Choosing the right dog for you.

Small dogs or big dog?

Some of the smaller terriers and spaniels make excellent pets for families that live in a town or city. They are easy to train, need only modest amounts of food, and can be handled by the smallest of children under parental supervision.

Large dogs need big homes, plenty of exercise, and strong handlers, Outdoors, especially if distracted by scents or other dogs, large dogs could send young members of the family sprawling or yank a lead from a weak hand and run free.

Pedigree or mongrel?

Breeders of pedigree dogs usually have a clear idea of their animal's likely personalities. It may be difficult for you to guess a mongrel's final size or personality accurately. Discuss the kind of dog you want with your vet and get advice on the most suitable breeds.

If you want to show your pet professionally, it is best to buy a registered pedigree animal, which can be expensive. Of course, you can show any pet dog, including a mongrel, in a junior pet competition.

Male Dogs or Female Dogs

Male dogs roam more than female dogs. However, male dogs do not come into “season,” time when bitches are “in heat” and ready to breed. When bitches are “in season” they should be isolated from male dogs to prevent unplanned matings.

Bitches are usually less aggressive and more homeloving than dogs. Male dogs are more active when young but settle down as they get older. Dogs scent and mark their and mark their territories with urine, but Female dogs are much less likely to behave in this way.

Choosing Dogs breed (Part 2)

Terriers
This class of dog includes Airedales, Borders, Cairns, Jack Russells, and West Highlands Whites. Terriers are small, strong-minded dogs and are happy and energetic by nature. They are also extremely alert and can make excellent watchdogs. Terriers tend to be easy to train and are extremely loyal dogs. They need daily exercise, but not as much as the larger working dogs. This makes them ideal pets for the town or city. With firm handling, terriers can make lovely family pets and are usually good with other dogs and children.

Toy dogs
These include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. As their name suggests, toy dogs are small but they have great characters. Toy dogs are lively and intelligent. They do not need a great deal of exercise but they usually demand a lot of attention from their owners.

Utility dogs
These include some easily recognized breeds, such as Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Shih-tzu, and Poodles. Sizes can vary dramatically within each breed, especially in the Poodle group which includes small to fairly large dogs. Some, like the smaller Poodles and Dalmatians, can make good family pets while others, such as the Bulldog, are very strong and can be too difficult for children to handle properly.