Choosing a Breed of Dog and how to get it right! When choosing a breed of dog you need to make certain decisions - such as...

• Is your family ready for a dog?
• Should you get a grown dog or puppy?
• Do you want a mongrel or a pure breed?
• When choosing a breed - what breed is safe?
• What breeds are right for the family and safe around children?
• What breeds should you avoid?

But the main question you should always ask yourself...

• What breed of dog can I afford?

When choosing a breed you need to go through all of these stages before you decide on your dog or puppy.
It's only fair and right as a dog lover that you take your time and don't rush.
The reason for this is simple - thousands and thousands of dogs are given up to the RSPCA or worst every single year.
It seems to be a fashion in England at the moment for young people to purchase staffordshire bull terriers or any large dog that makes them feel safer.
I work as a dog trainer and I am more than happy to see one of my favorite breeds so popular.
Unfortunately it seems that at the present time many of them are ending up in the local dogs trust alongside another favorite of mine - the Grey Hound.
So when choosing a breed take your time and think about your personal circumstances before you take the dog home.
Can you afford your dog? When choosing a breed I advise my clients to look at how much money they can afford-so don't choose a dog that needs lots and lots of food and health care if you are on a small income.
It comes down to what is relative to your income, I would love to own a Porsche but I can't afford to buy one or keep it-be practical.
I receive letter after letter stating: "What can I do as my dog has a lump under his eye and I can't afford to go to the Vet" I don't mean to be harsh but my normal answer is - (A) I am not a Vet and (B) If you can't afford to go to the Vet don't purchase a dog in the first place.
Choosing the Breed

• If you have made the decision and can afford a particular breed, you should then actually go to the environment where the dog is kept and watch him or her playing and interacting in his own environment, where he or she feels safe and happy.
  
• Ask lots of questions and research the questions that you are going to ask.
  
• Research the breed and look into particular details.
  If you are going to choose a Shih zhu, have you considered that you are going to have dog grooming bills, and that they sometimes have problems with their eyes and ears.
  Really go into detail before you take that step.
  
• How much space do you have, and can you accommodate a large dog?
• What hours do you work, is it possible to properly train a small puppy while you are at work all day, or can you get someone to pop in and let him out?
• Ask the breeder lots of questions and find out previous customers-a good breeder should be able to provide a reference-it is your right to demand it.
  
• Check out details-I know someone who purchased a dog who 'had a cute grunt', that grunt cost them thousands.
  The dog is still with them and very happy-but another owner may not have been so thoughtful.
  

The bottom line is to research every possible detail and if I could give one piece of advice to any possible dog owner-Never I repeat Neverpurchase a dog or puppy on a whim!