple.
If you’re picking up the dog yourself, will the seller be supplying a crate, or will you need to buy one before you make the trip? Are you crossing state lines, entering another country, or staying in a campground overnight? Make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork for traveling with your new pet.
If you’re asking a breeder or a rescue group to ship your dog, know your options. If the dog will be shipped by air, check the airline regulations. Many airlines limit the number of animals they will accept on any given flight. If the flight has a connection, or a stop, where will the dog be during that stop? Also, most airlines will not ship an animal if the temperature is below 45 degrees F or above 85 degrees F at the originating airport, at your destination, or anywhere else the plane is scheduled to land. You’ll also need an airline-approved crate for shipping, so that’s an extra expense.
Some rescue groups have teams of volunteers who will help transport dogs to their new homes, but because the date of the transport is dependent on the schedules of those volunteers, you may have to wait longer than you’d like for your dog, and you may still need to drive a distance to get to the transport stop nearest to you. Some rescue organizations charge a fee to reimburse the volunteers for gas and travel costs, while others do not—in the latter case, you should consider making a donation to the rescue anyway.
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Purebred Dogs
Beagle adult and puppy
There are approximately 200 breeds of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), with more on their way to recognition each year. The AKC categorizes breeds into seven regular groups—Terrier, Toy, Hound, Working, Herding, Sporting, and Non-Sporting—based on what the breeds were originally bred to do. An eighth group, the Miscellaneous Class, comprises breeds who have lower numbers in the United States and are in the process of proving their viability. Worldwide, there are more than 400 recognized breeds! So, you’ve got a wide field to choose from.
Terriers are generally high-energy, fearless dogs who were bred to “go to ground”—a.k.a. dig—to catch prey. Toy breeds were created as portable companions. Hounds were originally part of the Sporting Group and are further classified as scenthounds