choosing a dog

Too often, the dog you choose is based on emotional decisions without taking practical issues into consideration. Dogs are not all the same, and each breed has specific characteristics.

If you’ve decided you’re ready to get a dog, but don’t know which dog is best for you, we invite you to use these resources to help you find a great match.

There's a LOT of information on this page, so be prepared and take the time to really think about what kind of dog will work best for you and your situation.

A Pledge to My Dog...

This pledge was written by Sue Sternberg who runs a private shelter in New York state.  Sue has done marvelous work with shelter dogs and is one of the innovative leaders working to improve the situation of shelter dogs and prevent dogs from coming into shelters in the first place.

A Pledge for New Dog Adopters

·        I pledge to make a reasonable commitment of time and effort and to effect scheduling and lifestyle changes in order to make this relationship work.

·        I pledge to make sure my dog is not exposed to the elements of weather without proper shelter, shade cover, dry ground, access to fresh water, and at least one hour of loving companionship and play a day. (I understand this is a minimum and will strive to keep the dog with me as much as possible and treat him or her as an important member of my family.)

·       I pledge to provide appropriate and timely veterinary care for the life of my dog.

·       I pledge to provide my dog with the proper nutrition for optimum health, and to keep my dog at the proper weight, neither obese nor emaciated.

·       I pledge to keep my dog indoors at night, and to include him or her in the activities of the household as much as possible while we are home.

·       I pledge to keep my dog groomed and free of external parasites and matting (particularly behind my dog’s ears, under his elbows, and on his tail and thighs).

·       I pledge to spay or neuter my dog if it has not already been done.

·       I pledge to give my dog ample aerobic exercise daily, and make sure that at least three times a week he gets to run and play until tired.

·       I pledge to provide my dog with mental stimulation in the form of daily play, interactive toys, training, or off-territory leash walks.

·       I pledge to provide my dog with enough training and/or behavioral management so as to enable him to be a welcome part of my community or to be managed safely.

·       I pledge to provide my dog ample outlets for his instincts (such as off-territory leash walks/running, opportunities to sniff and explore the natural world, agility training, trick training, fun and rewarding obedience training, play with other dogs, etc.) So that he does not feel constantly frustrated or develop behavioral problems because he is neglected or under-stimulated.

·       I pledge to provide a home in which my dog clearly knows there are certain rules that I will insist on and he can count on.

·       I pledge to provide my dog with enough toys to satisfy his urge to chew.

·       I pledge to get professional help if my dog has or develops behavior or temperament problems, and to manage my dog carefully so as not to endanger other people and pets in my community.

·       I pledge to do everything I can to keep my dog from becoming a nuisance in my community.

·       I will not allow my dog to run free/out of my control and chase cars, bicycles, children, etc.

·       I will keep my dog quiet or seek professional help to get my dog to be quiet when I am home and away, so as not to disturb my neighbors.

·       I pledge to "scoop poop" from my dog when off my property so that my dog and other dogs will always be welcome in public.

·       I pledge that, if I have to move residences for any reason, I am aware that finding housing that accepts pets can take longer than average, but that I will commit to moving with my dog as I would move with a member of my family.

·       I pledge that, if for any reason I can no longer keep this dog, I will not abandon this dog. I will return the dog to the shelter (if required) or leave ample time to find a new and appropriate home, tell the new owners truthfully all the dog’s behaviors good and bad, and follow up occasionally to make sure the dog is safe and content. 

Quiz: Which Dog is Right for Me?

This quiz will help you understand and think about the various issues involved in owning a dog – there are no right or wrong answers. The quiz is designed to make you aware of your needs. Some responses will have a comment at the bottom of the question – this is simply designed to point out important information. You will still need to assess your overall needs to make a good decision.

Although we’re all tempted to choose a dog based on emotion, we usually have much better luck if we understand what kind of a dog will fit with our lifestyle. Take this quiz and make a list of the things that pop out at you – use that list when you are actually researching and looking for your dog. If you go to a shelter or rescue organization, talk to them about what you’ve discovered about yourself and your needs BEFORE looking at the dogs.

If you are not sure what kind of dog you want, you should probably stick with the fairly well-known breeds. Lesser-known breeds are not common for a reason -- often they are still a working dog and not suitable to be a pet, or they are difficult to handle and best owned by an experienced handler.

Be very cautious about getting the latest “fad” dog. These dogs are very often poorly bred by people cashing in on the craze; the breeders have no knowledge or interest in the breed, may treat their breeding dogs badly, probably don’t socialize the pups and breed in both physical and temperamental faults. If you decide you want a purebred dog, please read the page about how to choose a good breeder. And be extremely cautious about buying a dog from a pet store. I would never recommend it -- not only do you not know where these pups come from, but often the store employees don’t either (no matter what they’ve been told). Further, pet stores are where puppy mills sell their pups. This doesn’t mean all pet stores sell puppy-mill puppies, but there’s a better than even chance that they do. From a social standpoint, if we continue to buy those pups, puppy mills will continue to operate. From a practical standpoint, you can’t afford a puppy mill dog -- they are notorious for having severe health problems. Also be aware that puppy mills are beginning to sell dogs on the Internet and through ads in local papers.

If you decide to get a dog from a shelter or rescue group, hurrah for you! You can get an absolutely wonderful dog from a shelter, and these dogs need homes. Keep in mind your requirements and don’t just “fall in love” with a particular dog. Obviously you want to have an emotional attachment with the dog you choose, but there are hundreds of dogs out there that need to be rescued, and you’re bound to fall in love with more than just one.

