What to Look for in A Dog

In the accompanying video, I discuss what to consider in selecting a dog. This is a very important topic, because choosing a breed whose needs are compatible with your lifestyle is the key to avoiding a lot of conflicts and unhappiness in the future.

Breed attributes to consider include:

  • Size (Will a big dog be happy in your small apartment or tiny sports car?)
  • Coat type (Are you OK with a dog who sheds, or requires lots of grooming?)
  • Temperament (Is the breed you’re considering known for being friendly around strangers or other dogs?)
  • And energy level. (Don’t consider a dog that requires lots of vigorous exercise each day if you work long hours, or can’t make the commitment to exercise the dog in other ways.)