Choosing the Right Dog Breed

“Which dog breed is right for me?” It’s a question I get asked ALL the time. The answer isn’t that simple or straightforward. It’s not so much as the dog, as it is about YOU – you the prospective owner of a new dog!

Wondering how’s that? There isn’t really a “one size fits all” kind of dog. Each breed is different, unique and has very specific temperament, behavior, exercise needs and food requirements. The dog is undoubtedly the only species known to us that has so many variants in color, size & behavior.

As I always say – a dog just doesn’t need a loving home; it needs the RIGHT home. In this article, I’m going to advise you on what I feel is the best breed for you and your family, based on my extensive years of owning, showing and breeding top show quality dogs of many different breeds. I will take into consideration factors like initial cost of buying your new puppy, feeding your puppy into adulthood, caring for your dog in old age, life expectancy, grooming, healthcare and exercise requirements, temperament with kids & senior citizens, and above all - your personality.

Cost:

As they say “It’s all about the money, Honey!” You can always try adopting a dog from your local shelter or dog rescue organization. The upside is that a dog gets a chance to have a home. However, there are several down sides to adopting a grown up or abused dog as well. Aggression, bad habits, health issues are just some of those issues you may have to deal with. Adoption is a great choice if you are NOT willing to spend money, but may not always be the BEST choice either. Think carefully before making your decision.

On the other hand, choosing a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder can give you years of great joy and the immense pride of owning a dog. However, be very careful of puppy mills, commercial pet shops and unethical breeders. A puppy from a reputable breeder may be more expensive, but you can be assured that the puppies have been well socialized, are screened for health disorders and have spent a considerable amount of time with their mothers before going to their new home. For example, we at Ryder Kennel, ensure that all our stock are healthy at the time of breeding, well fed with the right nutrition, the puppies have been well socialized with their litter mates and their mother, and are KCI Registered & Microchipped.

If we talk about pure bred dogs, the most expensive breeds are ones such as English Bull Dog, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Basset Hound, Siberian Husky, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, Pug, Beagle & the Chihuahua. There are a lot of other breeds too, but not so easily available in India, which leads to higher puppy costs.

Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, the English Cocker Spaniel, and the ever common Pomeranian are easily available and much cheaper.  These three breeds are common and hardy as compared to most of the other larger breeds, and are a good choice if you are a first time dog owner or live in a city apartment, with limited space.

Once you have decided on your new dog, remember there are additional costs that should also be considered, such as the cost of crates, bedding, toys, food, veterinary bills etc.

Healthcare:

As soon as your get your new puppy home, one of the very first things to do is to visit your veterinary doctor. A preliminary examination of your new dog is important to ensure he/she is healthy. The doctor will also advise a vaccination & de-worming schedule to ensure your dog is free from diseases and ailments that could be fatal.

In case you do not have a show quality puppy, or are not planning on breeding your dog in the future for pure bred puppies, you may discuss spaying or neutering for your puppy with your veterinarian. This is a great way to prevent unwanted mating’s and adding to the menace of unwanted and homeless puppies. It’s a small one-time investment, and remember, spaying or neutering doesn't not affect your dog in any negative way.

Finally, food supplements like calcium and multi-vitamins must also be discussed with your veterinarian and included in your dog’s daily diet.

Size:

So before you jump into a deal of buying your cute puppy, remember, that little fur ball is going to grow up real fast, and you don’t want it turning into a fireball!!

Buying a puppy is probably the easiest part. But it’s important to research the breed you are planning to buy. Talk to other friends or people who own the breed or ask a reputable breeder for advice. You need to know how big your puppy is going to grow to – because this will dictate his food, space and exercise requirements. Also several large breed dogs are predisposed to a wide variety of health issues.

If you live in a city apartment, have kids or babies at home, or live with senior citizens, remember to choose a smaller breed that is easily manageable.

Feeding & Nutrition:

At Ryder Kennel, we have been breeding and showing dogs for several years, and our experience shows that Food & Nutrition is the number one expense, if you want a happy and healthy dog.

In case you wish to feed your dog any commercial dog food, we recommend using a reliable brand that is nutritious and scientific. In addition, combine the kibble with home cooked food as well. Fresh rice, meat or chicken along with select vegetables and eggs make for a wholesome diet. Including fresh curd (Dahi) is good for development of bones and teeth and overall growth. That said, all this doesn't come cheap. Be sure to ask your vet or a reputable breeder about the food requirements for your particular breed at its various life stages.

