What is the Best Type of Dog For Me?

The best type of dog for you is one that fits into your life. Here are some things you should consider:

How much money do I have? Large dogs eat a whole lot more than small dogs, and will therefore need a much bigger food budget. For example, my German Shepherd eats about six cups of dog food per day. On the other hand, my beagle only eats one cup per day. Heartworm medication, shots, crates, beds, and spay/neuter costs also get more expensive as the dog gets bigger.

Also, dogs who need the monthly (or even more frequent) services of a professional groomer are going to cost a lot more than dogs with short coats that can be maintained at home by weekly brushing and a bath only when they need one. A lot of the small breeds have long coats that require professional grooming, and the fees are about what you'd pay for someone to cut your hair!

How much time do I have? If you don't have the time to potty train a puppy, consider adopting an adult dog from your local rescue. Puppies also require a lot more play, exercise, and obedience training time than an adult. Hounds, like beagles, and herding dogs, like Border Collies or German Shepherds, need a lot of long walks and exercise. Great Danes and Basset Hounds, on the other hand, need minimal exercise and prefer to spend their time sleeping on your couch. You might want to consider getting more than one dog if you're away all day -- two dogs can keep each other company, and they can also entertain each other!

How much room do I have? Smaller dogs tend to do well in smaller homes, and larger dogs in larger homes. If you're walking your dog on a daily basis, though, yard size doesn't really matter. Decide now if your dog is going to be allowed on the furniture (mine are), and choose a dog that will leave you some room on your sofa!

How experienced am I? There are some breeds, like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, who are excellent dogs for first-time dog owners. Other breeds, like Australian Cattle Dogs and Bull Terriers are real handfuls, and are better off in a home where the owner is more experienced and can provide a consistent, firm, yet loving environment.

Are there children in my life? And how old are they? Our daughter was very late learning how to walk, because our Great Dane was so big and so clumsy that he kept knocking her down. Small dogs often fear the rough handling of a small child who doesn't know any better, and can bite or snap -- justifiably so! Border Collies are great with pre-teens who have a lot of energy for romps in the backyard, but they can bond to one person above the rest of the family, or "pack." Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs -- once they grow out of their own puppy stage, which can take up to five years. If you don't mind another adolescent in the house, then get a lab! Also, if you get a dog from a rescue, be sure to ask its foster family how the dog is around children. Some rescue dogs have suffered terrible abuse, and if their abuser was roughly the same age as your child, you'd be better off choosing another dog.

Once you've considered all these questions carefully, I suggest you visit the American Kennel Club's website, www.akc.org, and read up on the breed or breed you're considering. Good luck!