New Puppy Supplies

If you want to go straight to buying the supplies for your new puppy check out Cherrybrook at http://dogcarejourney.com/cherrybrook.

1. Puppy or Dog Food

At the top of the supply list is your puppy’s food. Puppies can have a delicate digestive system, and suddenly switching their food can cause them to have an upset stomach. Talk to someone who is familiar with the type and brand of food that your new puppy has been eating. As much as possible, stick to this diet for the first few days, especially as your puppy adjust to so many other changes in her life at this point.

You can always go through a slow switch to change her food later on. If your little one has been doing well on her current diet and food, there is really no reason to change her food, unless you have a personal preference for some other brand of food. However, if your puppy is experiencing problems like diarrhea, a dull coat, or other issues that could be caused by a poor diet, then you may want to slowly change her food.

A visit to the vet is one of the first things you should do anyway, so your vet will be able to help you decide on a quality dog food for your dog.

2. Supplies for Feeding Time

Your new four-legged friend will need bowls, dishes, or pans for food and water.

Stainless steel pans are a good choice. They are easy to clean, but they do have a disadvantage – they tend to make a lot of noise as they are knocked around. You can get the stainless steel dish with a weighted bottom, or  a rubber bottom to prevent the dish from being moved around too easily.

Ceramic dishes are also a good choice. Make sure that they are dishwasher safe if you plan on washing your dog dishes in the dishwasher.

Try to stay away from plastic bowls. Many dogs can have an allergic reaction to the plastic. They develop bumps and pimples on their muzzles. The plastic bowls can also lead to a condition called "snow nose" – your dog’s nose turns pink instead of dark.

When selecting a bowl for you dog, it is best to choose an appropriate size for your puppy or dog. If you choose a bowl that is too large for your dog, she may have trouble reaching food at the bottom. If your dog has long ears, get a deep bowl with a smaller opening at the top. This will help to prevent your dog’s ears from getting into her food.

3. Collar and Leash

Even a young puppy needs a collar and a leash.

There are many different types of collars to choose from, not to mention an almost endless variety of colors and styles. Some collars are intended for training your dog and are not recommended for young puppies.

A regular flat buckle collar is an appropriate collar for a young puppy. These collars are also good for taking your dog on a walk, or a trip to the vet.

Nylon collars or leather collars are also good choices. However, these tend to be more expensive, and your puppy will grow. You will have to replace her collar several times before she becomes and adult dog. For this reason, you may not want to invest in an expensive collar right away.

When fitting your puppy’s collar, make sure it fits around her neck, allowing you to slip two fingers between your puppy’s neck and the collar. Less than two fingers and the collar is too tight, which can choke the puppy. A loose collar can be dangerous too. If the collar is too loose the puppy can slip out – not a good think if you are walking her on a busy street.

You can get a leash to match the dog collar if you like. A six-foot leash is considered a good length for walking your dog. Of course you will want to keep your puppy much closer to you than six-feet.

4. Toys and Chews

All puppies need toys and safe things for chewing. If you don’t provide her with sufficient and appropriate toys and chews she will find other things to chew on – think your stuff .  Your little friend is less likely to chew on your shoes, furniture, remotes, the carpet, if you provide her with a good selection to toys and chews. So toys and chews should be consider an important part of your new puppy supplies list.

There are many great toys for dogs and puppies. You can choose from simple stuff toys to fairly complex interactive toys.

Chews come in all types, shapes, and flavors. There are:

• rope toys
• Nylabones
• Kongs – which can be stuffed with treats
• and others

Just be sure to pick a size and age appropriate toy or chew.

5. Place to Sleep

Your new puppy will also need somewhere to sleep. No matter where you decide your puppy will sleep, she needs a place of her own where she can find some quiet time. When your house becomes busy and noisy, she needs a place to retreat for a nap.

Consider getting a crate for your puppy. Crate training is a great idea, but we will cover that in depth later on.

You may also want to consider a dog bed. This is not an essential item, but Misha has three different beds around the house. That way we don’t have to be moving her bed from room to room. And believe me, she uses all three . So you may want to think about getting at least one to start with.

These are the basic supplies that you need when bringing home your new puppy. I recommend you at least get her food, dishes, a crate, and a bed before she gets home. That way you can focus your attention on her the first day. A little later you can get her collar, the leash, and some toys.

