GIVEN that a healthy, well-cared-for dog can live for 15 years, it’s important that you choose a breed carefully. By comparing how different breeds will fit your lifestyle and your needs – both now and in the future – you can make a sensible decision that will give you years of enjoyment and companionship.

LIFESTYLE

The first thing to consider is your existing lifestyle, and what type of dog will suit it best. If you have children or grandchildren (or plan to have them in the future) then you need to go for a breed that tolerates children.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog, largely because they enjoy a reputation as a good family pet and get very attached to their owners. Of course, this means that they can develop separation anxiety if there is no one with them for large chunks of the day, resulting in destructive behaviour. If the house is empty throughout the working day, a Labrador is not an appropriate breed.

THE DOG’S ROLE

It’s also important to think about the role that you expect a dog to fill in your family or working life. For example, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal choice as a companion dog.

However, if you want a dog that would alert you if someone was breaking into your house or yard, that breed would be more likely to befriend the intruder than sound the alarm. Some dogs thrive on activities and being busy, others aren’t as active and would prefer a more sedentary lifestyle.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • A false assumption that many first-time owners make is that, the bigger a dog is, the more exercise they need. This is not always necessarily true. For example, Greyhounds only need a small amount of exercise compared to a physically smaller Jack Russell Terrier. The dog that is properly fed and given a good walk or run every day will keep him, and probably you, in good shape and help to avoid the problems associated with putting on too much weight. It has been observed by both medical and veterinary experts that fat dogs often have overweight owners! There is nothing like taking the dog out for a walk for keeping yourself trim – mentally as well as physically.
  • An awareness of a dog’s training needs is also useful – the intelligent and eager-to-please Labrador requires comparatively less work than more challenging or less intelligent animals.
  • Don’t forget to also consider issues such as the cost of dog ownership, registration, and legal requirements. Avoid taking on a dog with higher needs than you can meet – it won’t benefit either you or the animal.
  • Trained dogs are a joy to own and repay the time and effort made by their owners many times over. You should start teaching your puppy as soon as he joins your household.
  • Dog ownership is subject to more laws than you think. Every dog, while in a public place, must wear a collar bearing the name and address of its owner.
  • The owner of a dog which causes an accident or does serious damage is liable, so it is wise to have him insured both for veterinary fees and third party risks. Some household policies already cover owners against risks arising from their animals. Check if yours does.
  • Dogs need companionship, preferably yours for as much of the day as you can manage. If you have to leave your dog alone regularly for short periods it might be better to have two dogs to keep each other company.

    • Choosing the right dog is a case of balancing priorities, making educated predictions about the future, and doing your research. All that time will be worth it, though, for a pet your family will cherish.

    12 Golden rules of dog ownership

    1. Train your dog in elementary obedience so that he is under control at all times.

    2. Feed your dog at regular times and do not give tit-bits between meals.

    3. Feed your dog from his own dish, which must be kept apart from those of the human family and washed up separately.

    4. Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near a road, or where they are not yet familiarised with other animals.

    5. Do not allow your dog to foul pavements, buildings, lawns and gardens or open spaces where children play. Always clear up after them.

    6. Do not allow your dog to be noisy and disturb neighbours.

    7. Provide your dog with its own bed.

    8. Never take your dog into a food shop.

    9. Keep your dog clean and regularly groomed.

    10. Register your pet as a patient and yourself as a client with a veterinary surgeon of your choice. Do not wait for an emergency.

    11. If you do not wish your dog to have puppies you should obtain advice from your veterinary surgeon.

    12. Make proper arrangements for the care of your pet when you are going on holiday.