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Which Dog is Right for Your Family?

Dogs are wonderful animals. Most of my friends have them, and they are clearly very much part of the family and greatly loved.

The other day I was thinking about what kind of dog would be right for us and started to do some research. After all, taking on a dog is a big commitment. Most breeds live for between 14 and 18 years, so you want to be sure that your furry friend is right for you.

Here is a roundup of what I found out.

Size

One of the most important considerations is how big your dog will be when it is fully grown. If you are not a big fan of large dogs, you do not want to end up bringing home a St Bernard or Great Dane cross, by mistake. You need to have enough space for your dog and family to live happily together. If you live in a flat, or travel a lot, toy or medium-sized dogs will be more practical.

Activity levels

You also need to consider how active your dog is going to be. How many times a day will he or she have to be walked, and how far?

Taking care of active breeds, like collies, potentially takes up a lot of time. You have to be prepared to go out in all weather and take them for long walks to keep them happy and healthy.

If you like some of the more active breeds but are not so keen on the level of exercise you need to consider adopting an older dog. Generally, once these dogs reach the age of 10 or 11they start to slow down. At that point, the amount of exercise they need begins to tail off, which makes taking care of them much easier. However, they will still need more walking than your average dog, so if you are a natural couch potato go for a little Yorkie instead.

Character

Every breed has its own characteristics, so you need to bear this in mind when choosing a dog. If you want a calm, tranquil dog, something like a Basset Hound or a Bergamasco would be perfect.

On the other hand, want a dog to be a companion to your children, a Labrador or Labradoodle would be a great option. They are friendly, playful, confident, and gentle dogs that love to play.

Your dog needs to fit in with your lifestyle. For example, if you travel a lot you do not want a nervous dog, that can’t sit still in the car.

This fun ‘what dog breed are you?’ quiz will help you to narrow down your options, and do so quickly.

Finding your dog

There are always plenty of puppies for sale in Lancashire. This county is home to all kinds of breeders, so it is a great part of the UK to find the dog of your dreams. If you want an older dog, check out your local shelter. They always have plenty of choices.

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