If you go with a rescue group, you can be pretty sure that the dog you get will be the breed the group rescues, or at least a mixed breed with a significant amount of the primary breed. Your local shelter should have a list of rescue groups, or you can usually get the name of a group close to you from the national breed club. Just start doing your Internet research and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them. Keep in mind that most people who do breed rescue are sincere dog lovers; however, many of them do not know a lot about dog behavior.  Additionally, many rescues will not euthanize a dog for any reason -- including aggression.  Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions -- such as:  has the dog ever bitten; does he guard food or toys; how does he get along with other dogs; does he do well with children; etc.  Be very picky about the dog you select.  Don't get talked into taking a dog when your gut tells you it's not a good idea -- trust your gut!

If acquiring a dog from a shelter, don’t just assume that because the shelter is calling the dog a Lab-x (Labrador Retriever mixed breed) that it’s true. You never know who is deciding what breed a dog is; it could be animal control, the vet techs, the primary care people, etc. They may or may not know what breed the dog is and once it’s in the computer, it’s unlikely to change. In addition, be aware that it can be very difficult to categorize puppies unless you’ve seen the parents. Also, many shelters are shying away from labeling dogs as certain breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, etc. Any black dog is likely to be called a Lab-x -- but it could just as easily be a Pit Bull-x. We have nothing against Pit Bulls, but they are not Labs, and you need to know this going in.

Quiz:

1. How many adults, including yourself live in your household?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5 or more

If answer = D or E: When there are several adults in a household, it is often a “roommate” situation. Be sure that you have discussed your intentions with all your roommates and that they are agreeable to having a dog in the household. Also remember that you will need their cooperation when training your dog; someone has to set the rules and everyone else has to agree to follow them. If this is not done, it is not fair to the dog -- you’ll be sending a lot of mixed messages. Finally, don’t get a shy or aloof breed of dog; there is more than likely a lot of action in a household with several adults and you need a gregarious and outgoing breed.

2. Of the adults in the family, how many work outside the home?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5 or more

All answers: If all the adults work out of the home, be sure you will have the time to properly exercise, train and groom your dog. 

3. Of the adults in the family, how many travel for work purposes?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4 or more

All answers: Be aware that a lot of travel usually means the added expense of boarding your dog. Also, you should spend the time to find a good boarding kennel. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child with someone you found from the yellow pages unless you thoroughly checked them out, you should not leave your dog with someone without first checking out their facility, philosophy and reputation. 

4. How many children, including yourself, live in your household?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4 or more

5. If you have children, how old is your youngest child?

A. Less than one year
B. Less than four years
C. Less than 8 years
D. Less than 10 years

If answer = A, B or C: If you have a young child, you probably shouldn’t be considering a dog at this time. You have more than enough to occupy your time taking care of your baby. Although most of us have an idealized vision of dogs and children, it is an ideal and often very misconceived. Dogs and young children do not necessarily get along. I would not recommend getting a dog until your youngest child is at least six years, preferably eight. Young children can be very hard on dogs -- pulling their hair, tails and ears, poking them, hitting them, etc. If your dog does not have a very forgiving temperament or is not used to children, he may not be willing to take such abuse from a child and this can lead to problems.

6. If you have children, what is the average number of hours each child spends in extra-curricular activities each week?

A. 1-3
B. 4-6
C. 7-9
D. 10 or more

If answer B, C or D: In today’s busy urban world, it seems our children are so busy with extra-curricular activities that there’s hardly time to sit down to a meal together. Be sure that your family will have the time to spend with a dog. This varies by breed, but every dog needs a minimum of 30 minutes a day of exercise, not to mention grooming, feeding, and other day-to-day necessities. In addition, dogs are social animals -- they need to spend time with the family; it is crucial to their good mental health. 

7. In total (including weekends, overnights, etc.) how many weeks a year will the entire family be away from home?

A. 0
B. 1-2
C. 2-4
D. 5 or more

If answer C or D: See #3

8. How many dogs currently live in your household?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4 or more

If answer B, C, D or E: There are many things to consider when adding another dog to your household. 

Often, owners think they should get another dog as a companion for their current dog; this may or may not be a wise decision. If you are having behavior or obedience problems with your current dog, you should not consider getting another dog until those issues are under control. Adding another dog will not necessarily solve your problems -- in fact, it’s very likely to add additional problems. Be aware that you will be doubling your expenses with another dog -- food, vet bills, grooming, boarding, etc. 

Also, you may end up with behavior problems you didn’t count on when adding another dog to the household. Here are some things to consider when thinking about getting another dog:

• The most common dogfights occur between unfamiliar males;

• The second most common dogfights occur between familiar females (females who live together).

• If you decide to add another dog to the household, and choose a puppy, you need to separate the puppy from the other dog(s) for most of the day. Otherwise the puppy will become very bonded to the other dog(s) and not bonded to its human family.

• Try to have at least a six month difference in the ages of dogs in your household.

• It sometimes works very well to get a young dog as a companion for an older dog. It can add new activity and vigor to the older dog’s life. However, there may also be problems such as jealousy to contend with. 