Exercise & Grooming:

Exercise, is important for the physical and mental development of your new puppy all through his life. Regular walks are necessary for development of bones and muscles. You can occasionally include games for your dog as well – such as swimming, fetching a ball or Frisbee etc. These additional activities give your dog happiness and reduce harmful behaviour such as chewing up articles at home. Dogs like the St Bernard require minimal physical exercise, while an active dog like the Rottweiler needs lengthy exercise sessions. You can employ a professional dog trainer too, to teach your dog additional commands and be a better canine citizen.

Grooming requirements differ widely from breed to breed. Some long and dense coat breeds require extensive coat care several times per day, while some short haired breeds like the Labrador Retriever, are okay with a good vigorous brush down once a day. Most breeds shed a little hair all through the year, and majorly about twice a year, just before winters and summers.

Ensuring you have time for exercising and grooming your dog each day, is an investment you need to make all through his life.

Temperament:

Temperament refers to the personality or inclination of your dog. It’s a word often used by breeders to describe the behavior of their dogs or puppies. Dogs like the English Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever are considered to be of calm temperament, while a Rottweiler is often considered ferocious. This is not necessarily true. It is important for your puppy to be confident and fearless. But it must be trained NOT to be aggressive. For this early socialization skills must be imparted. Take your dog to the park or on your evening walk to the market, let him get accustomed to people, sights and sounds, this will ensure he is well balanced and well behaved.

That said, the misunderstood “ferocious and aggressive Rottweiler” …. With good management can actually be a great family dog and very loving with kids. Training & discipline are the key elements, in addition to a dog with good temperament.

Life Expectancy:

While getting a puppy is exciting, it is a decision that must be carefully considered. A Pomeranian for example can live as much as 15 years or even more, a Rottweiler around 10 years, while a Labrador around 10 – 12 years. Of course this can drastically change depending on health issues, the genes of your puppy’s parents, the kind of food, nutrition and exercise the dog received through its life and a lot of other factors.

Your Personality:

Wondering what you personality has got to do with choosing a puppy? Well, its very closely connected. Do you like swimming, consider choosing a Labrador Retriever. Do you like the outdoors, with running and vigorous physical activity choose a Rottweiler. Are you bubbly and always excited, why don’t you try a Beagle! … Oops or maybe you are a couch potato, I guess a Pug will be just fine for you! 

Yes, there’s a breed for nearly every personality type. It’s important to choose one that suits your lifestyle and personality so that both you and your dog are happy. For example a retriever is meant to run about retrieve and work – that’s his purpose. If not achieved he will tend to get frustrated and you would notice destructive behaviour like chewing up the carpet or wires or your expensive shoes.

It’s wise to choose a breed that meets your lifestyle and activity levels. This ensures that your dog turns into your best friend and is a pleasure to own.

Winding it all up …

Every puppy looks cute and cuddly. From the puppy born to a stray dog on the streets to a high pedigree show dog, they all look adorable – you’d feel like taking them home right away! If you are looking for a loving companion – every dog is capable of that. They will provide you with love, loyalty & companionship all the days of their lives. In return for this gift, it’s our job as humans and their owners, to ensure that they find themselves happy and in the right home.

Far too many dogs are abandoned or put down, just because their owners are either too busy, just had a baby, shifting to another town, their housing society doesn't allow dogs, the dog sheds too much hair, the dog bit their kids or their dog is very badly behaved. These are not and should not be the reason for abandoning “Man’s Best Friend”. They deserve a forever home, and thinking carefully right now, can save them the pain of separation from you, as well as give you a companion that is right for you and makes your life meaningful.

Shaun Ryder

About the Author

Shaun is the owner of Ryder Kennel, and one of the most reputed breeders in India. He has extensive experience of owning, showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweiler, English Cocker Spaniels, Boxers & Beagles.

He is a graduate from St Stephens College, Delhi and a Post Graduate from NMIMS, Mumbai. He has appeared on many TV shows, and has written articles and columns for several top dog based magazines and journals across the world.

He is actively involved in dog welfare activities, and has been working to prevent the menace of puppy mills & illegal dog training centres in India.