Where To Get New Puppy Supplies

For eco-friendly pet products check out pawluxury.

For premium pet supplies go to Cherrybrook.

And for almost any dog supplies you can think of, go to Petsmart.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Go back to the previous article, A List of Dog Breeds To Suit Your Lifestyle.

Best,

Omar Reyes

p.s. If you would rather buy your supplies from your local pet store, I have put together a short new puppy supply list for your convenience. You can print it off and take it with you so you do not forget anything . All you have to do is click here!

Although I am doing this a bit backwards, now is as good a time as any to discuss what it means to be a responsible dog owner. Many of these ideas are simple, and obvious in some cases, but sometimes it is good to take a step back and point out what’s important.

7 Keys To Being a Responsible Dog Owner

1. Do You Have Enough Time – owning a a pet requires lots of time an attention. Make sure you have the time and are able to commit to spending time with your new friend. You will need to housebreak her if necessary and you should train your dog. At least provide basic obedience training. It is also important that all members of your family be committed to caring for the pet as well.

2. Choose the Right Dog For You – there are various factors that go into selecting a dog to suit your lifestyle and your circumstances. We have covered most of that in our article series Choosing a Family Dog. I would like to repeat that you should never buy a dog on impulse. Do your research first.

3. Make a Vet Appointment – one of the first things you should do to make sure you have a healthy dog is to make an appointment with your veterinarian when you get a new dog or puppy.

This is important for several reasons:

• When you take her to the vet, you will find out if you bought or adopted a healthy dog or puppy.
• You can be sure that she will not pass on any illness to other dogs or pets.
• She will be current on all vaccinations which is important for her health and for yours as well.

Note: Most cities require you to have your dog vaccinated, at least for rabies. Be sure to check your local laws for any vaccination requirements in your area.

4. Provide Food and Water – feed your dog a healthy dog food for a well balanced diet.

Provide fresh water at all times. Learn more information about the various ingredients present in your dog’s food. Educate yourself about the qualities of good food. Remember, not all dog food is made the same. Some are manufactured with cheap fillers, while others are made with expensive organic ingredients. Determine what she actually needs so that you can make an informed choice about her diet.

5. Confinement – be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog confined, not tied up or locked up. Do not leave her to wander around the neighborhood. Not only is this a nuisance, but it can be dangerous for others as well as for your pet – she could be hit by a passing car.

Almost every city, at least in the United States where I live, has some sort of leash law to discourage unleashed dogs. Keep your dog leashed when you are out walking. If you have a fenced yard, allow her to run around inside your own yard.

6. Spay or Neuter – most of us want our dogs as companions and pets. We do not intend to breed them. Please consider having your dog spayed or neutered. This helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number or unwanted and abandoned dogs in shelters and rescues.

7. Do The Right Thing – when the time comes.

At the end of your dog’s days you may find yourself in the difficult situation where there is nothing else that can be done for her. It is at this time when being a responsible dog owner can be the hardest. You need to make the personal choice about whether to ease her suffering and say goodbye. Just stay with her until she is gone and remember all the joy that she brought to your life.

Being a responsible dog owner is not something that should be taken lightly. It is a full time, long-term commitment. It means that you are responsible for your dog’s health, care, attention, and love until her time with you is no more. In return, she will love you unconditionally and without judgment.

That’s a pretty good bargain don’t you think?

Recommended Reading

• Why Train a Dog – part of responsible dog ownership is training your dog.
• Is There An Average Life Expectancy of a Dog – Since you are committing to caring for your dog for the duration of her life, it would be good to understand how long that might be.
• New Puppy Supplies – a list of supplies that you will need to buy to make your new puppy feel at home.

So is it a good idea to try and bring home two puppies at once, even if they are from the same litter? Well there are several factors to consider.

For starters, having just one dog is a huge responsibility. Throw a young puppy into the mix and you have your work cut out for you. Puppies need a lot of attention, time, effort, love, potty breaks, sleepless nights – well, you get the picture. And that’s just one . Two puppies at the same time? Just ask my friends over at the Three Dog Blog what they think.