9. Of the dogs currently living in your household, what is the age of the oldest dog?

A. 3-6 months
B. 7-12 months
C. 12-24 months
D. 2-8 years
E. 8 years or older

See #8

10. Of the dogs currently living in your household, what is the age of the youngest dog?

A. 3-6 months
B. 7-12 months
C. 12-24 months
D. 2-8 years
E. 8 years or older

See #8

11. Do you have cats?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: If you currently have a cat in your household it is your responsibility to protect your cat. Be very aware of the breed of dog you choose. Some dogs have a very high predatory instinct, and they are not good dogs to have around cats. Be very careful about getting a Sight Hound, a dog from the herding group or a dog from the Terrier group. If you are bringing an adolescent or adult dog into your household, test the dog around a dog-savvy cat first. Most shelters have some means of testing dogs around cats before adoption. Do your homework before bringing a dog into the household -- remember, the cat is already a member of your household and deserves to be able to live a peaceful and reasonably uneventful life.

12. Where do you live? 

A. Apartment
B. Townhouse/Condo 
C. House
D. Farm 
E. Mobile Home
F. Mobile Home Park
G. Other

If answer = A, B, E or F: Be sure you choose a dog that will be able to live comfortably in a limited space and/or does not need a back yard. There are many dogs fitting this description, both large and small; however, you do need to do your research. If you live in an apartment or in a situation where you have a very small yard, you must be committed to exercising your dog daily. Regular exercise will prevent many behavior problems.

13. Do you have a yard?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: See #12

14. Approximately how many square feet is your yard?

A. 100-500 (very small)
B. 501-1000 (small)
C. 1001-3000 (average)
D. 3001-5000 (good-sized)
E. 5000 or more (large)

If answer = A, B or C: See #12

15. Is your yard fenced?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: It is not good to allow dogs to run free, and in most areas it is against the law. Dogs, like teenagers, can make very bad choices, hook up with undesirable companions, and get in lots of trouble. If you do not have a fenced yard you must be willing to take your dog for regular exercise. 

16. Do you:

A. Rent
B. Own

If answer = A: If you rent, be aware that you will probably move more than once during your dog’s lifetime. You must be willing to take the time to find a new home that will allow pets. 

17. Do you foresee moving within the next 2 years?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: See #16

18. If you are planning on moving, will it be to:

A. An apartment
B. A townhouse/condo 
C. A house
D. A farm 
E. A mobile home
F. A mobile home park
G. Other

If answer = A, B, E or F: See #12

19. Would you describe your life as: 

A. Active 
B. Home Oriented
C. Busy 
D. Sedentary
E. Outdoorsy

If answer = A or C: Be sure you have time for a dog. People who lead busy, active lives are usually engaged in activities that are not conducive to dogs. Think about how you spend your time and make sure you have time for a dog. 

If answer = E: What more could a dog ask for than an outdoorsy owner? However, be sure your outdoor activities can include a dog. For instance, if you spend a lot of time in nature preserves, dogs are not going to be allowed. If you jump out of airplanes or scuba dive, that probably isn’t a great dog activity. However, running, hiking, camping, even river-rafting can be great dog activities. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a dog just because you like to jump out of airplanes -- just be sure you do the other activities also. Also be sure you choose a dog with an appropriate activity level for you – for instance, if you love to jog, a Bulldog probably isn’t a good choice, whereas a Border Collie will be an excellent running companion.

If answer = B or D: There are great dogs for couch potatoes! And also for people who aren’t athletic or prefer spending their time at home. Just be sure that’s what you get. If you are not willing to take your dog for walks, to the park and to the lake or river for a swim, you don’t want an active dog like a Labrador or Golden Retriever. A Bulldog, or a smaller companion dog may suit you much better.  Also, consider getting an older dog -- they don't need as much exercise and are much less likely to be adopted from a shelter or rescue.

20. What leisure activities do you participate in? (Check all that apply.)

A. Walking
B. Reading
C. Jogging
D. Cooking
E. Hiking
F. Gardening
G. Bicycling
H. Home improvement
I.  Organized sports
J.  Internet
K. TV 
L.  Movies
M. Theater
N. Playing games
O. Children’s activities
P. Entertaining
Q. Shopping
R. Dating

All answers: Regardless of the activities you prefer, make sure you have time for a dog. If your preferred activities include being away from home, be sure you will be home often enough to give your dog the time and attention he needs or that you can include your dog in the activities. If you prefer quiet activities be sure to get a dog that doesn’t require a lot of physical exercise and who will enjoy just hanging out with you. Activities such as organized sports do not make room for dogs -- however if you enjoy organized sports, there are plenty of dog sports out there that you and your dog can participate in. 

21. If you are an “empty nester,” will you have grandchildren visiting?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: You need to be very aware of your dog when the child is visiting, if the child is younger than 12-14 years. Never leave the dog and a child under the age of 10 alone. Be aware that dogs that are not regularly exposed to children are often aggressive toward them. If you get a dog as a puppy, be sure to expose him to lots of children of different ages; if you get an adolescent or adult dog, be sure to watch carefully when he is around children. Also be sure to not leave valuable toys, rawhides and food around when the dog and children are together.

22. Do you enjoy pampering and/or grooming yourself?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: If you do not enjoy the grooming process, be sure to get a low-maintenance dog. You won’t want a dog with long hair, a lot of wrinkles or other characteristics that require a lot of grooming.

23. Do you enjoy pampering and/or grooming your child(ren)?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: See #22.

24. Do you foresee any changes in your life within the next 2 years (addition of family member, divorce, move, etc.)?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: Be aware that major changes affect dogs as well as people. If a new person moves into the house, or a familiar person leaves, it can be very stressful to the dog and you may experience some behavioral problems. If this happens, be prepared both mentally and monetarily to consult a good behavior counselor. If you know in advance that there will be major changes, try to prepare your dog before it actually happens, rather than waiting until after the fact.

