Question Before the Purchase – Part II

The Big Question:

Anyone involved with dogs has a picture of the dog of one’s dreams. Often, however, the breed of this dog doesn’t fit the realities of one’s life-perhaps it is too large, too expensive, too difficult to keep. You simply have to accept your limitations. You should not experiment with a questionable choice. It is of course wonderful if your dream dog does fit in with your life. Happily, there is much to choose from: There are over 300 different breeds.

Purebred dogs result from breeding only members of a recognized breed of unmixed ancestry. Appearance and certain traits therefore remain constant from generation to generation.

The registration papers of a purebred dog are proof that the dog is in fact purebred.

The purity of the breed is maintained through strict supervision of breeding according to rules. The dogs themselves are not the least bit concerned with these rules, which is why the world is full of mongrels.

The breed character is the sum of a breed’s distinguishing qualities and traits.

But beyond the qualities of its breed, each dog has its own unique personality that matters more than anything else when you live with a dog. Personality is more important than physical beauty or the most impressive pedigree.

To sum up: Make a conscientious effort to find a breed that truly matches your desires and situation. In the section on the different breeds you will discover their various needs and qualities.

Dog and Cat?

Cats and dogs can get along, as I found from my own experience, as long as

– there is room for the animals to avoid each other if they wish;
– the dog belongs to a breed that is not aggressive and the cat is friendly.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sharing your life with a dog

When a dog joins your household you should be undertaking a contract for the life of the dog. You are becoming the dog’s family, for dogs by nature live in packs and need contact with other dogs. IN the course of time dags have learned to modify their need to live only with creatures of their own kind and to accept humans as substitutes: Dog has become our “Best Friend”. To break the bond between a human being and a dog is tragic for the dog. That is why it is so important to remember that a partnership with a dog

• will probably last about 10 years;
• will cost you a significant amount of money every year;
• can be as much trouble as a child;
• will take two to three hours every day;
• presupposes that you have enough room to house the animal properly and to allow for enough exercise.

Only if you are willing to meet these conditions should be consider sharing your life with a dog.

I strongly advise against buying a dog on impulse. Never acquire a dog out of pity, because “it looks so cute,” because it’s the thing to do, or-least of all-as a surprise for the family. The purchase of a dog has to be carefully considered and discussed, if possible, by the whole family.

Read the rest of this entry »