Is a dog right for me?

You have large dogs, small dogs, dogs that need a lot of exercise and dogs that prefer to be in their bed all day. Above all, every dog has a different character. Dogs are fantastic animals, but certainly not the right pet for everyone. So there are a lot of choices to make when you want to buy a dog. You must have sufficient time, space and budget to ensure that your dog receives the best care. Therefore, first consider carefully whether you can offer your dog a good home. If you work full-time or are often away, it probably means that your dog is home alone a lot. And who is going to walk the dog and what can you do during a holiday (and the dog is not coming along with you)? It is also good to know in advance whether you or your other family members are allergic or not. Unfortunately, there are too many dogs that are taken out of the house by owners with allergies, so try to find out before you buy a dog.

Buy or adopt?

You can buy a dog in different ways. You can get a dog from a breeder, from a shelter, via the internet or from a re-homing organization. There are plenty of dogs that are looking for a new owner after they have been moved out of the home (for various reasons). Often these are problems that the dog cannot do anything about, such as breaking relationships, owners who are no longer able to care for their dog or allergies that prevent the dog from staying in the house. Some dogs may have had a difficult past and need extra attention because of this. Wherever you purchase your dog, always ask about the past of the dog and check whether the character of the animal suits you and your family members.

A small or large dog?

Dogs also come in different shapes and sizes. Some are really small in size, while others are close to the size of a small horse. A question you should ask yourself; how much space can I offer my dog? For example, a Great Dane can weigh 80 pounds or more and will quickly fill a living room. Not only the dog itself is big, but also think of his basket, food bowl and of course the amount of food he eats. A large dog is often a lot more expensive to purchase and care for than a small dog. Because of their size and strength, large dogs usually also need an owner with authority to train them properly. Small dogs are generally more manageable to keep in an urban environment, but just like large dogs, they need a lot of exercise to burn off their energy and fulfill their intrinsic and social needs, like exploring and communication using their nose and scent marks. And, don’t underestimate the energetic nature of most small dogs!

Buying a puppy, an adult dog or a senior?

There are so many dogs of all ages that are looking for a new home. A puppy is of course very cute, but it takes a lot of time and patience. Especially in the first year you will have your hands full. You will therefore have to be at home a lot to educate and housebreak your puppy. You have to walk puppies more often than older dogs and you cannot leave them alone for that long in the beginning. Just like with children, you will also spend a lot of time raising puppies. You can follow various courses, but parenting also continues at home. Older dogs also need their care and attention. An adult dog should be walked about 4 times a day, at least once for more than half an hour. If an adult dog is well educated, he will often be able to stay home alone for a longer period of time. But no dog likes to be home alone for a long period of time. So think carefully about this before you buy a dog. Don’t just pay attention to how cute the dog is, but think about how much time you can free up to give it the required and desired tender, love and care. Take a good look around, read online and offline materials and articles and ask truck loads of questions to neighbors, friends and professionals. This way you will quickly find out which dog suits you best.

Dog Breeds

Once you’re sure a dog will fit into your life, it’s time to look at the different types of dog breeds. It is important that you determine why you want a dog. The character of a dog has a lot to do with your reasons for wanting a dog. Some dogs are real family dogs that like to cuddle, while other four-legged friends are more watchdogs. Also certain dogs are very active, so to meet their needs, you should also pursue an active lifestyle to meet both your needs together. This could be through runs in the park or for instance in the housing complex you live in. Your dog’s character should match yours and correspond to what you expect from a dog, then you will get the most benefit and fun from and with each other.

Just for the fun of it, you may wish to visit the American Kennel Club to compare the characteristics of different breeds.

Intelligence

Some dogs are incredibly smart and eager to learn, while other four-legged friends may seem a little less intelligent. However, bear in mind, dogs are smarter than you think! Research has shown that border collies, poodles and German shepherds are among the smartest dog breeds. The chow chow, bulldog and Afghan Hound, on the other hand, are not known for being the brightest light bulbs. However, just because a dog is smart does not automatically mean that it is best trainable. The dog must also have the right attitude, commitment and willingness to work – as well as being obedient of course.

Obedience

A dog’s obedience largely depends on its upbringing. However, some breeds naturally listen better and are eager to work. Sheepdogs and Australian sheepdogs, for example, have great stamina and the natural skills to do their job well. Labradors are known for their loyalty to their owners and are regularly used as service dogs because they listen so well. It is a given that in general, Golden Retrievers are the easiest purebred dogs to train. They are therefore regularly used as therapy and assistance dogs.

Activity Level

Some dogs are very active and have to walk a lot every day. Do you have an active lifestyle? Then find a dog that fits this lifestyle. Greyhounds are known as fast dogs, but in general they prefer to be lazy and run short distances rather than long distances. The Weimaraner and the Jack Russell terrier can handle long distances just fine. Border Collies, German Shepherds and Dalmatians are known to need more exercise. Bulldogs, large dogs like Great Danes and small dogs like Pugs and Chihuahuas, on the other hand, would rather be lazy than tired. Please note that also the more lazier dogs should also be walked multiple times per day.

Recognized Dog Breeds

There are 359 (update Nov 2024) dog breeds officially recognized by the FCI, or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organisation). Unfortunately, not all of these can be found in Indonesia or the Netherlands (the home base of Prins Petfoods) for that matter. The FCI has divided all recognized dog breeds into 10 different groups. They are matched for similarities such as appearance, character and effort. The official breed groups are:

1. Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
2. Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
3. Terriers
4. Dachshunds
5. Spitz and primitive types
6. Scent hounds and related breeds
7. Pointing Dogs
8. Retrievers – Flushing Dogs – Water Dogs
9. Companion and Toy Dogs
10. Sighthounds

It is therefore very important to first think carefully about what you find important in a dog. Does your four-legged friend have to be a good listener, be very active or rather a bit quirky? Once you know what you want, you can choose a dog that suits it. But remember: all dogs have their own character, which does not always correspond to the general character of the breed! The right upbringing can ensure that your dog will behave more according to his breed characteristics.

Please at all times do remember that it is more important that you should be able to meet the (physical, social en emotional) needs of your dog, rather than the dog meeting your needs. And,… the number one recipe is love, affection and general proper care, not for a dog in general, not for the specific breed it belongs to, but tailored to the specific wishes of your anabul.

We are here to help!

Considering to buy a dog? Still many questions or unsure whether you are in position the meet the needs of the dog you aim to buy? Just drop us a mail, text us or give us a call. Our Care Team is most willing to think along with you, as we only want the best for you and your pet!