Raising Two Puppies May Result in a Strong Bond

Something else to think about, when two dogs or puppies are raised together, they may bond closer to each other than how they would bond to their human families. Especially if they are puppies from the same litter. Being too closely bonded to a sibling can mean that they end up paying closer attention to each other than they do to you.

This may not be that big of a deal, but sometimes it affects how easily training may be. Consider what would happen when you are trying to teach them basic commands and house rules. It can be a lot harder and stressful on both you and them, because their attention is divided. Of course a solution would be to keep them apart, then train them when they are separated .

Raising Two Puppies At The Same Time May Result In Fights

As the pups grow older, they will begin to establish their roles with each other. Because they are growing and learning, the puppies have a natural tendency to fight and compete. There are many situations where they may feel the need to compete:

• getting more attention
• at feeding time
• over their toys

If not corrected, one of the puppies may end up hurting its littermate. One puppy will usually establish dominance over the other, and the submissive one may develop anxiety issues as she grows older. Or they may develop aggression issues, which can cause a whole other set of problems.

These issues are usually worse if both are puppies from the same sex.

A Plus For Two Puppies At The Same Time

One positive side effect of having two pups from the same litter – they can keep each other company and play with one another. However, as you have seen, the potential problems may outweigh this one benefit.

If you have your heart set on having two dogs, then be patient.

Get one first.

Raise her.

Train her.

Then when she is settled, get a new puppy or consider a grown dog. I think this is a far better solution than raising two puppies at once.

Final Considerations

Remember that dogs and puppies do not experience the same emotional bond that we feel as humans. So a dog can be blissfully happy growing up alone without ever seeing a brother or sister again. So when you hear someone say that they want, or got, two puppies because they didn’t want to separate them, know this belief is based on wrong assumptions. Rather than be a positive for both pups, it can lead to a rather difficult situation.

If you must raise two puppies at once then please be certain that you have the will and the resources necessary for raising two puppies.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, A List of Dog Breeds To Suit Your Lifestyle, or go back to the previous article, Purebred Puppies and Their Oh So High Price Tags.

The price to get a new puppy can also vary depending on where you live, and what time of the year you are looking for a new puppy. If you are shopping for a new dog during the holiday season, the price can actually be higher than purchasing a dog at other times of the year – because there is an increase in demand around the holidays.

It will also depend on whether you are getting a pet quality pup or a show quality dog. The price difference can be as much as $500 for an eight week old pet quality puppy, to around $3000 for a show dog prospect of the same breed. The higher price tag is usually because that puppy came from a line of pedigree dogs and probably has a history of champions as well.

If you are considering a more mature puppy, about eight months to a year old, then the price can be significantly higher than $3000. Of course, these figures are for illustration only to show the huge difference between pets and show dogs – at least when it comes to price.

Are Smaller Purebred Puppies Less Expensive?

The price of a puppy really has nothing to do with its size. Many small breeds and toy breeds are quite expensive, usually because they are popular and in high demand. In many cases, because a breed is so popular, you have to put your name on a waiting list to reserve a puppy. Sometimes, a breeder has sold all their puppies before the litter is even born.

What About Male Versus Female Purebred Puppies?

In general, female puppies are less expensive than their male siblings. Unless she exhibits the potential to be a great show dog – then sorry brothers . This is because such a female puppy would be used as foundation stock for future breeding.

Many people mistakenly stay away from female dogs because they feel that they would have to deal with potential of caring for a litter of new born puppies. Growing up, that is the way my parents felt about dogs. As I grew older and started doing my own research, I realized this was simply not the case.

Since I advocate spaying and neutering as a part of responsible dog ownership, this is not a problem at all. So all my dogs have been females. As far as being good pets and companions, there is really no difference between male or female dogs.

Beware of Unscrupulous Breeders of Purebred Puppies

No matter what business you think of, there will always be people who are in it only to make money. Nothing else matters, and they will make money at all costs. The world of dog breeding is no different. These are the people you want to stay away from.

In deciding which type of puppy you want to purchase, take your time and do your research. Find a reputable breeder, and even then, do not rush and buy the first puppy you fall in love with. Remember, you are buying a dog who will hopefully spend the rest of her life with you.

And please do not forget about the mixed breed dogs out there. Especially those in shelters, just waiting for someone to take them home and love them.

