A few tips on how to select the right breed for your family

Important considerations:

• Energy level and exercise needs. A large lazy breed doesn’t really use up as much space as a small hyperactive breed. Size times energy is a good way to think of this.

• Coat type and grooming needs. Non-shedding dogs with long coats are more likely to be good for people with allergies, but these long non-shedding coats do usually require professional grooming. How much will it cost to groom? Call a few groomers for price estimates and how often they usually get groomed.

• Size. What size are you considering? If you have small children, the small breed dogs might not be the best choice, as your young children may try to carry them around. Young puppies don’t think about what they can and can’t do, just the way many toddlers think, accidents can happen. If the puppy doesn’t trust the child, it will be hard to have a good relationship. A little stockier breed might make a big difference. On the other hand, if you have a large dog, your children may be knocked over.

• Breed Related Issues. Does the breed have a lot of inherit health issues thereby increasing the cost to care for them? Does the breed have the temperment you are looking for? Some breeds tend to be uncomfortable with people outside the family, while other breeds tend to like most everyone. If you have a family that has a lot of people coming and going, that is an important factor. Educate yourself about the breed character traits to make sure you are picking an appropriate breed for your family.

• Cost. There is a wide variation in breed prices. Make sure you figure in your veterinarian expenses. You will need to budget for additional shots, heartworm prevention (size of breed affects this price), cost of spay or neuter (altered or fixed animals make better pets) and more. For additional information on veterinary expenses see: Shopping for your Vet.