A special thank you to Royal Canin for sponsoring today’s post. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, but all opinions are my own. Royal Canin is not responsible for the content of this article.
Getting a dog is a huge commitment. When you purchase or adopt, you’re not just promising to love that dog for the moment, but for their entire life, which includes vet visits, exercise, and nutrition. If you’re considering getting a dog and aren’t sure which one is right for you, consider these factors, as brought to us by the American Kennel Club :
Size. Try to think long-term on this one, after all, puppies will eventually grow. How big will that dog get? Do your living arrangements have restrictions on size or weight? Are you moving in the near future to a place that might have such restrictions? If so, you might want to stick with a smaller dog. If not, consider larger breeds, but remember, they’ll require more food and a larger space to exercise. No matter what size dog you select, be sure to consider breed-specific diets from Royal Canin™ to provide your dog with the best overall nutrition possible.
Energy Level. Every dog breed was designed for a specific purpose to fill a specific need. Some breeds are known for being energetic, working dogs who need a job, while others are known for being a little lazy. Do a little research on your preferred breed before you fall in love with them. Of course, not all dogs will fit into their given breed description, but this little bit of research should get you on the right track.
I won’t lie, I learned this one the hard way. When I got my dog Maddie I was really looking for an easy-going, lazy dog, but instead got a dog that could run for hours without tiring. Turns out, doing a little bit of research on her breed would have revealed this. While I’ve never regretted my decision to adopt Maddie, I sure wish I had done my homework before I got her. I would have been a better, more prepared pet parent.
Age. Let’s face it, puppies are adorable, but they’re also a ton of work. Leash training, crate training, potty training…there’s so much training to be done and not all families have that kind of time. When I adopted Maddie, I knew that a puppy wasn’t for me. I needed a dog that could be left alone while I was at work and was already potty trained, so I looked for an older dog and found 2 year old Maddie. Before picking up that cute puppy, consider whether you’re able to be home for frequent walks and feedings. If not, consider a dog that might be a little older and have fewer needs.
Temperament. If you have small children, you must consider a dog’s temperament. Temperament can vary from dog to dog, but there are breeds that make great family dogs. To make sure that your dog has the right temperament, try to spend as much time as you can with your dog before committing to purchase or adoption. This will help insure they’re the right fit for your family.
Coat. Keeping your dog well groomed is important part of keeping them healthy. Some dogs shed more than others and if dog hair drives you crazy, really have to consider this point. Are you willing and able to take your dog to the groomer regularly? If so, a long haired dog might be right for you. If not, consider a short-haired dog, but remember, they’ll still require regular baths and the occasional clipping.
To learn more about dog breeds and find the one that fits your family best, be sure to check out the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin on Hallmark Channel. Dog shows are meant to determine which dogs are most suitable for the purpose for which they were bred, and should contribute to the gene pools of their breeds. How well a dog matches its breed standard will determine how well the dog places.
Photo Credit: Mark Jordan
This three-hour special premiering on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6-9p.m. ET/PT, will feature America’s most beloved dog breeds and be anchored by AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo and sportscaster Jason Knapp. There will even be a special appearance by celebrity Jerry O’Connell!
Photo Credit: Michael Simon
Join me at 3p.m. to chat about the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin on Hallmark Channel and win some great prizes at the #RoyalCaninDogShow Twitter Party! RSVP here!
