Purchasing a Dog - Part 2.

What size dog would fit into your family lifestyle? Large or small? Small dogs almost invariably need as much exercise as large breeds, but can get their exercise in more confined locations. Some small dogs, such as terriers, need more exercise more regularly than do some large breeds, such as the St. Bernard and Irish Wolfhound. Although many breeds of small dogs were created solely for companionship,
not all of them are equally companionable. Aggression in small dogs becomes almost comical because of size; however, some small breeds, particularly small terriers and the Chihuahua, can be aggressive as any other dogs, or more so. Small dogs are ideal for apartments or compact homes with limited space, but still need daily physical and mental exercise and stimulation. While the yapping and barking of small dogs acts as a good deterrent to criminals, larger dogs are more impressive. This is one of the main reasons why large dogs are so popular. However, a large breed takes up more physical space in the home. A giant breed can be overwhelming especially in a small home, but are often less fickle about their diet. There are four (4) sizes of dogs: Toy, Standard, Large and Giant.
Size is not an indicator of temperament. Large breeds like the Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd can be more puppy-like and dependant than smaller breeds such as the Fox Terrier. Large breeds, especially those with dense coats, are not very suitable for people who care a lot about how their house looks. The choice of coat texture depends upon where you live and on your willingness to groom your dog. Dogs with thick, dark coats are not suitable for hot, sunny climates. Similarly, sparse, short, smooth coats offer little insulation in cold, wet climates. Smooth coats like the Boxer's need only intermittent maintenance. Lush, dense coats such as the Afghan's need daily brushing and combing. Dogs with nonshedding coats, like Poodle's, are the most suitable for people with allergies.
Pedigree or Mongrel? Deciding whether to acquire a purebred or random-bred dog is as much an ethical decision as it is a practical one. The advantages of acquiring a purebred dog are numerous. There are hundreds of different breeds, with different mental and physical characteristics. The choice is daunting, but with careful selection you can choose a breed that is most suitable for your needs and lifestyle. Most important, you are bringing a known quantity into you home. There is a range of behaviors within each breed, but statistically you know that a member of a breed is more likely to develop according to the norm than otherwise. You know its attributes and deficits, and even its potential life expectancy. The main disadvantage of purebred dogs is that by creating breeds - groups of dogs with similar conformation and behavior - we accidentally concentrate deleterious genes as well. It results in a relatively high potential for inherited disease. This can be manifested in skin allergies; in other circumstances, it means serious heart disease, as in the Doberman's or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A random-bred dog, by the very randomness of its breeding, is less likely to suffer from inherited disease than a purebred dog. Its final adult size, feeding, grooming requirements, and temperament are, however, unknown. Although society places more value on purebred dogs because they cost more, it is random-bred dogs that are most often in need of good homes.
Acquiring a Dog. Dogs can be acquired from breeders, pet shops (remember, a reputable breeder does not sell their dogs in pet shops. These usually come from puppy mills), shelters, breed rescue groups, friends, through vets, or straight off the street. Some sources are better than others. Knowledgeable breeders often know more than almost anyone else about the behavior of their breed. They are generally frank about the breeds advantages and disadvantages, although some breeders may gloss over the potential problems inherent in their breed. Commercial breeding establishment that sell dogs as a primary business venture are often less reliable than breeders that are affiliated with breed clubs. Good breeders employ vets to do preventive medical examinations to vaccinate and eliminate any parasites contracted from the parents. Dog shelters often carry out medical exams, neutering programs, and behavioral evaluations of their dogs (explaining each dog's assets and potential problems), as well as keeping track of dogs for which they have found homes. Breed rescue groups are usually excellent, and often very protective of their charges. Friends are an excellent source of dogs, especially if you know the dog or its parents. So too are local vets, who usually know behavioral as well as medical backgrounds.