How to choose your family dog.

Choosing a dog can be fraught with many more complications than choosing the family cat, bird or guinea pig, for a few reasons. Firstly dog breeds vary so much in their size, needs and temperament and health issues. Secondly we also expect them to be out in society in a way that our other pets are not, we expect them to go to the park where there are kids playing, to the cafe and sit patiently while we lunch and perhaps wait outside the local shop while we get our paper without making trouble with other dogs that pass by.
                                            

The Golden Retriever pup above is one of the most popular medium-large breeds for families as they are eager to please and easy to train, they are gentle with children, friendly to other dogs, people and very loving and loyal. They do however, need a fair bit of excersize and have some genetic health issues, such as hip displasia and skin issues to name a few. They are a largish breed which has to be considered when getting an older or injured dog in a car. In my experience as a walker and pet minder many families get a dog that is largish and unfortunately the couple separate or a partner dies leaving the remaining partner, generally the woman, to look after a large dog that perhaps they would not have chosen on their own. It is definitely worth thinking about contingency plans before you pick up that bundle of fluff. Are you going to get an apartment in a year or move to the country? How will that affect your decision to get a certain breed.

My own dog is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who I got after seeing how gentle Cavvies are with children, that they do not wreck gardens (an important criterion for me), they are friendly to all and need moderate exersize. Gorgeous of course too, but that should never be the main criterion. Out of curiosity what breed to you have or recommend?

There are many online quizzes to see which breeds might suit your lifesyle. There are other good resources too, books, vets, your friends dogs are a perfect study, as are the dogs you see in the park. Chat to their owners, I promise you they will be flattered you asked them questions.

Of course mixed breeds can be fabulous too and it can be a great idea to get a dog  from a shelter as long as you are as careful with the decision as you would be if you were buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. Of course if you do decide you are going to get a puppy (so much fun but so much time commitment too) make sure you visit and talk to the breeder about any congenital health issues while you are making sure that the puppy and the breeding operation is the right fit for you. The RSPCA has a great little buyers guide for getting dogs from breeders: http://www.rspca.org.au/sites/default/files/website/Adopt-a-pet/Smart_Puppy_Buyers_Guide_Oct2012_Web.pdf

Lastly enjoy welcoming that fabulous furry addition to your household. They add so much to our life and then a little bit more.

Michelle