This is the most common dilemma that burdens people who take a dog for the first time. It’s not easy but it’s not unsolvable.
This article will remind you of some important things to consider in order to choose not a perfect dog, but a perfect dog for you. To my opinion, perfection does not exist in any form. So a perfect dog for you is a dog that suits your lifestyle and the conditions you have for it.
If you’re still not sure after reading this blog, you can always ask questions, send us an email or add a comment under the blog.
It Helps to Read about Breeds
It definitely helps to read about the breeds you are interested in. You should Google the breeds carefully, look at the photos and read about their characteristics, dimensions and needs in order to find out if they fit into your lifestyle and into your family.
The conditions you offer to your new member are really important. If you live in a small flat you cannot take in a huge dog just because you like it. Even though you love the breed if you don’t have enough space for them this might be a bad idea.
Some dogs need a lot of exercises, so if you don’t have enough time to train your new member, don’t take that breed.
Think about everything, the time you have for your new family member, the space and of course the place for it when you go on a holiday if you don’t intend to take it with you. It is best if you make a list of the conditions you have and while reading about breeds you can check them off. This might be helpful in your search for a suitable pet.
How Important a Breed Is?
Whenever I’m faced with such a question I always respond with my counter question – how important a breed is to you?
Why do I ask this question?
This is because a dog is a personality and a dog’s character doesn’t depend on its breed. Of course, the same breed of dogs has their common characteristics. However, these are just a few and the main character is in their souls.
You can read more about dogs’ personalities here.
Being in the rescue for so long, I have saved many mixed-breed dogs and I find them the most interesting, unique dogs with distinctive characters. They always catch the eye of the public and look attractive. People always ask what breed they are and my response is – they are the best friend breed.
Anyway, I have never divided dogs into pure-breed or mixed-breed dogs. They are all dogs, living souls that need a safe place, a warm hand and a decent meal.
What I Really Get?
Whether you choose a pure breed or a mixed-breed dog you cannot always rely on what the book says. What you really get is a unique personality that has its own character.
Each dog has its own activities and interests which may not be listed on Google or in the book. That means you won’t exactly get what you have read about that specific breed of dog. But don’t get discouraged. The general characteristics of the dog you have chosen are there. If you choose a puppy, it will develop its character according to the given conditions. If you decide on an adult dog then you can choose the character that suits your conditions.
Dogs need some time to accommodate to the new environment and new people in their life. You have to be patient and give your new pet some time to meet you and the family. It’s not only about taking a dog in, but you also have to make some changes in your life in order to feel comfortable while living with a dog in your house.
However, you will get a family member worth all your effort and love.
Are You Satisfied?
The question are you satisfied doesn’t refer only to you but also to the dog. It’s not all about your satisfaction and happiness but the dog has to feel comfortable and all his needs met as well. Mutual satisfaction is the most important in your life together.
This question is so important and when you are choosing a pet, maybe you should start from here. Start from the list of things you don’t want to give up and then find the corresponding pet that will fit into the leftover space in your life. This will help much with the choice of a perfect pet.
This list will definitely help you find the best possible pet that fits into your life, but please bear in mind that the dog has its needs too. So the satisfaction of your pet counts as much as yours. It is not fair to take a pet and leave it in the flat alone all day long, just to spend half an hour with it when you get home.
Epilogue
Making a list is the whole point when choosing your perfect pet. Remember what things you should consider before making your final choice – your lifestyle, living conditions, willingness to work with your pet, holiday backup (in case you are not taking your new member with you) and your ability to make your pet happy.
Pure or mixed-breed, you will get your best friend anyway. You just need to make sure your new family member is safe, fed, healthy and loved. This is enough for their happiness.
Your dog is your responsibility, so please think twice, read, Google, ask and research before you make your final decision.
However, whatever you choose is good as long as you’re serious about it and you realize that a dog is for life not just for Christmas. You may have more pets in your life, but your pet will only have you!
If you ask me, my favourite breed is RESCUED!
Note: If you are not ready to accept your new pet as an equal family member with all its needs and wishes, please don’t take one. It will end with mutual dissatisfaction, moreover, it may lead to the dog’s misbehaving and the result may be fatal to the dog.
