subject: Pedigree Dog – Should I Buy One? [print this page] Buying a puppy or an adult dog is one of the most important purchases of a lifetime. You will be assuming control of another creature's life and you are, in effect, buying a new member of the family. But what sort of dog should you buy?
Because it is such an important decision, it is a good idea to consult your family, from the youngest to the eldest, for every one will bear some responsibility in different areas of the dog's life. Children should be closely involved as the lessons they learn from dog ownership now will help them to be more caring to animals and humans later on in their adult life.
There is a breed of dog that is suitable for every one. Although it will take some research to discover which one is deal for you, all the effort will be worthwhile. Your first consideration is where you live and the size and style of your home. All dogs love freedom and are suitable for country living, with the exception of only some very small heavy-coated breeds, but not all dogs are suited to city life. It would be wrong
to condemn a large dog, such as a St Bernard, Great Dane or any of the large Hounds, to life in a small inner-city apartment, but dogs, being what they are, would learn to adapt to the life. However, the fact remains that it would not be fair and would almost certainly lead to problems, particularly regarding the dog's behaviour and temperament.
Pedigree dogs are classified according to the type of work they perform. The groups are as follows:
Gundog group
Hound group
Working group
Terrier group
Toy group
Pastoral group
Utility group
If you live in a development where houses are quite close together, your neighbors must be respected. They have the right to peace and quiet, and a breed that is inclined to yap or bark is not suitable. Nor do you want a breed that has the reputation of being aggressive to other dogs and too defensive of its owner. Unfortunately, not everyone likes dogs, and therefore it is not wise to introduce an element into your life which will bring unnecessary aggravation.
Next, consider your own attitudes; if you are a very tidy person, a dog with a thick double coat which tends to moult heavily would soon become a source of irritation. He would require daily grooming but would you have the time to do this? There are other considerations, too, concerning your lifestyle. Do you work and are you away from the house for long periods? Is a member of the family willing and able to walk the dog at least twice a day?
Who will be responsible for feeding him and making sure that fresh water is always available? Have you considered the costs of owning a dog? There will not only be food to buy but also equipment such as bedding, bowls, a collar and lead, toys and treats, not to mention vet's bills, pet insurance and fees for training and socialization classes if you get a puppy rather than an adult dog.
Owning a dog can be rewarding and you will receive many happy years of companionship and affection from your canine pals. Stroking and playing with dogs reduces stress in many people.
