Choosing a Dog to Match Your Personality

So, you're going to get a dog. That's wonderful and I urge you to consider rescuing one from your local SPCA or another shelter. You'll get a great pet and friend and save him/her from being put down. There is usually a small fee which pays for the physical exam, getting neutered and possibly include a microchip. They normally have a large selection of dogs and some of them are puppies. I got my German Shepherd mix, Morgan, from my local animal shelter and have never regretted it.
So, you're going to get a dog. That's wonderful and I urge you to consider rescuing one from your local SPCA or another shelter. You'll get a great pet and friend and save him/her from being put down. There is usually a small fee which pays for the physical exam, getting neutered and possibly include a microchip. They normally have a large selection of dogs and some of them are puppies. I got my German Shepherd mix, Morgan, from my local animal shelter and have never regretted it.

It's time to decide how to select your dog. It's a good idea to match your dog to your personality - the things you enjoy doing and your lifestyle. If you're a jock you'll want an active dog. But if your idea, of exercise is kicking back on the couch with a good read, you'll prefer a dog that doesn't require a lot of exercise. Consider your lifestyle - if you work until late into the evening it will be difficult to exercise and play with your dog. Is there a neighbor who would spend some time with your pet during the day while you're gone? (My ex-neighbors had three kids who loved to play with Morgan even when I was around. I'm sure Morgan is very sorry we moved.) Are you out of town a lot? If so, you'll need to think about who will care for your pet while you're gone. You want to find a pup that complements your personality and your lifestyle.

Here are some characteristics of some the various breeds of dogs.

Intelligent dogs

· Australian Sheepdog
· Belgian Sheepdog
· German Shepherd
· Keeshond
· Poodle

Dogs that don't require much exercise

· Brussels Griffon
· Dachshund
· French Bulldog
· Manchester Terrier
· toy breeds (such as a Chihuahua or Pekingese)

Good with kids

· Beagle
· Basset Hound
· Brittany Spaniel
· English Cocker Spaniel
· Old English Sheepdog
· Pug

Good city dogs

· Basenji
· Boston Terrier
· Bulldog
· Lhasa Apso
· Pug
· Scottish Terrier
· Welsh Corgi

Quiet dogs
· Basenji
· Borzoi
· Chesapeake Bay Retriever
· Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
· Whippet

Friendly dogs

· Bearded Collie
· Brittany Spaniel
· Bichon Frise
· Golden Retriever
· Labrador Retriever
· Old English Sheepdog

These are for purebreds but it's a very general rule of thumb. Morgan is a German shepherd/Burmese Mountain Dog and is very, very friendly.

Consider try going to a dog show, a pet shop and a couple of trips to the local animal shelters. And, talk to friends who have dogs.

If this sounds too much work, reconsider why you want a dog. They are a lot of work, albeit very rewarding work. If you take good care of your dog, he/she will be a wonderful companion. But, you must realize there will be chores to do, exercising and playing with your dog and the expense of feeding and caring for your pet.