25. Why do you want a dog?

A. Companion for yourself
B. Companion for your children
C. Companion for other pets
D. Watch dog
E. To show or compete in sports
F. To breed

If answer = B: See #5

If answer = C: If you want a dog as a companion to your other pets, be very sure that this is the answer to your problems. See #8

If answer = D: Almost all dogs will act as a good watch dog. However, they should still be a part of the family; dogs are social animals and need to be a part of a group. Almost any dog will warn you if they detect an intruder. In today’s world you certainly do not want a trained attack dog -- the liability issues are huge! What you really need is a nice, friendly dog who’ll let you know if there is an intruder -- and most dogs will let you know.

If answer = E: Competition is a wonderful reason to own a dog, as long as the dog is still part of the family. Most dogs enjoy competition -- it’s like their job. However, to have a truly happy dog he needs to be a family member.

If answer = F: If you are taking this test, you probably are not ready to breed dogs. A good breeder loves the dog and the breed he or she is breeding, and, generally speaking, breeding is not a money-making proposition. It is very expensive and takes extensive knowledge. Please do your research thoroughly before starting a breeding program. 

26. If you get a female, do you plan to breed her?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: See #25 F

27. What type of looks do you prefer in a dog? (Pick all that apply.)

A. Lassie
B. Benji
C. Hooch (Turner & Hooch)
D. Skip (My Dog Skip)
E. Rin Tin Tin
F. The Hush Puppy

All answers: Be aware that movie dogs are highly trained dogs -- they did not just come this way. If you love a dog because of his or her movie persona you need to really research the breed before getting one. A dog such as Hooch or Skip can, in real life, be a very difficult dog, even though the movies portray them as next to perfect. 

If answer = A: Lassie is a beautiful dog; however she requires extensive grooming. If you enjoy the grooming process a dog like this is wonderful, but be prepared to brush the dog at least daily, possibly more. Also be aware that Lassie is a herding dog. These dogs require a lot of physical and mental exercise and if they don’t get it they can develop serious behavior problems. 

If answer = B: Benji is adorable, but is a dog that requires a fair amount of grooming. Take, for instance, the beautiful models in fashion magazines who look tousled and casual -- this look takes a lot of time. Most dogs that look like Benji aren’t cute -- they’re a mess! Their fur gets matted and full of junk, you need to trim around their face and often other areas. 

If answer = C: Most people probably don’t even know what kind of a dog Hooch is. He’s a French Mastiff and can be a very difficult dog -- especially for novice owners. He is a big dog (often as much as 100 lbs.) and will often deliberately try to intimidate strangers. Although for the most part he’s easy to groom, he does some high-level drooling!

If answer = D: Skip is a Jack Russell Terrier -- one of the most difficult dogs around. They are very smart and active and have an extremely high prey drive. If you are not an experienced dog owner, this is not the dog for you.

If answer = E: Rin Tin Tin is a German Shepherd Dog and was originally a war dog. Although highly trained, your average war dog would not make a good pet. However, German Shepherd Dogs do make excellent pets. They are very sensitive and can be extremely wary of strangers and strange dogs. These dogs require a lot of socializing. 

If answer = F: The Hush Puppy is a Basset Hound. Absolutely adorable dogs -- but extremely single-minded. Once they get on a scent, there’s very little you can do. Hounds are bred to follow scents and that’s what they love to do more than anything else. Bassets also howl. They have lots of physical problems because of their short legs and long back. They can make excellent pets, but need a lot of training.

All answers: I have pointed out the more undesirable traits in these famous dogs because I want you to be very aware that dogs in the movies and on TV are not your average dog. All dogs have both desirable and undesirable traits. Most of them can be good pets -- just do your research and don’t get a dog because the kids fell in love with him on a TV show. Every time 101 Dalmatians is re-released the local animal shelters are swamped with Dalmatians that people thought they had to have but found out they didn’t really want or understand.

28. What size dog do you want?

A. Less than 10 pounds
B. Between 10 and 25 pounds
C. Between 25 and 40 pounds
D. Between 40 and 75 pounds
E. Over 75 pounds

29. How do you envision your dog interacting in your life? (Choose all that apply.)

A. Someone to jog/walk with
B. A companion to lay quietly by your feet as you gaze into the fire and/or read a good book
C. Someone to play with your children
D. Someone to play with your current dog
E. Someone to run errands with you
F. Someone to participate in sporting activities with you.

30. How much time are you willing to devote to grooming a dog per week (in minutes)?

A. 15 
B. 30
C. 60
D. 90
E. 150
F. 200 or more

31. Does anyone in your family have allergies?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = A: There are many dogs that don’t shed; however, be aware that it isn’t the dog’s hair that aggravates allergies -- it’s the dander. Dog’s who don’t shed appear to be better for people with allergies, but they may still create problems.

32. How much can you afford to spend on each dog you own for food, medical care, registration, boarding, training, activities and grooming yearly?

A. $100
B. $300
C. $600
D. $1,000

If answer = A or B: $300 dollars or less per year is the bare minimum you can expect to spend on a dog. This assumes it is a smaller dog who doesn’t eat a lot of food, is a dog that doesn’t need professional grooming, that the dog is healthy and doesn’t need extra veterinary care and that you don’t travel a lot or intend to participate in many dog sports or activities. If you can’t afford or don’t want to spend more than $300 per year on your dog you might reconsider getting a dog -- they can be expensive, especially as they get older.

