So you’ve finally decided to get a dog! Firstly, hearty congratulations on the imminent expansion of your family.
That said, what breed of dog are you planning to introduce into your life?
In many cases, new owners choose breeds based on mere appearances without doing proper research into their compatibility. This often results in them giving away their dogs because they were too much to handle or were far less exciting than they expected.
Dogs are not all alike and just because one breed is easy to train, it does not mean all of the dogs in this breed are. So how can you tell which dog would best suit your household? Here’s a handy guide.
1. If you have children
Children can be quite the handful to manage, and introducing a dog into the family will add to your list of responsibilities.
At the same time, a dog can be a good educational tool. Taking care of a dog teaches children to be responsible, cooperative and kind.
Dogs are also more than capable of being playmates to your children, so you can take your eye off them every now and then.
In general, you want an older dog of a gentle and patient breed. Bulldogs and Dachshunds are often listed as kid-friendly dogs, while Labrador Retrievers are known to be highly protective of their young humans.
2. If you have a sedentary lifestyle
Exercise is for the foolish, some say. The greatest joy in life is to sit back on the couch and do absolutely nothing.
Homely pet owners have little reason to venture into the outside world, and their dogs have to be happy to stay indoors with them. These dogs are often the least energetic of their species, requiring minimal walks and activities.
The great thing about these dogs is that they are low-maintenance, and as long as you feed and care for them, they will do fine on the sofa beside you.
Given its sleepy demeanour, the Basset Hound is often cited to be the best dog for couch potatoes, with the Shih Tzu and Pug being acceptable alternatives.
3. If you lead an active lifestyle
For every couch potato, there is a sports buff who wants a four-legged running partner. Athletes hoping to get a dog will want one that is energetic enough to keep pace.
There are numerous dogs that will appreciate the exercise and will be more than happy to let out their boundless energy through physical activity.
As a general rule, breeds that have a history of serving as working dogs will fit the bill.
Among these are Huskies – ever hankering to pull sleds like they used to – and Border Collies, for whom the whole world is their farm and every human, their sheep to be herded.
4. If you have limited space
Malaysians are not averse to living in high-rises instead of landed property. Given the current real-estate situation, it isn’t hard to see why.
Still, if you do not have the luxury of a house with a big compound, it does not mean you can’t open your home to a dog.
Of course, big-sized dogs like hounds and mastiffs would be impractical. Hence, small dogs are the way to go, and it also helps if they are of the quiet sort to avoid causing trouble with the neighbours.
Spaniels and Bulldogs often hit the mark as small, silent breeds. Shih Tzus and Malteses, too, are often content with living and playing in a living room rather than an open compound.
5. If you are a senior citizen
Dog ownership is not something that is restricted to the young. Senior citizens will find that owning a dog has its own fair share of benefits.
It is important to find a dog that is suited to a senior’s way of life, particularly in terms of energy levels and trainability. For this reason, smaller and older dogs that have previously been house-trained are a better fit for older people.
A senior citizen would also be better off with a dog that does not have too many grooming requirements that can be physically straining.
Corgis and Pugs are good options due to their love for the indoors. If you are looking for bigger breeds, Greyhounds and Retrievers are often up to the task.