Many dream of having a dog, but before you make a positive decision and get a pet, you have to think about a lot of questions. Haste in this matter is not allowed, since a dog is not a toy that can be thrown out into the street or replaced with a new one. All family members should take part in the discussion on the appearance of a four-friend and express their opinion. It is important to pay attention to where the family lives - in an apartment or in a private house, because the choice of the breed of the future pet largely depends on it.
Suitable breeds for the apartment
Many owners of city apartments decide to keep pets, preferring dogs. This is due to the fact that this type of animal is considered the most loyal, and, returning home, you can always count on a “warm meeting” of a friend. For those who are going to get a dog in their apartment for the first time, there are several important nuances to consider.
- Compliance of pet sizes with housing dimensions. If the apartment is small, then it will be difficult to contain a huge dog.
- The lack of barking. Choosing a particular breed, you need to ask in advance whether its representatives are inclined to constant and loud barking. If this is not done, then they will constantly receive complaints from the neighbors to law enforcement agencies.
- The willingness of the owner to the fact that the pet will have to be accustomed to living together in the apartment. To do this, you need to conduct training.
If all of the above issues are resolved, then you can safely choose the breed suitable for yourself from the following recommended list.
- Boxer. This dog will have warm relations with all family members (especially with children), and is also characterized by excellent protective qualities.
- Yorkshire Terrier. This four-legged beauty will not leave anyone indifferent. Silky long wool, decorated with ribbons, a bold character, constant activity and living with children makes representatives of this breed the most desired favorites in every home.
- Rottweiler. It is advisable to acquire such a dog at a very young age, this will allow it to be properly raised. Then the little puppy will turn into a loyal friend and fearless protector.
- Cannes Corso. This breed of dog, as a rule, is chosen by families with small children. These are animals that are quite affectionate for their master, which are distinguished by quick wit and good nature.
In apartments with a limited area it is impossible to get large animals, as this will create many problems.
During walks, a child or elderly family members will not be able to cope with an active and large pet.
In this case, it is recommended to choose dogs of decorative breeds, the most popular of which include the following.
- Bichon. It is a small charming dog with a thick and soft coat. Pets of this breed have a lively and cute character, like to be in the company of people, love to play with children and are very affectionate to the owner.
- Lapdog. This cutie is distinguished by exquisite manners. Lapwings are characterized by mobility, energy.
- Toy Fox Terrier. Dogs of this breed have smooth short hair, are active and smart. In addition, the animal has a playful character and a fearless disposition.
All of the above breeds of dogs are ideal for keeping in an apartment, but before you take a pet, you must carefully study the characteristics of the breed, its behavior, feeding and grooming.
If the owner does not have free time to spend it with the dog and take care of it, then it is better to abandon the idea of having such a pet.
What to choose for a private home?
For those who live in the village or in the country, the dog should not only play the game and decorative functions, but also be a reliable defender who guards the house.
Experts recommend choosing those dog breeds that combine the function of protection, protection, get along well with all family members (especially children) and are distinguished by devotion.
The most popular dog breeds intended for keeping in a private house are considered to be such.
- German Shepherd. This clever animal is easy to train and quickly learns to obey its owner. At the same time, shepherds are very fond of babies and are considered excellent protectors.
- Giant Schnauzer. Dogs of this breed are unpretentious in grooming, incredible courage and quickly learn the basic commands.
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Its representatives are one of the largest dogs that tolerate the pranks of children and are completely loyal to the owner. A Caucasian is rightfully considered a loyal friend and the best defender of private property.
Dogs for specific purposes
When purchasing a dog, it is important not only to discuss the responsibility for its maintenance in the family circle, but also to determine in advance the purpose of the pet. So, for example, when the owner likes to lead an active lifestyle, prefers to play sports, often go outdoors and go hiking, then he should not buy a lapdog, dogue de Bordeaux, English bulldog or Chow Chow. Such dogs like to spend their time mainly on the rug, complementing the interior of the housing. It’s best for people full of vitality to acquire terriers, spaniels, setters, labradors, or retrievers.
In that case, if you plan to just have a pet for the soul, it is advisable to choose small breeds.
For owners who are considered avid hunters, pets should be selected with high-speed qualities and search skills. Usually, greyhounds and hounds are bought for this, for dachshunds they usually get dachshunds.
Most of the four-legged friends help people with a certain type of service. So, for example, Labradors, European and German Shepherds, Russian Spaniels, Rottweilers are used in search work, when searching for drugs and explosives, they conduct guard duty.
People living in the north give birth to special sled dogs as a draft force.
These dogs perfectly withstand the harsh conditions of the local climate and help not only move goods over long distances, but also reliably protect livestock. Siberian husky, oriental husky and Alaskan malamute are referred to sled breeds.
For protection
To reliably protect a country house, apartment or other structures, you need to choose special breeds of dogs. Hunting breeds are not suitable for these purposes, as their representatives will be constantly distracted by domestic animals. Unsuitable for guard purposes and such fighting breeds as bull terriers, pit bull terriers. They are aggressive towards other animals and are designed to participate in dog fights.