33. If you had to give up your dog for some reason, what would you do with him?

A. Give him to the Humane Society or local dog shelter
B. Return him to the breeder
C. Put an ad in the paper to find a home
D. Find a friend willing to take him
E. Abandon him

34. Which member of the household will be responsible for your dog?

A. Self
B. Spouse
C. Another adult
D. Teenager
E. Child under the age of 10

If answer = D or E: Don’t ever go into the process of acquiring a pet thinking that the children will be responsible. Sometimes they are but more often than not, they lose interest after a short while and the responsibility falls back on the parents. Also at some point the children are going to grow up and leave the house. When this happens the dog usually remains with the parents. If you, as a parent, are not willing to take on the responsibility for a pet, DON’T GET ONE!

35. Have you owned a dog or dogs before?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: If you’ve never owned a dog before, take the time to find an easy dog. You might even consider getting an older dog who has been housetrained and learned basic manners already. Without a doubt you will want to plan on taking obedience lessons -- this will help give you the information and skills you need to own a dog. If you had a dog as a child remember that your parents went through the agonies of puppyhood and adolescence -- all you were required to do was play with and enjoy the finished product!

36. If you have previously owned a dog, who was the primary caretaker of the dog(s)?

A. Yourself
B. Your Parents
C. Another adult
D. Another child

If answer = B, C or D: If you have never been the primary caretaker of a dog before, you should consider that you have not actually owned a dog. See # 35B

37. Have you ever obedience-trained a dog?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer = B: If you’ve never obedience trained a dog, I highly recommend that you take some lessons. Your relationship with your dog will be much better if you understand how best to interact with him.

38. Do you plan to obedience-train this dog?

A. Yes
B. No

If answer is B: It is always wise to have an obedience-trained dog -- even a lap dog or companion dog should have basic obedience. You never know when your dog might get away from you, and if you don’t have a recall, he could be lost forever or run into traffic.

39. If so, what method will you use:

A. You will train the dog yourself
B. You will take the dog to a group class
C. You will have private obedience lessons
D. You will send the dog out for training

If answer = A: Unless you are an experienced dog owner I would suggest going to a group class and taking lessons; they are fun and informative and you will learn the skills you need to live with your new dog.

If answer = D: Although this is often an effective way of training a dog, I feel you create a stronger bond with your dog by training him yourself. Also just because your dog will obey the trainer does not necessarily mean he will obey you. If you don’t have the time to work with your dog you should reconsider acquiring a dog at this time.

40. If you have behavior problems with your dog, what will you do:

A. Give him to the Humane Society or local dog shelter
B. Return him to the breeder
C. Put an ad in the paper to find a home
D. Find a friend willing to take him
E. Talk to your veterinarian
F. Find a behavior counselor

If answer = A, B, C, D: Be aware that most dog problems can be resolved. Before giving up your dog, consult a behavior counselor. Don’t wait until the problems are unbearable -- get help as soon as you perceive that there is a problem. The sooner you address it the sooner it will be resolved -- if you wait, it will only get worse.

41. Where will your dog spend the night?

A. In the back yard
B. In a kennel outside
C. Loose outside
D. In the house
E. In a crate outside
F. In a crate inside
G. In your bed

If answer = A, B, C, E: Most dogs are happiest in the house with their owners. Some dogs do well outside, but you need to research and find which dogs these are. 

42. Where will your dog spend most of his day?

A. In the back yard
B. In a kennel outside
C. Loose outside
D. In the house
E. In a crate outside
F. In a crate inside
G. In a particular room inside

See #41

Choosing a Shelter or Rescue Dog

Research Breeds 

Especially with shelter or mixed-breed rescue dogs, it can sometimes be very difficult to know what breed(s) you are getting. The more research you do, the better informed decisions you will be able to make. Keep in mind that it is sometimes impossible to know what breed a puppy is until it's 3-4 months old. Take a breed book with you when you look at shelter and mixed-breed rescue dogs.  

Sometimes the background is known, but often these dogs are strays.  Many puppies are born in shelters, so the mother's background may be known, but not the father's.

Breed Rescue

If you get a dog from a breed rescue group, you should know what breed you're getting unless it's a mixed-breed rescue group.  Often these dogs are still mixed, but they have enough of one breed in them to be recognizable.  Remember, however, that just because a mixed-breed dog looks like a poodle, doesn't mean he'll act like a poodle.  He still has something else mixed in, and sometimes those traits are dominant.

Choosing a Shelter or Rescue Dog   

Once you've taken the quiz you should know what you want as far as size, coat type, pure-bred or mixed-breed, gender, age, and personality.  Now you are ready to start looking at dogs.  Unfortunately, many shelters are not able to pinpoint the dogs that are appropriate, but if you talk to the kennel staff they are usually pretty well acquainted with the dogs that are up for adoption and should be able to steer you in the right direction.  Keep your requirements in mind, and don't get side-tracked!!  If the perfect dog isn't there today, he'll be there soon.

Things to Look For

Most dogs in shelters are under a great deal of stress, and they will all exhibit this stress differently.  They are usually starved for attention and affection, so don't worry about rambunctiousness and barking -- it will go away or can be fixed later.  Do worry about a dog who hides in a corner, or a dog who growls or bares his teeth.  

If you have children, be very aware of how the dog reacts to your child.  You want the dog to show immediate affection and attention to children -- if he continually comes between you and your child, as if he's competing for your attention with the child, be leery -- this may not be the dog for your family.

