Dog Compatibility...
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To get you started with dog compatibility, why not print out this Dog Compatibility Chart and check off the key points that are important to you. You might even think of additional topics, which could be your own key compability point. |
Key Points
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What's It All About?
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Energy level
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Some dogs have higher energy needs, especially the Herding, Toy, and Sporting breeds. Can you keep up with them and give them the attention they need?
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Exercise quota
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Are you in good physical shape for an active dog who needs alot of exercise? Don't forget that mental exercise is important too.
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Trainability
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How much time do you want to spend training a dog? Maybe you prefer one that is easy to train? Herding dogs and Retrievers are able to follow commands...they were bred that way.
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Kissy face
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Does the thought of doggie kisses and drool send you running for a Wash 'n Dri Towelette? Better look for the more aloof breeds such as the hounds, or the guardian dogs.
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Guardian dog
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Looking for a dog to protect you and your family? The Working Group breeds such as the Doberman could fill the dog compatibility bill.
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Friendliness
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How friendly a dog do you want? Our Toby is very outgoing, and has that ability to turn strangers into friends. Do you want a friendly dog who draws attention wherever you go? If not, the guardian dogs are a bit more reserved in nature.
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Sentry dog
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If having a watchdog fits your lifestyle, consider a terrier or toy breed. Although Maggie is a Yorkie, her energetic bark can be mighty ferocious. She displays good watchdog behavior when barking at anyone coming too close to the property.
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Plays well with other dogs
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If you are adding another dog to your family, consider that some breeds get along better than others. Retrievers and Hounds tend to co-exist more easily than the Terriers.
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Plays well with other pets
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Consider how other pets such as cats will get along with a new dog. You'll need to teach the newcomer how to fit into the animal heirarcy; be prepared for some hissing, growling, and chasing (from you and the animals!).
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Plays well with children
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Too large a dog can overwhelm some children, too small a pup can run the risk of injury from children. Too much or too little doggie energy might be a mismatch for children, but a medium sized playful pup could be just the dog compatible fit you're looking for.
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Weather forecast
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Weather conditions in your area should influence your breed selection. Larger dogs with thicker coats have a harder time coping with heat. Thinner, smaller, and leaner dogs feel the cold more easily.
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Doggie dimensions
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Do you want a large dog, small toy, or something in between? Large dogs weigh more, eat more, cost more to care for, and take up more space. The smaller breeds can get underfoot around you, and run the risk of being injured more readily either by bigger dogs, children, or accidents. Don't plan on jogging around the park with Chihuahua (unless he's in a backpack!).
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Extreme makeover
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If you're the type who won't want to spend a lot of time (or money) on dog grooming, then a Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier might not be a good match. But longhaired dogs can wear the "puppy cut" quite well, just look at Maggie. Her temperament and activity level is well suited for shorter fur, and she's groomed every 3 weeks.
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Longevity
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How long do you hope your faithful companion will live? Smaller dogs can have upwards of a 15-year life expectancy, while very large breeds have shorter life spans, often under 10 years.
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Healthy as a...
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Before settling on a particular breed, check its history for genetic diseases. Because purebred dogs don't breed outside of their "group", they're more susceptible to genetic flaws. However, with a "mutt", the gene pool enlarges, producing a more physically sound dog.
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Best looking
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Don't let the cutest puppy overule your common sense about which breed is best for you. Think of the cliche, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", when choosing your dog breed.
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Popular breeds
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Just because your neighbor has a Labradoodle; "everyone has one", doesn't mean it's the right pooch for you. Popular breeds might make finding a reputable breeder a bit more difficult. Finding a reputable breeder of rare dogs can also be a challenge.
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Your activities
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Your activities should be a major consideration in breed choice. Think about how you like to spend your time, and choose accordingly for the best dog compatibility.
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