Choosing a Compatible Family Dog

How To Make a Good Choice

When choosing a family pet there are many factors to take into consideration but especially so when choosing a dog. Some factor's I will touch on here, but you may have others to take into consideration.

Factors such as:

1. Where you live - Do you live in an apartment which is small in size or a house with a backyard where space is not an issue and there is plenty of room for the dog to run.
2. Breed - What type of dog will suit your lifestyle ie would I like an energetic or docile pet; whether your dog will be kept indoors or outside.
3. Where to Buy your Dog - Will you go to a pet shop for your dog or a breeder or shelter, and how much you are willing to pay for the initial cost and ongoing costs such as food, dog wash, heart worm and flea treatments, yearly vaccinations and vet costs if your dog should become ill.
4. Temperament - And of course the dog's temperament is an all important factor as it is most important to match the dog of your choice with the age and ability of the people who are most likely to care for it.
5. Time - Do you have time to take care of your pet? Pet's need food, water and shelter to survive but they also need love, care, exercise and play time.

Beloved Pet's

Several years ago or more our family went through the exercise of choosing another family dog. Our beloved scotch Collie had died a few years previously and we had had her in the family for over ten years and she had been really special to all of us in so many ways. And when she died sadly and unexpectedly, we buried her down the bottom of our garden in a burial ceremony fitting for a much loved family member with each family member telling a story about how much she meant to them.

For many years after she died none of us could contemplate replacing our beloved dog with another, vowing that none could be as sweet and loving natured, and fit the family as well as our Bonnie.

But time heals all wounds so they say and it soon became apparent that the family were ready for another family dog and fell in love at first sight with a big brown eyed floppy eared, adorable little puppy. After much research and visit's to pet shops and breeders we decided upon a King Charles Cavalier as the right breed for our families situation, and five years later we love our little dog as much as we did when we first saw him.

If you are looking for a dog as a pet it might be worth considering one of the following dog breeds.

1. King Charles Cavalier

Although most information is speculative it is thought that the dogs originated in England and were bred as toy dogs serving as companions for ladies at court in the time of Elizabeth the 1st.

Appearance: They are a small breed of dog and have a sweet round shape face, big brown eyes and soft floppy ears and is the ultimate "cute" dog. There are four coat colours, Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tri-colour (black, white and tan), black and tan, and ruby (solid red).

The Cavalier makes a loyal, friendly, and obedient family pet. Many are chosen simply because they are a very lovable and affectionate breed of dog, great with kids, their temperament is calm and even as they don't snap or bite. They love companionship, and are happy and eager for human company and touch and if kept in the house will happily curl up beside you on the couch or on their special spot on the floor or rug. Easy to train they are great to take walking as most of these spaniels are energetic and love their walks and are also perfect for small yards and can play happily with an assortment of toys in the back yard if left on their own.

2. Scotch Collie

Appearance: The typical Lassie dog is without doubt a beautiful looking canine species with their long hair and pretty face, but it's their faithfulness, loyalty and gentle nature to it's owner that sets them apart as a worthwhile choice of dog.There are three coat colors; the 'Lassie' color of Sable and White; Tricolor which is a combination of Sable, White and Black and the Merle which is a mottled grey color. Their coat which is long and luxurious needs to be washed and brushed regularly and they do tend to loose quiet a bit of hair but the breed itself does not require extensive care as they are a hardy farm animal.

Like the Cavalier from England the Scotch Collie originated from Scotland and were bred primarily for herding sheep and cattle.

The Collie is a great choice of dog especially for families with children as it also has an even temperament and is not nervous or high strung; shows no aggression and is eager to please their owner and is a very faithful and loving companion. And although it is a mid to large breed of dog it is an ideal pet for apartment living with it's gentle and calm disposition.

So these are my two recommendations of a breed of dog for a family as I have had both and have been extremely happy with both choices.

But whatever your choice of dog, take your time to choose the best breed for your situation and do your research well, what suits one family may not be right for another and don't rush your decision because a dog is a long term commitment and with the right choice will bring years of love, companionship, and fun.