If you have another dog, you should do a "meet-and-greet" with both dogs.  Don't be too concerned about a little growling, snarling and posturing -- even a scuffle should be OK. Do, however, be concerned if the shelter dog pushes the residence dog (your dog) out of the way -- it should be just the opposite. When you get your new dog home, if he starts doing that, you are instinctively going to stand up for your first dog and it could mean problems.  If anything, the residence dog should be guarding you from a strange dog -- not the other way around.

If you have a cat, ask the shelter to set up a "meet-and-greet" with one of the shelter cats to see how the dog reacts.  It's best to have a cat who's very comfortable around dogs so you can judge the dog's reaction to that cat, rather than the dog's reaction to the cat's reaction to the dog (that's convoluted, but you understand!). Also, see Raising Canine's article on introducing cats and dogs.

Once the Dog is Home

Most re-homed dogs have what we call a "honeymoon period." This period varies from dog-to-dog, but generally lasts a couple of weeks.  Shy dogs will be in the honeymoon period longer, and gregarious dogs less.  The honeymoon period is a time when the dog isn't sure of the rules and is on good behavior -- kind of like when we stay at a friend's house.  

Once the honeymoon period is over, watch out!!  Remember -- most of these dogs are in the shelter for a reason and often it's because they're wild and crazy adolescents.  That doesn't mean they won't be great dogs, it just means you need to think about training and consistency.  As Sue tells people in her classes -- if we could get rid of our teenagers as easily as we can get rid of adolescent dogs, what sane person would keep them?  So be prepared.

How to Choose a Good Breeder

Interview Breeders. If you decide to get a dog from a breeder, write down the questions you want to ask.  Don't go to the breeder without your list or you may get caught up in the moment and forget to ask some very important questions.  A woman in Austin actually practiced on breeders of dogs she was not interested in, so she wouldn't be "green" when she actually started interviewing for the dog she wanted.  

Things to Do Before Approaching a Breeder.  Do your own independent research on potential genetic, health and temperament problems in the breed.  This information is easily available in libraries, on the Internet, etc.  Find out if dogs can be tested for these problems.  Almost all pure breed dogs have one or more health problems that are common in that particular breed.  Reputable breeders are working to eliminate those traits.

How to Find a Good Breeder.  If you know someone who has the breed you're interested in, ask if they are happy with the breed; what problems they've encountered; who their breeder is and if they were happy with them; etc.  Ask your vet if they know of a reputable breeder.  Also ask them about potential problems with the breed. Local trainers, breed clubs, organizations, etc. can usually point you toward a breeder, as can the American Kennel Club; however, they don't always know if this is a conscientious breeder.

Questions to Ask Breeders and Things to Look For. If the breeder cannot or will not answer the following questions, look for another breeder.

• Ask the breeder what problems the breed is prone to.  If they down-play problems, find another breeder.  A reputable breeder will be up-front with you about potential health and temperament problems.  They will also tell you what steps they have taken to prevent problems.

• If the breed is prone to certain problems, does the breeder do routine screenings for genetic problems and have health certificates for the pup, the parents and the grandparents?

• Will the breeder let you meet the parents of the pup. This is crucial -- if the breeder doesn't want you to meet the parents, he may be trying to hide something. When you meet the parents, you want to make sure that they are friendly, easy-going dogs (according to that breed's standards).  If they show any sign of fear or aggression, you do not want those pups.  Fear and aggression are often hereditary.

• What are the breed's positive and negative characteristics, and what kind of temperament does it have?

• How long has the breeder been breeding dogs, and this breed in particular?

• Can the breeder name five other breeders they would recommend (in any part of the country)?

• Will they provide any type of guarantee?  Most breeders will not guarantee a dog, but will agree to take it back if there are problems.  However, they won't guarantee that it will do well in the show ring or field trials -- so much of that depends on you.

• Does the breeder require spay/neuter of pet-quality dogs? Hopefully they will.

• If you are interested in showing your dog, the breeder should discuss the pup's strong and weak points with you.  They will never guarantee that a pup is show quality, but will tell you whether or not the pup has potential.  

• Is the breeder involved in breed groups, clubs, rescue, competition, etc.  A good breeder should be involved with a particular breed because they love what the dog is.  Therefore, they are interested in improving the breed, and active participation in breed activities allows them to know what's going on in that breed's world and to be aware of the best breeding stock available.

• If the breeder competes, does he have any titles? 

• Is the home, kennel and yard clean and well maintained?

• How many dogs live in the kennel?

• Do any dogs live in the house?

• If the dogs don't live in the house, are they allowed in the house?  No dog should live its entire life in a kennel. They need to be socialized.  

• After you've taken the pup to a vet for his initial exam (within 48 hours of bringing the pup home) will the breeder take it back and refund your money if the vet finds problems?

• Will the breeder take the pup back at any point during its life?  A good breeder does not want the pup passed from owner to owner, or given up to a shelter.

• How willing is the breeder to work with your needs.  For instance, will the breeder keep the dog until you feel he is ready to go to a new home?  Will the breeder let you bring a blanket for the pup to sleep and play on so your puppy will have something familiar when you take it home?

Questions Breeders Should be Asking You.  Does the breeder question you? Are they making sure that their pup is going to a good home?  A responsible breeder will do just that.  A responsible breeder may also pick the appropriate pup for you, rather than letting you pick one.  They will attempt to put a more sedate dog with a more sedate family, etc.  They will also suggest that their breed may not be the right breed for you, if they feel that is the case.