There is nothing wrong with purebred puppies, if you are getting one for all the right reasons. But if adopting a mutt is in your future, hey, you will be saving some nice change .

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Raising Two Puppies, or go back to the previous article, Mixed Breed Dogs or a Purebred Puppy.

All the dogs I had growing up were mutts. They held no pedigrees, no registration papers, but they were my dogs and they held a special place in my heart.

Mixed Breed Dogs – Healthier or Smarter?

Whether the mixed breed dog is healthier or more intelligent than their purebred cousins is  certainly up for debate. But the mutt definitely suffers her share of illnesses and diseases that are common among all dogs.

However, there are some who claim that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier. The belief is that when dog breeds are mixed or crossed, their offspring will be less likely to exhibit extreme characteristics. For example, extreme characteristics such as the snub nose of an English Bulldog, or the long, narrow heads and bulging eyes of some other dog breeds, are lessened in mixed breed offspring.

Others point out that when you are crossing two purebred dogs, the offspring has the possibility of developing any characteristics, conditions, or disease that is common to either parent.

According to Wikipedia, the theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be healthier than their purebred counterparts.

Rather than trying to debate the theory of hybrid vigor here, I think this article does an excellent job – The Myth of the Myth of Hybrid Vigor.

Mixed Breed Dogs Are One Of A Kind

There are some people whose preference is to own a purebred dog, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, for those who just love their family mutt, remember that your dog is one of kind . Even from the same litter, many of the pups will look differently since they can inherit characteristics from any of the breeds they are mixed with.

I think that makes a mixed breed dog truly special and unique.

Another thing to consider is that there are so many excellent mutts or mixed breed dogs just waiting for a home at your local animal shelter. They will love you no less than a purebred would, I promise.

So, does it really matter? I think not.

As always, it comes down to doing your research and making sure that whatever dog you decide on you are prepared to love them, care for them, train them, for the duration of their lifetime.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Purebred Puppies and Their Oh So High Price Tags, or go back to the previous article, Dogs for Seniors.

So, dogs for seniors? Yes!

As it is, there are studies to show that owning a dog as a pet can actually improve the health and overall wellbeing of seniors. There are many nursing homes, and other senior care facilities that welcome animal visitors, such as pet therapists. There are even facilities that allow their residents to have a dog.

However, it is important for seniors to acknowledge their limitations when it comes to dog ownership. For example, it is usually a challenge for an older person to handle a giant dog breed, or one that requires a lot of grooming care. It may also be difficult to provide sufficient exercise for a dog with high levels of energy. It may be hard for an older person to carry a large dog if their is a need to do so.

For these reasons, factors like size and temperament should be considered when a senior person is thinking about getting a dog. In many cases, a senior should also consider getting a grown dog as opposed to buying a new puppy.

Not to say that a large family dog cannot be one of the good dogs for seniors, but small dogs usually make great pets for older people. Small dogs with shorter coats usually require less grooming maintenance and can be easier to handle than a large dog. Small dogs can also make an excellent lapdog.

Great Dogs For Seniors

• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Cocker Spaniel
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Schnauzer
• Scottish Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Toy Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier

These are just a few of the breeds that generally make good dogs for seniors.

Remember that every dog is an individual and that these are only generalizations. For example, you may meet a Cocker Spaniel who seems to have boundless energy, or a shy Pomeranian. If you are interested in any of these particular dog breeds then try to meet the dog you are interested in, in person.

Observe the dog’s personality and decide if you think it would fit in with your own personality. Consider your own circumstances and decide if she would fit in with your lifestyle.

If you love dogs, you can be certain that there is one waiting for you out there. And don’t let the fact that you may be older stop you from sharing your life with a wonderful dog.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Mixed Breed Dogs or a Purebred Puppy, or go back to the previous article, Large Family Dogs.

But a large family dog is not for everyone. There are some factors that you need to consider when deciding if a large dog breed is a good fit for your family.

Some Pluses For The Large Family Dog

In general, large breed puppies cost less than small and cute little toy breed puppies. I am not quite certain of the reasons behind this, but that is the way it is.

