How to Choose the Right Dog for You
Being Prepared for What You're Getting Before Adoption is Vital
Nov 11, 2009
Like shoes that come into style one year and land on the junk pile the next, dogs can also become fashion victims. Television and movies popularize particular breeds, motivating people to dash out and adopt these animals. Not because the dog suits their lifestyle, but because they’ve been seen on screen.
Dalmatians might get picked because a family has watched the 101 Dalmatian movies. Or fans of the popular television comedy Fraser might adopt a Jack Russell Terrier as a tribute to Eddie, the dog owned by Marty Crane on the show. But Dalmatians tend to be high-strung. And Jack Russells are a working breed notorious for boundless energy and a tendency to become bored and destructive if not exercised frequently.
Don't Select a Dog Breed Just Because it's Popular on Television
Shelter workers see a long line of dogs being surrendered to their facilities because people make this life-altering decision for superficial reasons. And with euthanasia rates as high as 80 percent at some shelters, the animals don't always survive the consequences of the wrong match.
“People look at the dog’s outer package,” said Corinne Dowling, founder of Give a Dog a Bone, a program that runs out of the San Francisco Animal Care and Control shelter. Give a Dog a Bone is designed to enrich the lives of custody dogs being held behind bars while they are awaiting the outcome of court cases.
Even size doesn’t always indicate a dog’s needs. For example, Great Danes don’t usually need nearly as much exercise as other large dogs, making them ideal apartment dwellers. That’s probably why so many of them are spotted strolling around the streets of New York City. That’s the opposite of those Jack Russells, which are known for having big dog personality in a small package.
“You have to ask yourself—can we provide for the dog’s needs? Once you decide, it’s a lifelong commitment,” Dowling said.
Adopting a Dog is a Lifelong Commitment
Sadly, Dowling's experience at the shelter reveals that people don’t always stick with that commitment. She suggests potential adopters consider this question: “What would my dream dog be like?”
Then consider the logistics of your choice, such as your work hours and whether you will need to hire a dog walker if you can’t be home every eight hours or so. Figure out where your dog will sleep and eat, what kind of food you can afford to buy, and who will exercise and clean up after the dog.
“The family has to prepare themselves and do a little research,” Dowling said, adding that most people don’t bother with this crucial first step on the road to pet guardianship. The research might entail online searches on dog breeds, and talking to people at your local animal shelter about the needs of particular animals up for adoption.
The Whole Family has to be Ready for the Dog
All family members—including the dogs you already have—should then be introduced to the new family member before the final decision is made.
“Everyone has got to agree,” Dowling said.
While this might sound like a lot of work, it’s worth it. The research you’ll do now is a small effort in exchange for the friendship that will be provided by your companion animal for years to come.
“It’s a reciprocal, symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship,” Dowling said.
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