Finally, if you have any misgivings at all about a breeder -- even if it's only instinct and nothing you can put your finger on -- find someone else.  You may have to go out of town, or even out of state, to find a good breeder, but they're out there and well worth the trouble.

Groups of Dogs

SIGHT HOUNDS IN GENERAL

Functions Today: Racing, coursing, companion

Original Function: Hunting by outrunning and chasing down animals

Personality: Many Sight Hounds tend to be aloof and able to amuse themselves. They need time to themselves occasionally. They are not like a Labrador or Golden Retriever which demands constant affection and attention. However, this does not mean they don’t love you and want to be with you. Most Sight Hounds tend to be aloof with and wary of strangers.

Children: Sight Hounds are generally good with children, but keep in mind that they were bred to chase moving objects. They are also sensitive and often tend to bite if they are startled or scared. In general, having a Sight Hound around a young child is probably not a good idea. They prefer a calm, predictable environment.

Other Animals: Again, these dogs were bred to chase down other animals, and will chase (and possible kill) running cats, smaller dogs, etc. If they are raised with another animal, or socialized early, they will usually do OK, but remember that they will almost always chase a small, running animal.

Activity Level: All Sight Hounds need regular exercise. They were bred to run, and must be allowed to do so. Some adapt well to being couch potatoes for most of the day, but they still need regular exercise. All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Health Problems:  Sight Hounds need comfortable bedding to avoid pressure sores because they have so little body fat. Just remember that Sight Hounds are lean, and do not have a lot of body fat -- then use common sense as to what this might mean.

Often they are finicky eaters and may fast for several days -- don’t let this worry you too much. Many of these breeds were developed in the Middle East , and the same tendency to go without food and water can be seen in Arabian horses and camels -- these dessert animals were bred to be able to go without food and water for long periods of time.

Best Home: Some Sight Hounds do well in apartments, but you need to read up on the individual breed you are considering. Also, many Sight Hounds can jump fences, so shouldn’t be left alone in the back yard. A calm, easy-going owner, who doesn’t need an overly affectionate companion is best for these dogs. Nervous or rambunctious people will upset many Sight Hounds and the dog will become nervous and stressed. Also, these dogs need someone who is capable of exercising them on a regular basis. The climate your Sight Hound can tolerate will vary with the breed, but keep in mind that if your dog does not have long hair, it probably will not do well in a cold climate because of its lack of body fat.

Functions Today: Hunting, tracking, companions

Original Function: Hunting, tracking

Personality: Scent Hounds were bred to track by using their nose. For example, the Bloodhound’s nasal cavity membrane lining has a greater surface area than its entire body!!! Then, on top of that, they have these huge pendulous ears and lips which trap the scent. In other words, they tend to be extremely single-minded when they get on the trail of a scent that interests them. They are not necessarily bred to kill their prey, simply to find and trap it. They tend to be easy-going, amenable dogs, although they are not overly affectionate. Probably more than most other groups, Scent Hounds are single-minded in their job of tracking a scent, and for this reason are not necessarily good house pets. They can become unexpectedly aggressive and extremely stubborn. It is very difficult to get them to obey while on a scent. Research the breed of Scent Hound you are considering thoroughly before acquiring -- especially if you have children. Some are good with kids, but many are not.

Grooming: Many Scent Hounds drool -- some more than others. They are bred to have droopy lips because the lips will help trap scent. If you are a finicky housekeeper, a hound may not be the dog for you. However, most Scent Hounds have short hair, so don’t need a lot of brushing and/or trimming.

Children: Research the breed you are interested in.

Other Animals: Often dog aggressive.

Activity Level: Varies from breed to breed. All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Health Problems: Ear infections (because most hounds have long, droopy ears which don’t aerate properly) -- be sure to clean their ears regularly. Also, their ears will usually smell different when they have an infection -- if you smell your dog’s ears regularly, you should be able to tell if the ear is infected before the dog starts scratching.

Best Home: Scent Hounds are happiest when working. In general, they are not particularly well adapted to being a house pet, although some do very well as pets. However, if they have a job, they should be happy. Even if you are not a hunter, you might consider a tracking sport which will give your Scent Hound a job to do.

Comments: Most Scent Hounds howl or bay. They have been bred to do this so that they can let you know when they are on the scent and when they’ve trapped their prey.

Original Function: Hunting, herding, sled pulling

Personality: Varies

Grooming: Spitz-type dogs evolved in the Arctic regions of the world, and therefore tend to have thick, abundant coats (both a topcoat and an undercoat) which need a lot of care. They also have thick hair growing between their toes.

Activity Level: Varies. All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Health Problems: Because of their abundant coats, these dogs can develop skin problems which you may not be aware of unless you are vigilant.

Best Home: This varies with the individual breed. Spitz-type dogs range from an Alaskan Malamute to a Pomeranian. These dogs tend to do very well in cold weather, as they are a northern breed and have abundant coats. If living in hot weather, be sure they have adequate protection from the heat. Research the individual breed you are considering.

Comments: Almost without exception, Spitz-type dogs have a tail that curls up over their back.

Functions Today:  Companion, guarding

Original Function: Guarding, fighting

Personality: Remember that these dogs were bred to guard. They are often aloof, one person dogs. They can also be aggressive, especially to other animals.

Children: In general, if these dogs are socialized well, they make good family dogs, although there are exceptions and you need to research the breed you are interested in.