Puppies from the large breeds are not as delicate as their smaller cousins. They are usually ready to go to their new homes around eight weeks old. Puppies from the toy breeds and most small breeds may need to wait until they are at least twelve weeks old before their new families can take them home.

Because of their size, many large breed puppies make excellent family dogs. They can tolerate more roughhousing without getting hurt too easily. Of course, that is not to say that children should be allowed to be left alone with the dog, especially when they are playing. Rough playing can quickly get out of hand without proper supervision.

However, for children who understand how to interact with a dog, a large family dog can be a great companion.

Many times, a small dog breed may not be a good choice for young children since the kids can unintentionally hurt the puppies.

Despite their intimidating size, many large dogs are very gentle and have a quiet, laid-back personality. Depending on the breed, some large dogs don’t require a whole lot of exercise. In fact, there are many small dog breeds who require a great deal more exercise than some of the larger dogs. There are many large dogs who are contented to simply nap all day.

Many people mistakenly believe that to own a large dog you must have a large backyard. This is not always the case.

One mistake that potential dog owners often make is to think that only small dogs are suitable to living in an apartment, and that large dogs require a house in the country to be happy. Choosing Puppies

And finally, this may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a watchdog, or a protector, you will want to choose a large dog breed. After all, face it, most dogs no matter their size, will alert you to an intruder. But realistically, people will respect a quiet Rottweiler much more than they would a yapping Yorkie.

Some Drawbacks Of The Large Family Dog

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to owning a large dog. First of all, you should expect to spend more money on a large dog. They eat a lot more so you will spend more money on food. Their routine health care is usually more costly as well.
If you use heartworm medication and flea treatment on your dog, these cost more for larger dogs too.

Other things cost more.

Dog crates for large dogs are more expensive. If you plan on taking your dog on an airplane you will pay more for a larger dog.

But perhaps the biggest drawback of having a large family dog is their shorter lifespan. Now, this is a generalization because there are many factors affecting the average life expectancy of a dog. In general, however, a toy breed dog or a small dog breed may live up to about fifteen years. Large dog breeds have a typical lifespan of about ten to fourteen years.

In the end, it really comes down to what kind of dog you feel would be most suitable to your lifestyle. If you are considering a large family dog, there are many great reason why you should get one. The most important thing to remember is to do your research to make sure you can provide your dog with the love and care she deserves for the rest of her life.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Dogs for Seniors, or go back to the previous article, Male or Female Dogs.

So today, let’s do something a little different. Below, is a list of dog breeds for your consideration. They are divided up into categories and listed in no particular order. They are definitely not complete, but is meant to be a fun starting point. Please feel free to share your favorite breed in each category in the comments and I will update the lists .

Here we go…

A List of Dog Breeds That Are Great With Children

If you have children in your family, you will want to make sure that you get a dog that gets along with them. These dogs are known to love children:

• Beagle
• Basset Hound
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Poodle

Dog Breeds That Require Less Grooming

All dogs need to be groomed. Their coats need to be brushed, their nails need to be trimmed, teeth brushed, and they all need an occasional bath. But in general, these dogs are considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming:

• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• Italian Greyhound
• Pug

A List of Great Lapdogs

If you are looking for a dog that loves to cuddle, and be snuggled, here are a few to consider:

• Dachshund
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

Energetic Dogs

You are an an athletic person and are looking for a dog who can join you for a hike on the trail or a long distance jog. Consider these breeds:

• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier
• English Springer Spaniel
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A List of Athletic Dogs

These dogs are considered active, agile, vigorous, and strong:

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Border Collie
• Brittany Spaniels
• German Shepherds
• Greyhound

A List of Dog Breeds Who Tend To Be Obedient Dogs

If you are looking for a dog who listens, and is willing to please, check out these breeds:

• Border Collie
• Doberman Pinscher Dogs
• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Shetland Sheepdog

So what do you think? Did I get them right?

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, New Puppy Supplies, or go back to the previous article, Raising Two Puppies.

In the end, though, it shouldn’t matter really. After all if you care more about a dog’s personality, character, and how the dog will fit into your lifestyle, then gender should be irrelevant. If you are buying a new puppy or getting a grown dog your decision will be mostly based on how the puppy or dog behaves and acts towards you, your family, and other people.

