- Why do I want a pet and what type do I want?
- Is it going to be an indoor pet or an outdoor pet?
- How will this pet interact with my children or other pets in the household?
- Am I willing to devote the time and money needed to raise this pet?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Choosing the Right Pet for You
Because dogs and cats come in all types of shapes, sizes, colors, coat lengths, and personalities, how do you know which one is going to be just right for you and for your particular situation? Here are several questions you should be asking yourself before you take the plunge:
Pet for a Companion
If you are simply looking for companionship, then you need only to choose a furry individual that strikes your fancy. Both purebreds and those of "questionable ancestry” can make great pets, and the decision concerning genetic purity is entirely up to you. If you choose to go the purebred route, expect to pay more up front for your purchase. In addition, you run greater risk of facing genetic disorders inherent to that particular breed. Being very cautious and prudent in your selection process can minimize this risk.
Choosing a Hybrid
Another obvious advantage of choosing a hybrid is that they cost less to purchase than do their papered peers. Ask yourself, “What type of purebred breed(s) do I like best?” Then start looking in newspapers, pet stores, and pounds and other animal shelters for crosses that contain the genes of your favored breed. In many instances, the genetic makeup of the parents is not known, yet you can usually guess the genetic background of the candidate by its anatomic features or by its behavior.
For instance, let’s say you notice that a dog’s ears stand erect, yet are folded halfway. There is a good chance that this mystery breed is part terrier. Does the dog enjoy lounging around in its water dish? It could contain some retriever blood.
Does the cat appear to be slightly cross-eyed? No doubt it is part Siamese. Odds are that the individual you encounter will be a cross between one or more of this country’s top 10 most popular dog or cat breeds.
For instance, let’s say you notice that a dog’s ears stand erect, yet are folded halfway. There is a good chance that this mystery breed is part terrier. Does the dog enjoy lounging around in its water dish? It could contain some retriever blood.
Does the cat appear to be slightly cross-eyed? No doubt it is part Siamese. Odds are that the individual you encounter will be a cross between one or more of this country’s top 10 most popular dog or cat breeds.
Mixed Breed Pets
If you are like many pet lovers, you might be less finicky about a lengthy pedigree and instead prefer a pet with a more mysterious gene pool. In fact, there are several advantages to owning mixed-breed dog and cats (also known as domestic shorthairs, domestic mediumhairs, and domestic longhairs). First, because of their diluted, colorful ancestries, they exhibit a unique genetic phenomenon known as hybrid vigor. Because of hybrid vigor, genetically blended pets, as a group, tend to be healthier and live longer than their purebred cousins.
Pet for Companionship
If you are simply looking for companionship, then you need only to choose a furry individual that strikes your fancy. Both purebreds and those of "questionable ancestry” can make great pets, and the decision concerning genetic purity is entirely up to you. If you choose to go the purebred route, expect to pay more up front for your purchase. In addition, you run greater risk of facing genetic disorders inherent to that particular breed. Being very cautious and prudent in your selection process can minimize this risk.
Military and police dogs
All dogs to be used for protection purposes must be properly socialized with people. Military and police dogs are perfect examples. These dogs are trained to attack on command only. Off duty, most are gentle as lambs. This is how your dog should be. This will not only ensure your safety and that of your family and friends but also might prevent a lawsuit! Remember: A socialized dog can be a great protector; an unsocialized dog is downright dangerous!
Dogs for Protection Purposes
Perhaps you want a dog for protection purposes. If you envision your new acquisition roaming your backyard, lunging and snarling at anyone or anything that approaches your gate, then forget it. Obtaining a dog under such pretenses is only asking for trouble (and a lawsuit), and is heartily discouraged. If, on the other hand, you plan to treat your dog as a true companion and household member, as well as protector, then your qualifications for ownership are acceptable.
