Things to Think about When Looking For a Dog

By Michelson Found Animals

If you are in the market for a lovable furever friend, you’ll often have a lot of choices. Getting a dog is a lifelong commitment, and it can sometimes be stressful figuring out what kind of dog to get. In this article we will go over some of the things you should be thinking about in your search, namely:

Medical conditions and how they affect dog ownership
Different dog types and what you can expect from them

Existing Medical Conditions

Dogs are a source of positivity for most people. And people will want to have that constant in their lives. Consider the possible consequences of dogs into the mix.

Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15 to 30 percent of all Americans are affected by animal allergies. Although allergies to cats are about twice as common, allergic reactions to dogs tend to be more severe. This is especially the case in those with asthma.

Dogs secrete a harmless protein that may trigger a strong immune response from sensitive people. This protein ends up in dander, fur, saliva, and urine. It stays airborne for hours and irritates the eyes and lungs.

If you have allergies, don’t fret! There are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds (those that are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction). Keep in mind that these pets still may have fur, dander, etc. Be sure to spend some time with any potential pup to make sure that you won’t have an allergic reaction when being around them.

Some example of these hypoallergenic breeds would be:

American Hairless Terrier
Bichon Frise
Miniature Schnauzer
Poodle
Wheaten Terrier

Other Medical Conditions

In some cases, dogs can actually be a huge benefit to people with certain illnesses. There are eye-seeing dogs for the blind, emotional support dogs, and even dogs trained to recognize seizures in children. Pets alleviate the stress of living with these conditions and can greatly increase the quality of life of those affected.

Different Kinds of Dogs

Every dog person has a dream dog that will complete their lifestyle. Dogs make our lives better just by existing. There are lots of personalities to choose from, but there are also many categories a dog can fall into. There’s a dog out there for everyone, and below are just a few types of dogs you might find:

Pedigreed Dogs

Reputable breeders often supply these dogs. They come with official papers and a hefty price. The advantage of purebreds is the predictability of their health and behavior. The breed standard tells you what to expect. These dogs are often purchased by dog show participants who spend a lot on dog training and grooming. That doesn’t mean they can’t make great pals to the average person though!

Working Dogs

These dogs are not for everyone because they are often very high-strung. Genetics plays a large role in the dog’s temperament. Many dogs perform actual jobs. Their application ranges from herding, police work, military, protection services, and drug detection. While some of these dogs can become pets after retirement, they are often only recommended to professional dog handlers who can deal with the quirks of a working dog.

Shelter Dogs

These pups are often the abandoned and abused of the lot. They long to belong to a loving family. Many shelters have dogs ranging from puppies to mature adults. They are always neutered and spayed before being adopted, giving you one less thing to worry about. They are just as amazing as your purebreds, and will love unconditionally despite any trauma in their past. These dogs are often mixed breeds which means you never know exactly what their personality will be. Thankfully, shelters will often be able to tell you what the dog is like and whether it would be a good fit for you. I highly encourage you to visit your local shelter and see what they have to offer!

Choosing a dog is a lifelong commitment. Work on your dog’s quirks and enjoy the process. Four legs, two puppy eyes, a wagging tail, and an enormously loving heart is often all you need. For more great articles on our furry friends, be sure to become a Spotter by joining our newsletter!

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