They will not be able to perform the duties of a home watchman and dogs without an undercoat (they will freeze in winter), as well as rescue dogs, because they do not have anger towards people.
Experts recommend choosing four-legged friends of such breeds for protection, which are characterized by high intelligence, unpretentiousness to living conditions and the ability to quickly learn. So, for example, German, Caucasian and Central Asian shepherds become ideal watchmen. Rottweilers showed themselves well, as they are incredulous and very vigilant. You can also get a Giant Schnauzer, which is an active and energetic dog that can be easily trained. The pet is loyal to the owners, but it is always ready to protect them from strangers and uninvited guests.
For children
According to psychologists, in a family where there are children, there must be a dog, as the fidgets growing with it will acquire a sense of empathy and responsibility. In addition, children have more opportunities to spend free time in the fresh air, walking a pet, rather than sitting at home at the computer. The following breeds are best suited for children.
- Labrador Retriever. This is the most popular family dog in the world. He is distinguished by calmness, intelligence, friendliness and quick learning. Despite the fact that the pet has a huge size, it is very mobile and loves active games with children in the fresh air. In addition, dogs can be a great swimming companion.
- Golden (Golden) Retriever. It is considered an ideal choice for young children. Representatives of this breed are loyal, kind, love babies. In addition, retrievers are always ready for stick games and swimming. These pets are especially well suited for school-age children (from about 9 years old).
- Collie. Such a dog is best acquired by families whose members love an active life. Collie love to play with children, run and walk. Such a four-legged friend will take part in all the activities of the owner.
- Beagle These are medium-sized animals that are affectionate and sociable in nature, they quickly find contact with all family members. A beagle can spend almost all day with children and will be not only a loyal friend to him, but also a reliable defender.
- Poodle. This breed is perfect for a girl. Its representatives love to be in the spotlight, flexible and loyal. Such a pet can be looked after by every child.
Separately, dogs of the following breeds can be distinguished: American Bulldog, Shar Pei, Fox Terrier and Dalmatians.
Such dogs are easy to learn and always obedient.
For teens, experts recommend buying dachshunds, dwarf pinschers, French bulldogs and greyhounds.
For the elderly
Some retirees have to live alone, so in order not to be bored and spend time with a good friend, they get dogs. Before deciding on the breed of the dog, older people should understand that all animals are different and differ in temperament, habits and character. Therefore, energetic old women and old people need to get moving pets, and calm elderly people, on the contrary, give preference to small breeds.
So, a pug is perfect for senior citizens. This is a small dog that loves the attention of the owners.
A good option will also be Scotch terrier, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, Like and Pekingese. Before making a choice in favor of a particular breed, psychologists recommend that retirees undergo special tests to determine which animal is similar in nature to a person. In addition, before taking a pet to the house, it is necessary to decide who will care for him in case of illness of the owner. If no one has the opportunity to walk with a four-legged friend, then it is better to refuse such an acquisition.
Working person
When choosing a dog breed, you should not only take into account your personal preferences, but also consider the availability of free time for walking and caring for the animal. If the future owner of the dog works all day, then he needs to consider buying a pet several times. So, for example, for working people it is not recommended to choose such breeds as a border collie, a German shepherd, a golden retriever. The above dogs are not adapted for life locked up and like to spend time actively in the fresh air.
In addition, you need to know that certain breeds are too demanding to communicate and the animal, being alone for a long time, will become depressed and fall ill.
For busy people, the following dog breeds are ideal, which you can leave alone at home.
- Basset Hound. Its representatives are inactive, have modest dimensions and adore exploring everything inside the house. Leaving the pet at home in splendid isolation, you won’t have to worry, because he will sleep until the owners arrive.
- Chihuahua. Representatives of this breed weigh up to 3 kg and never show aggression. They are usually acquired by those who wish to have a "inactive" friend.
- French Bulldog. These dogs do not like long walks and when the owner leaves the house they will not become very bored - they will immediately fall asleep.
Greyhound, lapdog, shar pei and whippet also deserve special attention. They are perfectly adapted to the living conditions in the apartment and spend most of their time in a dream.
Despite the fact that all of the above dogs can be alone for a long time, this does not mean that they do not need to pay attention.
Selection recommendations
To date, dog handlers have more than 400 different breeds of dogs, so you can make any four-legged friend. The only thing is that if this is done for the first time, you need to pass a test for readiness for responsibility and compatibility of the nature of the future owner with the temperament of the dog. After this, you should decide on the reassignment of the pet, since the dogs can be shepherds, guard, decorative and hunting.
If you plan to walk the dog in the fields and forests for a long time, then she will need endurance.
In the case when it is planned to make an original gift and present a fluffy charming grandmother, you need to choose a small calm dog.
Families with small children, it is advisable to acquire animals whose hair does not cause allergic reactions. For protection, you will need a dog, whose qualities of a guard and defender are genetically embedded. In addition, experts recommend purchasing purebred representatives of the breed, as you can expect anything from mongrels.
Which breed to choose, see below.