Dog Breed Information and Choosing the Right Dog

Find a rescue group, dog breed group, or breeder

Choosing the appropriate dog breed for you and your family is a very important undertaking. It is important that you research any dog breed and breeder prior to purchasing or adopting that dog breed. Many people will choose a dog based on looks or even that they met one once, but this is not a good way to go about it. Here are some recommendations on researching a dog breed.

Dog Breed Clubs
The first and best place to research a dog breed is to go directly to a local or national club. All dog breeds have a club and will happily provide you with information about the breed as well as dog breeder referrals. Many times they will have articles on reasons NOT to select this breed of dog. It is important to know the downfalls or problems in a given dog breed. This can be anything from typical health problems to behavior problems. Often times talking with the rescue groups will help you find out common problems as to why people give up this breed of dog.

Dog Breeders
It is important that you visit a few dog breeders in your area. Check with the national club to get some referrals and go meet the adult dogs of the breed you are interested in. Its easy to fall in love with a puppy so I recommend avoiding meeting any puppies until you have researched and looked at the adult version of the breed. After all, they are only puppies for a matter of months.

Dog Trainers
Many dog trainers will offer something called pre-adoption or pre-purchase counselling. Look around in your area and ask questions. They will be able to tell you from a behavior stand point what some issues may be. They can tell you the level of exercise and training required for a typical breed. Beware of trainers that stereo-type breeds. Within any breed you will find a range of behaviors and personalitites. If you feel that a certain trainer doesn't like a breed, talk with more trainers.

If you contact one to two professionals from each of these groups, chances are you will become knowledgable about the breed you are interested in. Be open-minded and honest about your expectations. Remember, a dog is for life!