The Right Dog For You
Deciding what kind of dog to get is as important as deciding whether
to get a dog in the first place. The AKC recognizes over 150 different
breeds of dog, and each of these breeds has its own unique temperament,
appearance, activity level and set of needs. You should do some serious
and careful research to determine which breed of dog is right for you
and your family. Here are some things to consider:
Temperament
You're going to be living with this dog for a long time, so you
need to make sure he has a personality you can live with. Do you want
a dog that is active, or subdued? A dog that is easily trained, or strong-willed?
A dog that is friendly to everyone he meets, or one that loyal to family
but aloof toward strangers? A dog that needs a lot of attention from family
members, and lots of activity to prevent him from becoming bored and destructive,
or a dog that is content to be left alone for periods of time during the
day?
Size
All little puppies are adorable, of course, but they grow quickly-and
some of them grow a lot. Find out how large-in height and weight-that
cute puppy will become before you bring him home. Remember that larger
dogs require more food and space-is your yard or living room big
enough to meet his needs? And keep in mind that some little dogs still
need lots of room to run around and burn off energy.
Coat/Grooming Needs
All dogs need to be groomed regularly to stay healthy and clean; most
dogs will shed. But some dogs shed profusely all year round; some shed
in clumps for a few weeks; some dogs shed only a little bit. Long-coated
dogs are beautiful to look at, but require a lot of effort to stay that
way. Short-coated dogs are easier to care for, but may still shed, and
may require protection in cold or wet weather. Dogs with fancy trims may
need professional grooming. Decide how much dog hair you're willing
to put up with, and how much time and energy you can afford, when you're
deciding which breed is right for you.
Male or Female
In general, there is no significant difference in temperament between
male and female dogs. If you are getting a dog for a pet, you will want
to have your dog spayed or neutered, which will eliminate most minor differences
anyway. If you plan to show or breed your dog, you must be vigilant about
preventing unwanted breedings by keeping your intact male safely confined
to your house or yard, and by keeping your intact female away from other
dogs when she comes into heat twice yearly.
Puppy or Adult
The advantage of getting a puppy-aside from its irresistible cuteness-is
that you can raise it by yourself from the beginning, and participate
in its training and socialization every step of the way. The disadvantage
is that training a puppy requires a great deal of time and patience. Busy
families should keep in mind that puppies cannot be left alone for more
than a few hours at a time. They need plenty of trips outside, frequent
meals, and lots of interaction with people. Adult dogs-whether purchased
directly from a breeder or adopted from a rescue group-can be ideal
for people who want a dog with fewer needs. Mature dogs tend to be calmer;
some are already house-trained and know some basic obedience.
Health
Some breeds may be prone to hereditary diseases or conditions. Many breeds can be screened for certain conditions, such as hip or eye problems; this certification should be available to you when you go to look at a puppy. Being educated about the health considerations of your chosen breed can help you to avoid or alleviate future problems.
Pet Health Insurance
Being a responsible owner means considering your dog's lifelong health care needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog. It is sensible to consider planning for these. The AKCsm Pet Healthcare Plans* are available in 50 states to US residents and offer a way to budget for emergency health situations that may cost thousands of dollars in veterinarian fees, lab tests, x-rays and prescriptions. Under the Wellness Plans, you can spread the costs of important preventive care as well.
In addition, for newly registered puppies with the AKC, there is a Complimentary 60-Day Trial AKCsm Pet Healthcare Plan, worth $45, providing coverage up to $1,500 ($500/incident) against accidents (from day one) and illnesses (from day 31) at no cost or obligation to the owner. Details about this special complimentary benefit will be sent to you shortly after registration. You have 28 days to activate it. At the end of the trial plan, you will be send details on how to continue coverage with one of the affordable annual plans that cover accidents and illnesses, with options for preventive care too, if you choose.
*Available to US residents, provided by PetPartners, Inc and underwritten by Markel Insurance Company, rated 'A Excellent' for financial strength by A. M. Best Company.
Start Your Search
Have you made a checklist of the characteristics you're looking for?
Go to our Alphabetical
List of Breeds to start your search for the right dog for you!
You may also consider visiting an All-Breed Dog Show. This will give you
an opportunity to view firsthand virtually every breed recognized by the
American Kennel Club. In addition to seeing a variety of dogs, you will
have a chance to talk with dedicated breeders, people concerned with the
welfare and advancement of their chosen breed. You can learn a lot from
these knowledgeable and dedicated folks, who can also lead you to breeders
of the particular breed in the area. Go to our Event Search to find an upcoming
event in your area.
