What to Look for in a Dog
The following is an excerpt from the book Choosing the Perfect Dog for You and Your Family written by Mordecai Siegal. Mordecai Siegal is the award-winning author of twenty-five books about dogs and other animals. He is president of the Dog Writers Association of America and is often consulted as an expert in the pet industry. He is a frequent after-dinner speaker, has appeared on many TV shows, and has had his own radio talk show in New York. To purchase any of his books or seek a pet consultation, visit his website at www.mordecai.com

Of all the questions concerning dog ownership, there is none more important than which breed to choose. That initial decision is without a doubt the most important one. The second most important decision is selecting a dog with a good temperament. Temperament is more important than looks, intelligence, or cost. It is better to have a good-natured mutt with a scruffy multicolored coat than a manicured Toy Poodle who will open your veins when you go near his food bowl. If you are in the process of selecting a dog for your children, you owe it to yourself and your family, and to the dog as well, to go about the process with some degree of knowledge. Common sense will not necessarily help you.

Apart from aesthetics, selecting a specific breed of dog has more to do with how it fits in with your living conditions and your family situation. Some dogs have a hard time in a cramped apartment because they are quite active. There are breeds that are large, vigorous hunters with an incredible ability to run and yet they become quite inactive indoors. That would describe some surprisingly large breeds. Certain large breeds present an interesting set of qualities that make them ideal for some home situations. What seems more logical than getting a toy breed of dog for a young child? Unfortunately, it is not necessarily the best thing to do. Many toy breeds are not suitable for children. Despite the fact that toy breeds are among the finest of all dogs, the very qualities that make them so desirable to adults are exactly what make them unsuitable for many children. These demanding little creatures like to think of themselves as the blessed event of the family and become quite competitive with, if not downright intolerant of, children. Several toy breeds are openly hostile toward children while others are just too fragile for rough-and-tumble play. Pomeranians, as a rule, do not like children. A Yorkshire Terrier can break a bone just by falling off the bed. Despite a few exceptions, however, children and various toy breeds often have no problems hitting it off. In particular, older, gentler children or those who are more introspective often develop lifetime relationships with small dogs.

The American Kennel Club recognizes well over a hundred dog breeds. These breeds are separated into seven Groups plus the Miscellaneous Class for breeds close to AKC recognition. Officially, most (but not all) of the very small breeds are part of the Toy Group. The breeds within this category range in height between six and twelve inches from the shoulder and between one and fourteen pounds, depending on the breed and selectivity of the breeder. The smallest of these dogs are referred to as "teacups." An older, considerate child can live with and care for any one of the dogs within the Toy Group. But the younger and/or less mature child should not be saddled with a dog he can accidentally harm or with a dog that might not want to share the spotlight of childhood.

The same caution should be used in selecting a terrier, especially the smaller breeds. West Highland White Terriers are adorable, loving family dogs, but they do not necessarily want to be the exclusive companion of a child. Airedales are larger, more protective but somewhat stubborn animals with both lovable and unlovable traits. Pugs are among the toy breeds that love and adore children. The rugged Pug makes an excellent playmate, except in the summer heat. Poodles are extremely intelligent, come in three varieties (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), and shed the least of all breeds. The Miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle are the most suitable for children. English Springer Spaniels are among the best dogs for children. These dogs relate well to children and have an easygoing temperament. Fox Terriers are superstars. They are probably the most charming of all. These outgoing dogs are adept at tricks and try anything to get your attention. However, they are highly sensitive and excitable and unbelievably active indoors. They are capable of driving your family quite mad with their energy, barking, and demand for attention. They are also quite scrappy with other dogs. As you can see, each dog breed has a little something different to offer the first-time dog owner.

When you select a dog breed, try to find out what exactly that breed was used for in its traditional role. For example, most people are not aware that the Poodle is essentially a retriever and one of the finest swimmers in the canine kingdom. The name Poodle comes from the German word pudeln, meaning "to splash in the water." In France it is called Caniche, from the French word canard, meaning "duck." The Poodle is a vigorous water dog that was originally used to assist duck hunters. This fact tells you that a Poodle has all the marvelous qualities of a retriever and needs exercise and mental stimulation as well. An occasional swim is a blessing for these dogs. If you read about the qualities of retrievers, you will be in a position to judge whether the Poodle suits your family needs.

It would be a mistake to believe that one breed or mixture is smarter, cleaner, or more lovable than another. An animal from well-bred stock with proper care and training is more likely to be the ideal pet than any other. The correct approach for choosing a dog is not which dog is best, but which dog best suits you. Do you like a huggy-kissy pet or one with an aloof sense of self? Large or small animal? Long-coated or short, and do you have the desire to fuss with a coat requiring daily grooming? Do not begin to shop for a dog until you've answered these basic questions. How much time, for instance, can you devote to grooming, exercising, or play? Various breeds require more or less attention with regard to these matters. Are your kids very young or are they around ten years of age? Do you want a male or female dog? There are many aspects to each sex that must be taken into account so that a sound choice can be made. Stud fees for males and valuables-litters from females are not realistic considerations for the average pet owner with no knowledge of or facilities for breeding. There is no profit to be gained from dog breeding if you are an inexperienced amateur; therefore, it should not be a factor in selecting a male or a female. Male dogs are larger animals and normally eat more food than females of the same breed. Males are somewhat more independent and are usually more difficult to obedience train. At the very least they require more handling. The male of the species is more likely to wander away (sometimes permanently) than the female and certainly he gets into more fights with other dogs. Many people admire these qualities and find themselves more attracted to male dogs. Some people find the machismo of a large male can be quite appealing.

Female dogs go into heat twice a year. Also called estrus, each period lasts approximately three weeks. During this time the animal secretes an odorous fluid in order to attract male dogs for the purpose of mating. When no puppies are desired the female dog must be kept away from male dogs, and that means being locked indoors. Many dog owners consider this a nuisance, while others consider it a small inconvenience in exchange for a gentle, easy-to-manage animal that at times needs to stay home.

The stereotypical attributes of males and females can be missing or distorted in an individual dog by poor breeding or early environmental influences such as gunshots, car backfires, or physical abuse. A viable option for solving some of the less desirable male or female traits is to spay the female (ovariohysterectomy) or castrate the male, assuming you have no intention of showing or mating the animal. These very common procedures are highly recommended. They enhance the animal's adaptability to family life and eliminate the possibility of unwanted puppies.
 

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