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If you have answered “yes” to all the above,
then you are ready to choose your breed.
CHOOSING
A DOG !!
Owning
a dog can be a fulfilling and rewarding
experience. Much thought and consideration
needs to be put into your choice of breed.
Always bear in mind the size, temperament,
exercise and grooming needs of the adult
dog.
Consider your lifestyle, commitments
and availability of time on a daily basis,
your ability to exercise and your ability
to pay for the myriad of expenses dog ownership
brings.
Your property must have secure
fences and gates regardless of your choice
of breed. A safe and comfortable kennel
or bed must be provided, with access available
at all times.
If you have children,
you must take their needs, activities and
ages into account, as your new puppy is
to become part of their family.
WHAT
KIND OF DOG IS BEST FOR ME ???
First
and foremost you need to ask yourself why
you want a dog. Is it for companionship,
exhibition or showing, protection or security,
working or trialling, sport and recreation,
or a pet for the family?
You need
to decide whether you want a small, medium
or large dog, quiet or active, long coated
or short coated, male or female, and the
type of activities in which you and your
family would like to participate.
The
size and location of your premises will
have a bearing on the size of dog you choose.
Also bear in mind many small dogs have just
as high an activity level as larger ones,
they just don’t need as much space!
There
are many different types of coat, all need
grooming and almost all will drop hair.
If you don’t want an adult with a long,
flowing coat that requires daily grooming,
then buy a short-coated breed!
Males
are usually a little larger and stronger
than females.
Make sure the size
and strength level of your dog matches that
of your children. If you are not planning
to show or breed, spaying or neutering (desexing)
is highly recommended. A bitch comes into
season at least once, or twice a year and
must be confined and kept away from males
for some weeks. Many health risks for a
bitch are minimized once spayed.
As
you learn about the different breeds, remember
the purpose for which a particular breed
was developed, for example a Working dog
or a Gundog, active in mind and body, will
require regular occupation and a lot of
exercise.
How do I learn about the
different breeds?
A good place to
start is to look in books or on the internet,
go to dog shows or obedience clubs where
you can talk to owners and see a number
of breeds.
Visit friends and relatives
with dogs and ask them about their experiences.
Find out about characteristics and attributes
of various breeds by talking to breeders
and contacting breed clubs.
Dog shows
give prospective puppy owners an excellent
opportunity to view the many breeds available
and the chance to talk to breeders and exhibitors.
It also allows you to see dogs of all ages,
so you will get a good idea of what the
adult will be like in size and temperament.
Shows are scheduled each weekend that represent
many breeds, a group of breeds or a single
breed. Details and dates are available at
ACT Shows and Trials as is written information
on breeds, and contact details for breeders
and breed clubs.
Most breeds have
some hereditary conditions. Ensure you find
out about these and any other potential
health problems to be watched for. Once
you have narrowed down your field it is
time to learn more specific details about
your chosen breed and visit some breeders.
A
responsible person will choose a pure bred
dog because the behaviour, appearance and
size of the dog is predictable!
WHY
BUY A PURE BRED DOG ???
There
are definite benefits to owning a pure-bred
dog:
The various types of pure-bred
dogs are the result of many years of selective
breeding. All breeds were developed for
a specific purpose and documentation is
available on their history and heritage.
When you buy a pure-bred puppy you will
know what to expect in the adult dog, as
the size, temperament, appearance and characteristics
are predictable.
When considering
a pure-bred dog, it is possible to narrow
down the choices to those with attributes
which most clearly fit into your personal
lifestyle and interests. For example, whether
the dog will be good with your children
or whether you will have time to groom and
exercise the dog properly.
Responsible
breeders will answer your questions and
share their experiences and knowledge with
you. They can provide background on the
breed and discuss the characteristics of
the adult dog. When you buy from a
reputable registered breeder you will receive
a documented history of the puppy and you
will be able to see one or both parents
or other family members.
Breeders
have the experience to give puppies the
care and nurturing they need at critical
early stages. This not only ensures
you’ll have a healthy puppy, but that the
puppy is much less likely to develop into
a difficult adult. Breeders will guide you
in proper care and feeding, health issues
and training. Breeders are there to
help you and will continue to provide information
and support as your puppy grows.
Owners
of registered pure-bred dogs can join the
ACT Canine Association Inc. and participate
in a variety of activities and events with
their dogs. These provide an opportunity
for social interaction with others with
common or similar interests.
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