Which dog breed suits me? Or: Is a dog right for me at all?
You've probably noticed: dogs have been very trendy for several years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, fueled many people's desire for a pet starting in 2020. People are home more, working from home suddenly makes it possible to take better care of a dog, and even during lockdown, getting out for necessary walks is possible, and as we now know, there aren't too many other activities in pandemic situations. We can totally understand these thoughts, because the SABRO team is also a team of passionate dog owners. However, there might be a big difference right there. We are true dog people, body and soul, with heart and snout.
Therefore, in this article, in addition to things you absolutely need to know if you're considering getting a dog, we also want to raise some critical questions that you should honestly ask yourself before getting a dog if you're flirting with one of these loyal four-legged friends.
A dog means a lot of responsibility for several years
Depending on the breed and the associated expenses, a dog impacts your personal quality time account, your wallet, and restricts your freedom (often much longer than the children who absolutely wanted the dog live in the house). You can't just go on a quick trip without knowing where the dog will stay (unless it can simply come along, which would of course be best).
Are you wondering which dog or dog breed you should get? Please think carefully beforehand about your own life situation, your job, vacation wishes, appointments, sports clubs, etc., because a dog demands your time, cannot always and everywhere come along, and cannot stay home alone for hours. Especially not as a cute puppy.
Even with regard to vacations, which are curtailed especially in exceptional situations like a pandemic, you should consider: air travel with a dog is hardly possible, especially not with a representative of a large dog breed. Alternative care in kennels costs additional money for every day of vacation and is generally also a great burden for the dog, because it prefers to stay with its pack, of course.
The selection of holiday accommodations is also limited, because not all places allow dogs as guests or welcome them, especially hotels often do not offer a solution for accommodating your dog. A holiday apartment or a motorhome is a more obvious solution.
If you have carefully considered all these things and decided that a dog should move in with you, the question now arises: Which dog suits me or us, because basically the whole family should be involved and agree. The question is also: which dog breed suits me or us? Because even if dogs have their own characters and often do not correspond to the breed-typical description, it is good to know how big the dog can get, how much care and exercise it needs, and many other things. These can be estimated relatively well based on the breed.
You should ask yourself these 3 questions before getting a dog:
How big should the dog get?
Keep in mind that a 70-kilo Great Dane also needs a large dog bed, for example, the XXL KUDDE is 150 x 117 cm, and the car must also be able to safely transport the dog. A small dog up to 6 kg can fly with you on board for vacation, but it might get overwhelmed in a bustling household with many small children.
How active should my dog be?
Are long walks and hikes your passion? Are you still really fit to go out in any weather? Maybe even jog or cycle with the dog? Or would an older dog also be an option for you, who likes to chill and cuddle on the sofa with you a lot.
How demanding is coat care?
Many breeds need to go to the dog groomer regularly and also be brushed at home. You should also enjoy this, because this care is really not just for aesthetic reasons, but these dogs also suffer if, for example, their fur gets matted or their hair grows into their eyes.
Remember: the breed you might have chosen is not always the one that suits your life situation.
What suits me better: puppy or adult dog, pedigree dog or mixed breed?
Whether pedigree or mixed breed, puppy or adult dog, shelter or breeder: a dog is a living creature, not an item that can be "easily" returned if it doesn't please you. It will have its own character, which does not always adhere to the breed description, because sometimes a dog is just human.
If a puppy is to move in with you, be aware that a baby is moving in. It will need a lot of time; in fact, it's a full-time job. It has to learn to be house-trained. And it cannot be left alone. You will have to go out with it often, several times even at night, and it may also chew on one thing or another in the apartment. Getting it used to everything and teaching it the basic things is a big, responsible task, and it will continue even after puppyhood, specifically into the young dog phase.
There's also no guarantee that you'll achieve a perfect end result with a puppy, which is partly due to ourselves, because who is perfect? And a puppy also comes with its own character package, meaning its genetics and predisposition.
Prefer a dog from a breeder or a dog from a shelter?
