Choosing a dog

Choosing  a dog

Do you love Labradors? Adore German shepherds? Think shelter dogs are the best?

You might have your heart set on a certain breed of dog or a good old shelter cross breed, but it’s possible that your favourite type of hound will not suit the way you live. Like us, dogs are social creatures and like being part of a pack or family, however large or small. They have specific needs relating to exercise, grooming, training, and general health. Will you be able to provide a good life for your chosen furry friend? Here’s some questions to help you figure it out.

Time

• How much time each day do you have to devote to your dog or puppy, including grooming, exercise and play?
• Are you willing to commit to the dog for its life, on average between 10 and 14 years?
• If buying a puppy, will someone be at home during the day to feed it regularly?

Money

• Have you researched the costs involved in having a dog, including registration, vaccination, vet bills, food, grooming and boarding?
• If there was an accident or an emergency, do you have enough money saved to cover the cost?
• Are your financial circumstances likely to change greatly during the dog’s life?

Housing

• Do you have adequate space and fencing for the dog you’re considering, including undercover or indoor areas your dog could access all hours?
• If you are renting, are you permitted to own a pet?
• Do you live in a suitable location for the dog you are considering, e.g. inner city, rural, suburban?

Family Health and Safety

• No breed of dog is truly hypoallergenic – do you or any member of your household have an allergy to dogs?
• Some dogs are more tolerant than others – will children be coming into contact with the dog?
• If you decide to start a family, how will you prepare your dog for the new tiny member of the pack?

Lifestyle

• How physically active are you?
• What do you want from your dog, e.g. jogging companion, snuggling partner, protector?

Now you have considered all this, have a look at our dog breed guides to check if you’re compatible with your favourite dog.

If your breed isn’t listed, you can talk to our adoption team or look on the dog’s individual adoption page for hints on its temperament and needs. The Lost Dogs’ Home does not receive many purebreds but instead has crosses of the breeds listed below.

Terriers:

Jack Russell terrier, Staffordshire terrier, Maltese terrier, Silky terrier, Scottish terrier, Fox terrier, West Highland terrier etc.

Sporting Dogs:

Labrador retriever, German shorthaired pointer, Cocker spaniel, Golden retriever etc.

Non-Sporting and Utility Dogs:

Poodle, Shih tzu, Lhasa Apso, Great dane, Rottweiler, Boxer, Dobermann, Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky etc.

Toy Dogs:

Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Papillon etc.

Working Dogs:

Australian kelpie, Blue heeler, Border collie, German shepherd etc.

Hounds:

Beagle, Wolfhound, Whippet, Rhodesian ridgeback, Dachshund etc.

If you feel that a dog might not be suited to your lifestyle at the moment, a cat could make a great pet for your family, why not check our Cat Adoption page?