Perhaps the dog is a dream, if not every adult, then certainly a child. Have you met a child who would not want such a shaggy friend? Of course, if you decide to buy a pet at the request of a child, the responsibility will fall entirely on your own shoulders. Well, if for myself personally, then even more so.
Now the question is: how to choose a dog breed? I will answer the question with questions: what do you expect from a dog? For what purpose do you need it? How much time can you devote to your pet? What size is your apartment?
Actually, there are a lot of questions. But answer at least these. Then the search circle will decrease significantly.
Let's say you just need a miniature friend in a small apartment. Then a lap-dog, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Toy Terrier, Pekingese, French Bulldog will do. They do not eat much, the toilet for the dog can be completely equipped at home (as well as for the cat), it takes up very little space, and a voice will certainly be served when an outsider appears on the landing. True, the grooming for each breed is different, since the structure of the wool is different for everyone.
If a dog is needed directly for work (for protection, a search of the area, etc.), it should definitely be dogs of service breeds: a shepherd dog, Doberman, Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, etc. The dimensions here, of course, are much larger, they eat a lot and they will arrange the toilet if there is insufficient walking themselves (for which you can not scold them if this is your fault). In addition, a serious dog will need a serious approach. Training is required here, otherwise it will be trouble. But then the return with a skillful approach will also be serious.
If you need an assistant in hunting, then, of course, you need to choose among the breeds of hunting. It can be like, hound, etc. It all depends on what kind of hunting functions a dog should perform. But training will also be required here: drills, engravings. You cannot go hunting with an unprepared dog, otherwise the irreparable can happen. The dog may be hit by a wild beast or get lost.
There is a category of dogs that, with their large dimensions, remain lifelong bumps all their lives, loving everyone around them, especially children: St. Bernards, "divers", and Siberian huskies.
Therefore, when deciding which dog to choose, be sure to study not only the exterior, but also the qualities inherent in the breed. Especially if the family already has children. Even the most peace-loving dog can show a grin and even bite a baby if he constantly hurts her. And the point here is not aggression at all, but self-defense. In the wild, even a hare who is considered cowardly is able to pounce on his enemy in despair, out of fear. Keep this in mind.
How to choose a dog?
Suppose you have decided on a breed. Now decide what gender the dog you need. Take into account: the bitch is more loyal and happens to hunt only during estrus (a couple of times a year, and sometimes once a year), while the male “wants” constantly: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The tendency to shoots in males is much higher than in females. The ability to train is affected not by the sex of the dog, but by the inherent qualities. In working dogs, parents (and grandparents, by the way, too) must have working diplomas of at least the third degree, and ideally the first. This applies to both service and hunting breeds.
Without documents, it is better not to buy a dog. The absence of a pedigree does not always mean that you will get a mongrel, but its presence is a good guarantee that the dog is purebred. I repeat: in each breed certain qualities are embedded, therefore behavior, character, intelligence, tendencies can be predicted to some extent. The mongrel is unpredictable. In no way does this mean that a purebred dog should not be taken. But this is always a risk. You must understand this. In addition, in purebred dogs, one can trace the genetics, presence or absence of some inherited diseases.
When choosing a dog, do not grab the largest one right away. This is far from an indicator of quality. Take your time. Watch. How do puppies behave? Are there cowardly or aggressive among them? The shaggy baby should be active, well-fed in moderation (but not with a swollen belly), with shiny hair and shiny eyes. Be sure to check if the puppy has a hernia, defects in its paws, ears, eyes. If the puppy is limping, immediately discard it, no matter what the breeders tell you.
How to choose a dog if you do not understand the pedigree features? If you plan to participate in exhibitions, take with you a person who understands the breed of your choice. Let him check the bite, putting his paws, exterior, the presence of testes (both) in the dog (if you decide to stay on the boy). Consider breed features. For example, a French bulldog is born with a short broken tail. A long (or cropped) tail will result in disqualification, and you can never offer your pet for breeding. It is very important that the chosen puppy will also like you.
How to choose a dog without seeing its parents, brothers and seters, grandparents? The answer is unequivocal: with greater risk if breeding is planned. Talk to the breeder. In reputable nurseries, this information is not hidden. Look what children grew up from past litters, what their successes and achievements are. Did they have any abnormalities and diseases. Try to trace the lines of mom and dad.
Which age is preferable? This decision will be up to you. Some prefer to raise their friend from a very young age. This has its advantages. You will know for sure what the puppy was eating, how it was sick, whether vaccinations were given, or whether it was glanced on time. In the end, taking the puppy still very small makes it easier to make contact with him. In any case, do not take the baby to you until he is at least a month old.
The adult dog goes to the new owner with his well-established character and habits. So, the approach to it may be more difficult to find. In addition, you do not know in what conditions the dog was raised. However, only in an adult dog both advantages and disadvantages are perfectly visible. Especially in the exterior. And this is extremely important if the dog is taken for the purpose of breeding. Therefore, if you have confidence that you are able to cope with such a dog - take it.
And a few more important tips on how to choose a dog. When picking up the puppy, specify how it was fed. Stick to the same diet and schedule at home, otherwise you will “tear” the baby’s stomach. Change food gradually, as well as switch to dry food. Find out if deworming has been performed (should be). Purebred, high-breed puppies should be accompanied by the so-called little puppy (document of origin) with a wet seal, contacts of the dog organization and the breeder himself. Ask the owner for a printout of the feeding and vaccination schedule (if he does not give it himself). And be sure to take a phone number. You may need to consult him more than once.