If you have always wanted a dog of your own then you need to think about whether it is the right time to introduce one. Dogs require a lot of work and if you work long hours then it can be unfair to leave them at home unattended. There are so many breeds of dog, you might not know which one will fit best with you and your lifestyle. There are many quizzes online that you can take to find out, but you must do your research before getting a dog. The last thing you want is to get one that is too big and boisterous for you, then you end up giving it up for adoption.
When it comes to getting a dog, you should really take a look around rescue centers. Puppies are great but these can be expensive and you can get a dog who is already trained looking for their forever home. There are some gorgeous dogs just waiting to be loved and adopted by you. If you are unsure of which type of breed to get then take a look at the article below to find out more about temperaments and unique behaviors.
Labrador
One of the most loved dog breeds around the world, the Labrador is known as the family dog. They have a wonderful temperament and are great around children and other animals, be aware they like to eat. If left to it, they will eat and not stop so you will have to keep an eye on their intake of food if you do decide to get a labrador. If you're looking to find adorable black Lab puppies in Colorado, you’ll be happy to know that many breeders and rescue organizations specialize in this loving breed.
French Bulldog
This is considered to be the most popular breed in America, in fact it has won this title two years running now. There is thought to be nearly 100,000 French Bulldogs in homes all across America. Why has this breed soared in popularity? Perhaps it is due to their small size, charming behavior, and the celebrities that own them. Wolverine fans will know that Hugh Jackman has one of these awesome dogs. Be aware, french bulldogs can present with a lot of common health problems so a great insurance is needed.
Poodle
These dogs are highly intelligent and elegant, you can quite often see them walking around looking rather proud of themselves. They have many personalities, and you will get to meet them all. They can go from being lively and fun to highly alert and responsive. They make wonderful family dogs and love their owners deeply. You can get them in different sizes to suit your lifestyle - standard, miniature, and toy. They are also commonly mixed with other breeds to create cross breeds such as a cockapoo.
Rottweiler
A common misconception is that this dog is violent and dislikes everyone, this is not the case at all. Once they get into the wrong hands, this is what can happen but generally speaking the rottweiler is a huge people pleaser who is devoted to their loved ones. They like to guard so if anyone approaches your home that they don’t know then be prepared for a barking episode. You need to be firm with rottweilers as otherwise they can quickly take on the Alpha role, and you don’t want this. They also need space and a lot of exercise to burn off that excess energy.
German Shepherd
Here we have a big fluffy bundle of fun. Commonly used for police dogs, German Shepherds have a natural protective instinct. They can be very reserved when meeting new people but are friendly and confident once they get to know you. They are very gentle with children and other animals but can become aggressive if left alone for long periods of time. They shed a lot, you will always be clearing up dog hair and they require a lot of exercise. If you don’t have a lot of spare time then a german shepherd is not the dog for you.
Now we have the nanny dog, nicknamed this due to it being so patient and amazing around children. They also get along with other household pets including cats, in fact they can be best friends if bonded correctly. Boxer dogs can be particularly bouncy so need plenty of exercise, these dogs will be a great fit if you have an active lifestyle.
Beagle
If you have the time and patience a beagle needs then they make great family companions. They always want to be part of the action and have been known to follow their owners everywhere. They require weekly grooming to keep their coat in good condition, perhaps a professional groom every so often as well. They can have quite a short lifespan compared to other dogs, the beagle can live up to nine years. Beagles are great for first time dog owners, they are also good with older children and other pets.
Great Dane
The gentle giant of the group, a giant is right. These dogs can grow up to 6ft when standing on their hind legs. To put into perspective their size, a french bulldog can fit underneath it quite happily with room. Due to their enormous size, you must have enough room if you want one of these dogs. They will also need a soft, good quality bed to avoid calluses. If you like a nice, clean home then maybe a great dane isn’t for you as they like to slobber and drool. They don’t require a lot of exercise, which may surprise you due to their size and they shouldn’t be taken for a run until they are two years old.
Dachshund
The Daschund is a ballsy, plucky dog who will make themselves known wherever they go. They have plenty of energy making them wonderful dogs for older families. You can get short haired and long haired versions and they will typically live for around twelve years. If you are going to have your dachshund around children and other pets then you will need to socialize them well. They can be quite protective of their belongings so make sure you teach your children this.
Dalmatian
Was your favorite film as a child 101 Dalmatians, if so then you are not alone. These energetic dogs used to run alongside coaches and fire engines back in the day. They need a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. They are highly intelligent and sociable creatures who love nothing more than running around playing a game of catch. They are known for their smile and if you are lucky then you will see this when they are excited to see you. Dalmatians are known for struggling with hearing loss and due to this can get a bit sensitive around new people.
Weimaraner
Due to their coloring, this dog is nicknamed the gray ghost. Weimaraner’s make amazing household dogs that are fiercely protective of those they love. They love a challenge and this dog isn’t for those who won’t train it. You will need to challenge this dog if you get one, both intellectually and physically. They will need to be walked for at least two hours each day and let off the lead to run around. If you have your heart set on getting this dog then take a look at Weimaraner puppies for sale.
Bichon Frise
Another small dog on the list, the Bichon Frise looks a little bit like a cloud. You may wonder why they have such entertaining personalities, and that is due to them being bred for circuses and other traveling shows. They are always eager to please as well as confident little chaps. They love busy households and always want to know what their owners are up to, for this reason they don’t like being left alone for long periods. They should be groomed regularly to keep their beautiful appearance.
Chow Chow
If you love teddy bears then you will instantly fall in love with this dog, but do be careful, they aren’t always the friendliest of dogs. Chow chow’s aren’t suited for children as they won’t be very patient with them.
They are super fluffy and will require a lot of maintenance and grooming to keep their fur in great condition. They shed heavily so have that vacuum cleaner ready to clean up after them. They need around an hour of exercise per day so don’t have too much energy to burn. They can live for up to fifteen years so make wonderful pets who will stick around for a while.
Shih Tzu
These dogs make wonderful companions for elderly people, they aren’t too pushy and love nothing more than being pampered and loved on the sofa. They sleep a lot of the day but will probably have a case of the zoomies around once a day. Due to sleeping a lot of the day they will only need a small walk every so often, around an hour of exercise per day. This can be broken up into smaller increments.
Hopefully you found this article helpful and it gave you some information that you have been looking for, all in one place. Remember, you must do your research. You can’t make a snap decision to get a dog as they will be in your family for a long time. You need to have time, money, and space for a dog. If you have all these as well as a lot of love to give then you could be the best of friends.
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