However, there are definite differences, and you can choose whether male or female dogs will suit you best.

Female Dogs

In general…

• female dogs are smaller in size
• they are often believed to be more intelligent – this is debatable, but in a household with both male and female dogs, the females tend to run the show
• they tend to be more independent
• they tend to be more mature as well
• a bit more aloof

Male Dogs

Generally speaking…

• males dogs are very affectionate
• they can be less complicated than female dogs
• can have problems if not neutered
• can be territorial over property
• tend to display territorial urination

Male or Female Dogs – The Truth

The truth is that these short lists are really just generalizations, and for every bullet point there is probably a male and a female dog that can be described that way. There are however, some additional observations that can be addressed.

For example, intact males can develop behaviors based on sexual interest. Stories of dogs jumping or climbing over a fence just to get to a neighborhood female who is in heat is not unheard of. Also, intact males are more likely to mark the house with their urine. Having your dog neutered can help in alleviating these behaviors.

As with male dogs, females can also be distracted and exhibit certain behaviors associated with sexual interest if they are not spayed. However, it tends to be less of a problem since females only come into a heat cycle once or twice a year. Again, spaying can help with some of these issues.

We will discuss the benefits and criticisms of spaying and neutering later on.

As another example, many female dogs seem to take to training more easily than their male friends. They can be very focused and intent at getting it right. In classes with both male and female dogs, the females seem to learn faster in the beginning. The males usually catch up, and some will even excel, but the girls usually get ahead to start.

In the end, both male or female dogs make excellent pets. Every dog is different no matter what their gender. There is nothing wrong with having a preference for one over the other, but if you are not sure which one would be better for your family, here is a bit of advice – go with your heart. Do your research so you can make an informed decision about what type of dog would be best suited to you and your family and then forget about what sex the dog is.

As I wrote this article, I couldn’t help but think that many of these things are what my wife says makes women better than men, more intelligence, more mature, you get the picture . I said, “those are just generalizations based on some observations”. But seriously, what do you think? Do you have a preference for male or female dogs?

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Large Family Dogs, or go back to the previous article, Choosing Puppies.

If you are adopting an older dog then you will already be certain of her size. But if you are buying a puppy then you not only have to consider where you live now, but also where you think you will be living in the future.

So, are you living in an apartment or a condo? Or are you living in a house? Do you live in a busy city, or do you live in the country with lots of space for your dog to run free?

Consider These When Choosing Puppies

• Size restrictions imposed by your landlord or by your homeowner’s association.
• Consider the amount of barking that is typically associated with a particular breed you are considering, and think about how close you live to neighbors.
• Ask yourself if your lifestyle suits the activity level of your dog and if you will have the time to provide her with sufficient exercise.

A Common Misconception When Choosing Puppies

One mistake that potential dog owners often make is to think that only small dogs are suitable to living in an apartment, and that large dogs require a house in the country to be happy.

Side note: Our dog breed profiles list the recommended living conditions for a particular breed in the Quick Stats section.

The reality is that in many cases you do not have to own a large backyard to own a large dog, and some small dogs are not very good at life in an apartment. On the contrary, many large dogs do well in an apartment, and some small dogs are better off living in the country with lots of space to run, explore, and dig.

For example, if you are considering rescuing a retired Greyhound, you do not have to live in the country or own a huge backyard to own this wonderful dog. The Greyhound dog breed is a sprinter, not a long distance runner. And although she loves to jog with her owner, she would be just as happy with a good fifteen to twenty minute brisk walk in the morning and at night. Greyhounds are not loud barkers. This makes them ideal for living in an apartment or a condo.

The main concern for people living in an apartment or condo is their ability to take their dogs up and down any stairs if the dog cannot make it on her own. This is usually due to old age or an injury.

On the other hand, you may think that most small terriers would be perfect for apartment life. However, some terriers, like the Jack Russell Terrier, can bark almost none stop. This may not sit too well with the neighbors in your apartment building.

Many small breeds bark so much, and have such high energy levels, that they are not ideal for living in an apartment.

So when choosing puppies, or a grown dog for that matter, it is important to consider the noise level of the breed, and how much exercise you will able to give them, and not just how big they will get.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Male or Female Dogs, or go back to the previous article, Buy A New Puppy.