Other Animals: Generally these dogs were bred to guard sheep or cattle and can be dog aggressive, although if socialized well, they can get along with other dogs.

Activity Level: Most of these dogs were bred more for guarding than herding, but they sometimes did both, so you need to research the breed for an idea of its activity level. All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Health Problems: All large dogs are prone to joint problems and deep-chested dogs are prone to bloat.

Best Home: Varies. Research your breed.

Functions Today: Companion, herding

Original Function: Herding

Personality: Generally, herding dogs are work oriented and can have a driven personality. They are not usually as aggressive as guarding dogs, but again, these duties can overlap, and some herding breeds can be aggressive. They tend to be very affectionate with their family, but suspicious of strangers.

Children: Varies with the breed, but these are usually good family dogs. Remember however, that they are bred to herd and may herd the family, particularly children. They may also be intolerant of your children’s friends, perceiving them to be a threat to your children.

Other Animals: Again this depends on the breed, but generally livestock dogs are not as "animal friendly" as some others. Herding dogs tend to chase moving objects and this can mean cats, children, joggers, bikes, cars, etc.

Activity Level: All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed. Herding dogs, in particular, are bred to run and use their mind (often independently of their owner) all day, so they need exercise and mental stimulation.

Best Home: An active owner who has time to spend training, socializing and exercising their dog. A marathon runner, jogger, or someone who is interested in dog sports such as agility or flyball would be ideal. A fenced yard is almost always essential with herding dogs.

Functions Today: Companion, herding

Original Function: Various

Personality: Varies

Children: Research your breed

Other Animals: Research your breed

Activity Level: All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Functions Today:
Companions, hunting/retrieving

Original Function:
Hunting/retrieving

Personality: Usually outgoing and friendly. Most sporting dogs are bred to work closely with their handler, thereby increasing their ability to focus and take instruction from the handler.

Children: Generally good

Other Animals: Generally good

Activity Level: All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed. Research the individual breed. Many of these dogs are high-energy -- especially if they are bred from hunting stock rather than show stock.

Health Problems: Research your individual breeds. The larger dogs can have joint problems.

Comments: Although this can be true for other groups of dogs as well, in the sporting group especially a breed often tends to split between working dogs and show dogs. What this means is that buyers who intend to put their dog into the confirmation ring will tend to buy pups bred from stock that does well in the confirmation ring and, conversely, buyers who intend to work their dogs (either in trials or actual hunting) will buy pups from proven field dogs. There are usually specific differences between the two strains, often in the coat, length of ears, etc. The show dogs tend to make better house pets. Working dogs are usually very high energy, focused on what they are bred to do, and need a lot of exercise and a job to perform. You need to research your breed to find out what these differences are.

Functions Today: Usually companions, although some may still fulfill their original purpose.

Original Function:
Terriers were generally bred to hunt rodents and small mammals. Some, like the Pits, were bred to bait large livestock and/or fight other dogs.

Personality: Terriers tend to be tenacious and alert. They also like to dig. Generally, they don’t get along particularly well with other animals and small children, although, as with most dogs, early socializing will help.

Children: Only if well socialized

Other Animals: Only if well socialized

Activity Level: It varies with the dog, but because most terriers are small, it is easy to get them the exercise they need. All dogs who do not get the amount of exercise they require can become destructive and/or depressed.

Functions Today:
Companion

Original Function: It is difficult to generalize about companion dogs. Some were originally bred as companions, while others had an original purpose such as hunting or guarding. Some were bred to do both -- be a companion and a watchdog. You need to read up on the individual breed you are interested in.

Backyard Breeders

Actually, backyard breeders often have very good puppies. They’re usually well socialized to day-to-day household activities and other dogs. If the family has kids, they’re socialized to children as well.

Just be aware that backyard breeders are usually not aware of genetic problems within the breed and rarely have either the dog or the bitch checked for these problems. You certainly want to meet the mother, and check for any aggression or fear problems. Ideally, she’ll come up to you, sniff your hand, etc. If she shies away or growls, be cautious about the puppies. These are often inherited traits. If you can meet the father as well, that would be great, but it’s often not possible.

Backyard breeders often have mixed breed dogs, and they are usually a bargain. Certainly you’ll know who the mother is, and hopefully they’ll have a pretty good idea who the father is, so you can make a fairly well-informed decision.

Don't mistake a puppy mill for a backyard breeder.  Puppy mills are in the business of selling dogs; backyard breeders have a dog that they decided to breed.

Top Ten Reasons to Breed Your Dog

1. Thought the house was too orderly

2. Never did like having a full nights sleep

3. Wanted my vet to get a new BMW

4. Thought the furniture looked too nice

5. Love the sounds of puppies in the morning, noon, afternoon, evening, midnight, pre-dawn, etc.

6. Garden and backyard needed renovations, and didn't want to pay a gardener

7. Neighbors didn't complain enough

8. Kids weren't enough of a challenge

9. If you can train & show one dog, why not ten

10. Wanted to see if spouse really meant those vows

Obviously, the above reasons are in fun. Before breeding your dog, make sure you are making a wise decision.  If you are serious about breeding, you should know that breeding is not a good way to make money -- it will probably cost you more than you make if you do it properly.  Something else to think about is all the dogs that are currently in shelters and with rescue groups who need homes.

Special thanks to Ellen Morris who runs the DogHumor list and keeps Raising Canine and other dog lovers supplied with a steady stream of dog humor.

Contact Raising Canine

sue@raisingcanine.com

512-916-4007

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