The Right Dog for You

Finding the Right Breed

A good place to start your research is on the American Kennel Club Web site, www.akc.org, or with The Complete Dog Book, available at most bookstores. The Web site and book describe all breeds currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. These descriptions, or standards, include information on the size, weight, accepted colors and other physical characteristics and temperaments of the individual breeds. There is information on each breed's origins as well. Because so much is known about every breed's ancestry, we are able to predict how your puppy will grow to look and act.

Learn all you can about your prospective pet's heritage and you will get a reasonably accurate idea of what your pet will look like, how he will behave and what instinctual abilities he will possess as an adult. That's one of the great advantages of owning purebred dogs...their predictability.

You might also consider visiting an all-breed dog show. It will give you an opportunity to view firsthand virtually every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. In addition to seeing a variety of dogs, you will have a chance to talk with real breeders, people concerned with the welfare and advancement of their chosen breed. Ask questions and learn from these friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated folks. They enjoy sharing their knowledge and experiences with people like you.

To find out where a dog show will be held in your area, contact a local AKC-affiliated dog club. To find the club nearest you, visit the "Clubs" section of the AKC Web site.

The AKC Web site also includes a list of AKC events held around the country, such as conformation shows, obedience trials and agility trials. Please visit the "Events" section of the Web site to locate these and other events in your state.

Local veterinarians are also helpful. They may be familiar with many different breeds and may be able to answer questions you have regarding the suitability of a particular breed to your lifestyle and environment. They may also be able to answer questions relating to health concerns of a particular breed you are considering.

Asking the Right Questions

It's important to ask questions before you choose a dog. What kind of temperament is the dog likely to have? Temperament is a primary concern. Most breeds were developed with specific functions in mind. Some were bred to hunt at the side of their master, while others were left to guard herds of sheep. The job your prospective pet was bred to perform may provide insight into how well he will accept visitors into your home or how he will behave around children. So be sure to find out all you can about your pet's origin.

What size will your dog be when it is full grown? Size is especially a concern if you live in an apartment or a planned community. How much exercise will your dog require? Some dogs are very athletic by nature and are happiest with a good deal of exercise. While all dogs need regular exercise, some breeds are happy with frequent walks. Others need room to run.

How much coat care will your dog need? While all dogs need care, some breeds require frequent grooming to continue to look their best. Long-coated dogs are beautiful, but keeping their coats in good condition requires work or regular visits to a groomer. So make sure you know how much coat care your dog will need before you buy.

Will you have time for training your dog? Basic obedience training is essential for all dogs. While some breeds are better suited for more specific types of training, a well-mannered dog makes the best companion.

What health issues exist in the breed? What type of health screens have been developed to test for these problems? Like people, all animals need occasional health care. These are important considerations that must be resolved before choosing a breed.

Once you have identified the breed that suits you and your lifestyle best, review your choice. Make sure you have a clear sense of the responsibilities involved in owning a dog. Becoming a pet owner is a long-term commitment. Be certain your chosen breed will suit your environment and way of life. It's a choice you will live with for years.

Now that you have identified the breed that suits you best, it's time for some "fieldwork"

Finding The Right Breeder

The next step in the process is finding a responsible breeder. Some people breed dogs only to produce puppies to sell. These individuals have no regard for the advancement of their breed; they are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed a litter without considering the advancement of the breed. Each litter should improve the quality of the breeding stock, resulting in healthy puppies whose physical attributes are an advancement toward the ideal.


The Right Way To Choose A Puppy

Look for healthy, outgoing puppies that are in good condition. Are they clean, bright-eyed and full of energy? Are the breeder's facilities clean, secure and well-maintained? Ask to see the dam (mother) of the puppies. If she is not available, ask why not. Ask about the health issues that concern the breed. Your homework will have made you aware of these. Ask if the sire (father) and dam have been screened for these problems. If any of these questions have not been answered to your satisfaction, look for another breeder.

Ask about spaying and neutering and what guidance the breeder can give you on these important considerations. Be sure to ask about inoculations and how often the pup should be fed and exercised. These are all things you will need to know about your new companion.

Also, make sure everyone in the family takes part in the decision-making process. Mom and Dad will ultimately be responsible for the pet, so they should be as happy about owning a dog as the kids are.

The Right Way To Buy

The breeder of the puppy MUST be willing to furnish you with one of the three following items, or you should consider finding another breeder:

1. A properly completed AKC registration application.

2. The pup's AKC registration certificate, properly completed, transferring ownership to you.

3. A bill of sale listing the sire and dam of your puppy and their AKC registration numbers, the date the puppy was born, the puppy's sex and color, the name and address of the breeder and the name and address of the buyer. If the seller won't furnish the properly completed AKC forms or a bill of sale, don't buy the dog.

And, remember, if you or anyone in your family has reservations about the purchase of a pet, don't buy one. Dogs are a great source of enjoyment for those who truly desire them, but they are not for everyone.

The Right Time To Buy

Whenever a new pet comes into the home, it should be the center of attention. Wait until you have the time and energy to help your new pet adapt to the changes in his life before buying. Holidays, with all their hustle and bustle, are not a good time for a new pet and his new family to get to know each other. So be fair to your pup, and wait until you have time to spend with him before bringing him home. You'll both be glad you did.

Now you're on your way to owning a new pet. You will soon see how your hard work and research will reward you with companionship, love and devotion...with the right dog for you.