The Best Dog for You

You've made the big decision: your life isn't complete without a dog. But now comes the hard part - which dog? And will that be a crossbreed (the polite term for mutt) or a purebred? Believe it or not, there are 150 distinct breeds, each with its own special appeal, officially recognized by The Canadian Kennel Club. Hundreds more are acknowledged by kennel clubs throughout the world.

Learn all you can about the breeds you like and he honest with yourself when making your decision. Don't get a breed which requires a lot of exercise if you're not prepared to give it. Don't buy a breed that needs extensive grooming if the very thought makes you tired. And don't buy an active, inquisitive dog if you'd really prefer a placid sort.

Since the various breeds have been genetically 'directed' to look and act the same for generation after generation, when you buy a purebred you have a very good idea how he'll turn out: size, personality and dominant instincts (such as hunting). If you want a dog to be a calm and gentle companion, for instance, do some research and find out which breeds are known for those qualities. The same goes for finding a dog to be a tracking or retrieving pal.

The Calgary Humane Society can offer a wide variety of dogs from which to choose. Often crossbreeds carry the charm and appeal of two or more breeds with a dilution of the undesirable characteristics of each of those breeds. Besides, the dog that looks like a random sampling has uniqueness all his own. You can also find a purebred dog at the Society – almost 40% of the animals they take in are purebreds. Or, you may decide that an older dog is ideal for you. Here you have the opportunity to see the 'finished product' and judge whether he's the one for you.

Obviously, knowledge of his history and background will vary. It is important to talk to people at the shelter about a dog that interests you and how they feel he will meet your needs and expectations. Ask for their assistance and be prepared to make several visits before you find the "Right One." Most dogs that are available for adoption at a shelter are the victims of irresponsible owners. The time and effort required to give an animal a second chance can result tremendous satisfaction and a very special love -- both from and for the dog.

Don't buy on impulse. The sad eyed puppy in the window of the store may tug at your heart, remember that once that first thrill is over, you may regret that your head did not overrule your heart. This is not fair to the dog or you. Humane societies are all too familiar with the impulsive buyer. Too often, "That Doggie In The Window" ends up at our shelters.

Four on the Floor
If your choice is a purebred pup, you should take advantage of all the 'known factors' and really try to match up your lifestyle to the breed. And remember, you're buying the dog the puppy will be - not just an adorable pup.

Selecting your breed is a bit like deciding which vehicle to buy sports car, economy sedan, station wagon, van, pick-up, limousine or motor home. Only you can't test drive a puppy. You have to analyze your own preferences, lifestyle, living space, hobbies and time. Some breeds take hours of brushing each week - not doing it can be un-healthy for the dog (and look a bit disreputable).

There are very few breeds which don't shed. Are you prepared to calmly remove hair from your navy sweater (and guests' dark suits) and to vacuum the rug almost daily? Incidentally, some breeds are termed non-allergenic because they shed very little. If you suspect allergy problems, you should probably test yourself and family for possible reaction to the breed you're considering. (It's actually a dog's 'dander' not his hair which irritates allergies, but the more a dog sheds, the more dander is spread around.) Is a toy breed like a papillon or Italian greyhound likely to be too fragile for your rough-and-tumble youngsters? Do you have sufficient space (or inclination) to exercise a dog like a greyhound, whippet or borzoi? Would an active, vocal dog like some of the terrier breeds strain neighbourly relations? On a financial note, large dogs eat more. (Prices for different breeds, though, aren't related to size.)

A Living 'Yellow Pages'
A great way to see a whole lot of breeds is by visiting a dog show. It's a veritable supermarket of breeds. You can also ask questions of the owners. (Just don't start a conversation when they're trying to get their dog to the show ring. You won't win any points, either, by mussing the dog's coat with a friendly pat when the owner has spent hours getting every hair in place.) Ask about temperament, exercise, grooming, feeding and hereditary problems. A veterinarian is another source of information about care and feeding as are the many books at your library, book store and pet supply store on dogs and dog care.

Breeds seem to go through cycles of popularity. When Rin Tin Tin ruled Hollywood, everyone wanted a German shepherd. There's certainly nothing wrong with that, but a word of warning - some people try to take advantage of such demand, and either knowingly or unwittingly don't spend the care in breeding that they should, just so they can quickly turn out more pups.

A reputable breeder is a good source for a purebred puppy. Most breeders really love their particular breed - it's their hobby, not their business - and are concerned about its reputation and welfare. They want to see their pups placed in the most suitable homes, and know that you'll be an understanding and responsible owner. And if they don't think you should have their breed of dog, they may suggest you'd be happier with another.

There was a Saint Bernard breeder who kept a large water bowl by the kitchen door when folks came to look at his dogs. The Saints would lumber in and greet guests with dripping muzzle, occasionally giving a good shake and sending a shower in all directions. "That's Saints for you," he'd tell the prospective puppy purchaser. "If it's warm, they drool. And when they drink, they drip everywhere. If you can't live with that, you don't want a Saint."

Pink or Blue?
Once you've made up your mind as to which breed is the one for you, you have still another decision to make. Shall it be a male or female? Some folks think of females as more affectionate, and males more aggressive – but these are really individual qualities, rather than sex-linked.

Actually, although the male may be a little larger in size and/or weight the only real distinction between the two sexes is sex. Females go through a cycle that normally causes them to be ready for mating every six months. At that time, the female exudes an odour which draws males like a magnet. If the lady's allowed outdoors, even for a few carefully supervised minutes, prospective suitors will be panting up to the porch, decorating the doorway, flying over the fences, staring soulfully into windows and generally cluttering up the place for a week or more. Male dogs will forsake their hearth and home for love unless confined or neutered.

Many of the canine coquettes are just as anxious for an affair as their gentleman callers and will brazenly slip out for a forbidden tryst if given the slightest opportunity.

Think about 'family planning' as soon as you choose your dog. Humane societies are forced to euthanize hundreds of thousands of unwanted dogs and cats every year. There are many real advantages to having your pet spayed or neutered and you owe it to your dog and yourself to consider them carefully.

When Buying a Dog. . .
You should ask:

1. How big is this puppy likely to grow?
2. How much exercise will he need?
3. How much grooming is necessary? Will he shed?
4. Is this breed comfortable indoors, like most dogs, or should he live outside, where it's cooler?
5. May I meet his mother and father?
6. What is the temperament of the grown dog?
7. Does this breed bark a lot?
8. Does this breed train easily?
9. Is this breed suitable for children?
10. What is the usual life span in this breed?
11. Are there any congenital defects prevalent in this breed?
12. What shots has this puppy had so far?
13. Has the puppy been wormed?
14. What is the pup being fed?
15. Are there restrictions on breeding?
16. Has the pup (if a purebred) been registered with the Canadian Kennel Club?
17. Where has the pup been raised (ie: inside the home, barn, etc.)? How much human contact has the pup had?

You should answer:

1. Why do you want this type of dog?
2. Have you owned dogs before? If so, what kind and what happened to them?
3. Do you have children and, if so, how old are they?
4. Are you likely to enroll your dog in obedience training?
5. Are you interested in showing your dog?
6. Are you thinking of breeding your dog?
7. Are you agreeable to signing a non-breeding contract?
8. Do you have a fenced-in yard or other suitable spot to exercise the dog?
9. Do you have the time to groom, train, exercise and care for a dog?
10. Does everyone in your family want a dog?
11. Do you realize a dog lives for years? Are you committed?
12. Have you carefully considered how a dog will fit into your lifestyle?