It stands to reason that an 85-pound rottweiler with glistening white teeth would certainly be more imposing to an intruder than would an 11-pound Lhasa apso (not that the latter wouldn’t tear into the former— Lhasa apsos were originally bred for this purpose)! However, it is instinctive that all dogs, regardless of breed or size, will actively defend pack members (and, like it or not, you are a pack member) or territory if threatened. If you want your dog to protect you, it is important that it recognize what does and does not constitute a threat. And this is where professional protection training will come in handy.
It stands to reason that an 85-pound rottweiler with glistening white teeth would certainly be more imposing to an intruder than would an 11-pound Lhasa apso (not that the latter wouldn’t tear into the former— Lhasa apsos were originally bred for this purpose)! However, it is instinctive that all dogs, regardless of breed or size, will actively defend pack members (and, like it or not, you are a pack member) or territory if threatened. If you want your dog to protect you, it is important that it recognize what does and does not constitute a threat. And this is where professional protection training will come in handy.
Best hunting dogs
If you are in the market for a hunting dog, there are many from which to choose. Setters, pointers, retrievers, hounds, and spaniels come in a wide
variety of types, shapes, sizes, and abilities. For upland game hunting, setters, pointers, and spaniels fit the bill. For waterfowl, retrievers won’t hesitate to plunge into the water to retrieve a fallen bird. For tracking larger game, one of the keen-scented hound breeds might be what you require. Some hunting dogs will do it all! Keeping your particular needs in mind, research your options thoroughly, and talk with local gun club, hunting club, and/or breed club members to assist you in the decision-making process.
variety of types, shapes, sizes, and abilities. For upland game hunting, setters, pointers, and spaniels fit the bill. For waterfowl, retrievers won’t hesitate to plunge into the water to retrieve a fallen bird. For tracking larger game, one of the keen-scented hound breeds might be what you require. Some hunting dogs will do it all! Keeping your particular needs in mind, research your options thoroughly, and talk with local gun club, hunting club, and/or breed club members to assist you in the decision-making process.
Breeding pets for profit
Unless you are planning to become (or are already) a professional breeder, don’t purchase a dog or cat with visions of large profits from the sale of future litters. Most novices find out quickly that breeding operations, if done correctly and humanely (as they should always be), represent a considerable investment in time and money. Be sure to find out what these investments are prior to plunging into the pet breeding business.
If you are a novice, confine your efforts to one of the more popular breeds rather than to some exotic, delicate breed. As a rule, you’ll be rewarded with larger litters and fewer problems with dystocia (difficult or complicated birthing). In addition, the more popular the breed, the greater the demand will be for the offspring, resulting in greater financial rewards.
If you are a novice, confine your efforts to one of the more popular breeds rather than to some exotic, delicate breed. As a rule, you’ll be rewarded with larger litters and fewer problems with dystocia (difficult or complicated birthing). In addition, the more popular the breed, the greater the demand will be for the offspring, resulting in greater financial rewards.
Selecting your Initial Breeding Stock
Breeder beware!
When selecting your initial breeding stock, closely scrutinize the pedigree of the dog or cat in question. All that it takes is one genetic defect to appear in one or more of the offspring, and your reputation as a breeder could be shattered!
For many, the pleasure of dog or cat ownership is compounded by the thrill of competition in the field or show ring. Thousands of events are sanctioned each year by national, state, and local clubs that bring owners and their performers in from all over the country. Breeders are motivated by these events as well, for earning a reputation for producing show champions is rewarding not only to the ego but also to the pocketbook.
When selecting your initial breeding stock, closely scrutinize the pedigree of the dog or cat in question. All that it takes is one genetic defect to appear in one or more of the offspring, and your reputation as a breeder could be shattered!
For many, the pleasure of dog or cat ownership is compounded by the thrill of competition in the field or show ring. Thousands of events are sanctioned each year by national, state, and local clubs that bring owners and their performers in from all over the country. Breeders are motivated by these events as well, for earning a reputation for producing show champions is rewarding not only to the ego but also to the pocketbook.
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