Especially for first-time dog owners, an adult dog can be a much better choice. These dogs can be found wonderfully in animal shelters, for example. And don't worry, they don't only house "difficult to train" dogs. Many dogs wait in shelters that are wonderfully socialized, walk well on a leash, can stay alone, and are simply waiting for a second chance because their first human became ill or passed away. There are also divorce victims among dogs, or owners have lost their job, their apartment, or simply no longer have time because they hadn't considered the points listed above.
If you choose a dog from a breeder, always check the following:
Do not support inhumane breeding: some breeds are no longer in compliance with animal welfare, because if a chihuahua fits in a teacup, but its eyes almost pop out or its flat nose can barely breathe, that's just cruelty.
Do not support illegal puppy trade from car trunks, without seeing the parent animals etc. You are not saving these dogs by buying them, but merely encouraging the continuous production of "sad supplies".
Will my dog be a city dog or a country dog?
When deciding on a dog, the entire environment plays a major role. Do you live isolated in the countryside or in the middle of the city? In an apartment building, your dog should not bark constantly to avoid jeopardizing neighborly relations, which may lead to dog training and additional costs. If you live on the fourth floor, your dog should preferably not have walking restrictions. If you live in the middle of the city in a typical nightlife district, you should first look for suitable areas for walking the dog. Some dogs also don't like too many people around them. Is the dog mostly outdoors in the countryside or rather indoors in the city? This should definitely influence your decision.
There are about 360 incredibly wonderful, different dog breeds, and therefore this is really not an easy decision. If you then count the many mixed breeds too. We present a few breeds here:
- Breed portrait Dachshund, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Münsterländer
- Breed portrait Russel Terrier, Weimaraner, Labrador Retriever
- Breed portrait Kangal Sheepdog
We deliberately refrain from describing the "child-loving Labrador" and the "small Chihuahua for city apartments" in these breed portraits. That simply cannot be said in such general terms.
And as mentioned: If you are now considering getting a dog during a lockdown to get out more or have company at home, please remember that every pandemic eventually ends and suddenly air travel, concerts, theater visits, and other rather dog-unfriendly activities will resume.
Test before getting a dog how your life would change with a dog!
If you have dog owners in your circle of friends, use the chance and approach a dog. Take it for a walk or take care of it during the holidays, if you feel up to it. Many animal shelters also offer so-called dog sponsorships, where you can regularly walk the same animal and get to know it. This is a good way to assess the demands of life with a dog. Even if in reality many things will probably turn out differently than you think. But rest assured: mostly beautifully different.
Finally, you need to consider that as a new dog owner, you'll need a complete initial set of equipment: a proper dog bed like the KUDDE, food and water bowls, dog leash and collar, perhaps a special puppy harness, grooming accessories, high-quality dog food, toys, and much more. A dog is a real investment, also financially. The good news: we not only offer accessories optimally tailored for dogs, but also regular promotions and discounts.
Checklist before getting a dog:
- Consider whether you absolutely want to start from scratch with a puppy or if an adult dog would also be an enrichment for you.
- Should the dog be rather athletic, child-friendly, easy-care, or compact?
- Consider whether you will get a dog from a breeder or want to give a dog from a shelter a new loving home.
- Ask yourself how spirited the dog can be.
- Check your living environment, your living space size, and your region: is it suitable for a dog at all? Are there small children in the household?
- Calculate average additional monthly costs for food, dog tax, dog owner liability insurance, equipment, vet visits, etc., ranging from about 75 euros for a small dog to 200 euros for a large dog.
- Consider beforehand how long your dog would be home alone while you work or similar, or if the dog would be allowed to come to work with you.
- Ask yourself how much time you want to invest in the dog: large breeds usually require more exercise and time for walks.
- Evaluate your own fitness and age. Wouldn't an older dog with a gray muzzle also be a great option?
- Check your travel habits. Do you travel a lot? If so, can the dog accompany you? Or are you willing to give up air travel if necessary?
How did you get the dog that is now with you? Share your experiences with us. We look forward to hearing your wonderful stories.
