Picking the Perfect Pooch

13 Aug by Debbie June Rickman Laughlin

As a pet sitting professional over the years I have found that families have asked me to help them pick the perfect pooch for them.  Here is a formula and a link to help aid you in picking the perfect pooch..

I hope before you go out, adopt or buy the first four-legged furry that you see and you are attracted to, you should know that different dog breeds have vastly different needs and personalities. It is important you choose a breed that fits your lifestyles and lives with your personality or you and the dog will just be miserable for as long as you are together.  There are some online tests you can take which can help determine which dog breed fits you best and you can also read on below for some general suggestions.

Looking for a best friend?

There are just some dogs that were bred to be with people and make them happy. These are known as companion dogs. These dogs have one goal in life and that is to be as close and spend as much time as possible with their humans. If you work long hours at the office and are away on business for days or weeks at a time, don’t get these dogs. Some of the most popular dogs for this category are:

• Bulldog
• Yorkshire terrier
• French bulldog
• Pug
• Pomeranian

Want a keen and watchful eye?

Herding dogs relish herding sheep and cattle and even if they aren’t out in the open helping their owners with this task, their protective instincts work for the good of their family. These dogs are very smart and make for perfect guard dogs. They are agile and active which make them perfect for sports and are a whole lot of fun. Popular breeds include:

• Australian shepherd
• German shepherd
• Bearded collie
• Pembroke welsh corgi
• Collie
• Entlebucher mountain dog

Reliable but independent pooches

These scent and sight hounds make for the most obedient buddies. Sight hounds are known to be alert and agile while scent hounds are extremely reliable and super intelligent. These dogs are very obedient especially if they are trained properly.  Some popular breeds include:

• Basenji
• Beagle
• Basset hound
• Dachshund
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Greyhound

The dog with a plan

Some dog breeds were just made for hard work. They will pull sleds and they will use their noses to look for pests and for search and rescue missions. They are happiest when putting their considerable skills to good use. They are known for their courage and intelligence but they also have a silly side that makes them fun to be with. If you are to opt for these dogs, you need to make sure the home is structured, positive leadership roles are set and training is available at all times. Popular dog choices include:

• Boxer
• Akita
• Doberman pincher
  
• Siberian husky
• Rottweiler

There is a dog for every individual and you need to look carefully if you are to bring home a dog. Active individuals will want companions that can swim hike, and jog with them. Dogs like Labrador retrievers, pointers, and cocker spaniels will work out for the best. Folks who prefer spritely dogs overflowing with personality will love terriers as these little guys are smart, spunky, and occasionally sneaky. Some terriers you will want to consider are the bull terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and American Pit Bull terrier just to name a few.

 If you have a dog and are thinking about adding another pooch to the household be sure to read http://housecalls4pet.com/adding-another-dog/.

Did you know that approximately 4 million adoptable dogs and cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation?  Have you thought about adoption?

 Thank you for reading my post I hope you share and add to the post!

Debbie June Rickman Laughlin

Have you checked out the Pet Yellow Pages?

http://housecalls4pet.com/category/pet-yellow-pages/pet-adoption-and-spay/