Thinking of Getting a Dog

Being a dog lover all my life, this is one subject I could probably qualify as an expert. I've shown dogs, raised dogs and never been without one. I've had Carin Terriers, Schnauzers, German Shepards, Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepards, Jack Russells and a Border Collie.

Now here are a few things to consider before buying a dog. How big of yard do you have? How strong or athletically inclined are you? What kind of budget do you have? Do you want a quiet docile companion or an active partner? Now a lot of this is common sense. First thing I would do is start searching the web and look for a breed that interests you. When you find something you like read everything you can on that breed and see if it sounds like a fit. Remember the bigger the dog the more he eats and the bigger the messes, also they require more exercise.

I currently have two medium sized dogs. A Border Collie and an Australian Shepard. One large bag of quality dry dog food costs me $16.95 and last both dogs a month. Heart worm pills $30 for a 3 month supply for both dogs. The only real expense with the dog's is Vet issues. Getting their yearly shots probably runs $200. Getting and keeping healthy dogs is the trick, because if they get sick Vet bills aren't cheap.

Feed your dog good food and exercise him and you probably won't have to see a Vet more than once a year. Beware of buying a dog with hidden health problems. Puppy mills are famous for over breeding their dogs which depletes the mothers and causes health problems in the puppies. Your best bet is if you can find a reputable breeder. If you want to adopt a dog from the Humane Society, they go over the dogs and will usually explain any problems the dog has. Use common sense a healthy dog will be alert and full of energy and want to play. If a dog is quiet, despondent or aggressive, then that's not the dog for you.

Now here is why you want to study a breed before hand... they can be as different as night and day! I'll do some quick comparisons with just some of the breeds I've owned.

Carin Terrier- The dog from the Wizard of OZ (Toto). A great little dog. Great for a small house or apartment. Love to chase balls. Usually very friendly and not aggressive. A loyal companion.

Schanauzer- My mother raised and showed Schnauzers when I was a kid. Another great little dog very similar to the Carins. Maybe a little more of a barker and watch dog than a Carin, but that depends more on the individual dog. Usually very friendly and a loyal companion.

Jack Russell's- Whoa.... get ready for this one! I love Jack Russell's, but if your going to get one you better know what you're getting into. This little dog is a pack of dynamite. You want a tough macho dog in a small package? Then this is the dog for you! Jacks are super athletic, have a mind of their own and fear nothing! Jacks are notorious for being escape artist, they will climb under and jump over fences. Don't even think of taking them off leash, they will take off on a dime. My Jack would constantly escape by rushing past us at the door. There was absolutely no way to catch him! I even tried to chase him in the car and couldn't catch him. I would yell at him, he'd look me in the eye laugh and keep going. He would chase cats till the pads on his feet were torn to hell and then he'd appear at the door like nothing happened to be let in. He'd attack dogs three times his size, NO FEAR! A hell of a character that will never cease to amaze you, but very high maintenance. Always getting into something. Great ball chaser! I lost my Jack, he escaped once and never came back, we never found him.

Siberian Husky- I had a female, a real sweetheart. Huskies love people, and don't bark much, so not a good watch dog. Usually a great dog with kids. They will let kids do just about anything to them without raising an eyebrow. Very clean dogs they bathe themselves like cats. They do shed pretty heavy and I wouldn't recommend them for hot climates, but very good companion.

German Shepard- This is a great dog if you have a place large enough and enough strength and energy to train and control him. Super guard dog will protect the family like no other. Loves to fetch and chase balls, very smart and easy to train. It's a big dog so he needs lots of exercise. Shepards are susceptible to hip dysplasia a genetic fault. So have the puppy checked.

Australian Shepard- Great frisbee dogs. Very protective and loyal to their family, but don't like outsiders. If you get an Aussie puppy socialize him or her with as many kids and people as you can, so he or she is friendly towards people. Otherwise when you have children or guest to the house you'll have to lock the Aussie up.

Border Collie- This is the gem! Super smart, loves to please and loves people. Can be a good guard dogs if there is a threat, but not overly protective. Great frisbee dog, can learn just about any trick. Super affectionate. I have to say Border Collies are my favorite breed. A good medium size dog 50lbs. They do need a lot of exercise or they get bored and depressed. Love to play, chase frisbees, balls you come up with the game and they'll play it!

Now maybe one more tid bit to help with your decision- MALE or FEMALE? Males tend be more independent, less affectionate and may try and escape if there is a female dog in heat close by. Females you have to deal with menstruation and puppies or get them fixed. The menstruation thing is a pain in the ass and it lasts a week. They leave blood spots everywhere and you have to keep them away from the male dogs, if you don't want puppies.

Otherwise I've had good females and I've had good males. Anyway I hope this information helps you in making your decision and Good luck with that first dog!

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