Just like humans, all animals have their own type of personality. One puppy from a litter might have an entirely different personality from its siblings in the same litter. It’s amazing how that works, right? Well, while having the confident feeling that you’re ready for a new dog can be great, especially hunting around online for a new dog, you still need to keep in mind that you can’t just immediately choose any dog.
Even if there’s one that’s super adorable and it’s a dog breed you’ve always wanted cause of their cuteness, there are still some characteristics that you absolutely need to look out for. So, when you’re choosing a family dog, here are the characteristics that you need to think about!
What’s Their Temperament Like?
The temperament of a dog is a crucial factor, especially when considering a family pet. You’ll need to look for breeds or individual dogs known for their friendly, gentle, and adaptable nature- a lab puppy is a fantastic example of this! A good family dog should be patient, tolerant, and comfortable around children, displaying an even temperament in various situations.
Think About Their Size
You might want to consider the size of the dog in relation to your living space and family members. Larger breeds may be better suited to homes with ample space, while smaller breeds or medium-sized dogs are often more adaptable to apartment living. They need to be happy, just as much as you and your family plan to be happy around them. So, you’ll need to ensure that the size of the dog aligns with the comfort and safety of everyone in the family.
What Sort of Energy Levels are You Wanting?
Some pet owners absolutely love it when their dog is a giant ball of energy, while others just want a dog that’s calm 24/7. So, what sort of lifestyle does your family have? How active are you all? How much time in a day do you spend at home? So, the energy level of a dog is a critical consideration, especially for families with young children or those who are active.
You have to keep in mind that some dogs require more exercise and mental stimulation than others. So, you’ll need to choose a dog with an energy level that matches your family’s lifestyle, ensuring a happy and well-balanced relationship.
How About Trainability?
Ideally, you’ll need to opt for a dog that is known for its trainability, particularly if you have young children. There are some breeds that are eager to please and respond pretty well to training and make the integration process smoother. Plus, a trainable dog not only adapts to household rules but also fosters a positive and cooperative environment within the family. There are some dogs that are just known for being completely stubborn and can be hard to train, like a Chow Chow, so do you have the patience and time to train them?
What About the Grooming Requirements?
If you’ve always dreamt of getting a long-haired dog, but you do not want to deal with the hassle of grooming or even painting for a pet groomer, then it’s best to look into a new breed to get. So, you’ll have to take into account the grooming needs of different breeds. Some dogs have minimal grooming requirements, while others may need regular brushing, trimming, or professional grooming.
In general, it’s just best to get a dog whose grooming needs match the time and effort your family can commit to maintaining their coat and overall hygiene. Grooming isn’t just about aesthetics, but it’s about their skin health, too, just like for humans.
Don’t Forget About Age
For the average family they usually want a puppy because they’re cute, silly, and so curious. It’s not hard to see why, but even with puppies, there’s a lot of work that needs to go into taking care of one. No matter the breed, puppies in general, require extensive training and attention, making them a better fit for families with the time and dedication to invest in early development. Older dogs, on the other hand, may be a suitable choice for families seeking a more settled and predictable companion.
Health History
Another thing you might want to consider is the history of the health too, especially if it’s a grown dog. If you’re adopting from a shelter, most shelters will give you the information that they’re currently aware of. They’ll do tests usually on the dog, and if they see potential mental health issues, they’ll inform you about that, too.
When it comes to breeders, a reputable breeder is going to sell only healthy dogs, none with disabilities. Reputable ones, at least, are going to be completely transparent, and they’ll even provide paperwork, too. Understanding the health background of your potential family dog helps you anticipate and address any future healthcare needs.
Think About Social Compatibility
Something else you might want to consider is the social compatibility of the dog with your family members and any other pets you may have. Some dogs thrive in social environments, while others may prefer a more solitary lifestyle. To a degree, it depends on the breed, but how the dog was raised is going to matter, too. So, you’ll need to assess the dog’s behaviour during interactions with family members and other animals to gauge their social adaptability.
Noise Tolerance
There’s a love-hate relationship to dogs barking. Sometimes, they can be incredibly annoying, and other times, they can actually be helpful. If your household is lively, then this is something you’ll need to think about even more. Some dogs may be more sensitive to loud sounds, while others take them in stride. For the most part, a dog that can adapt to various noise levels ensures a more comfortable and stress-free environment for both the dog and your family.
Can It Tolerate Children?
This isn’t just about the breed, as it is about the individual dog in general. A family dog needs to be patient, gentle, and tolerant, especially with younger family members (kids under ten years of age). So, before just picking a dog, you’ll need to spend time observing the dog’s reactions to children to ensure a harmonious and safe environment for everyone if you’re getting a puppy, then this shouldn’t be such a big issue.
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