Selecting the Right Pet

WHAT BREED IS RIGHT FOR ME?

When choosing a dog, remember that good looks aren't everything. Long, happy relationships are the result of good compatibility.

CONSIDER BREED TENDENCY REGARDING:

Compatibility Factors: Size, Coat Type, Activity Level, Excitability, Trainability, Sociability, Playfulness, Affection Demands, Barking, Aggressiveness.

Coat Type: Double-coat breeds (Shepherds, Huskys, Pomeranians, Akitas, St. Bernards) and short-coat breeds (Dobermans, Labradors, Dalmatians, Beagles) continuously shed, aggravating allergies, requiring brushing and home clean-up. Drop-coat breeds (Lhasa Apso, Maltese and Afghan, Terriers, Schnauzers and Poodles) are usually non-shedding but require weekly grooming time and/or expense.

Personality Factors: High barking levels for an indoor dog may be annoying but makes for a good watchdog. A playful or active dog may play a great game of catch but may also require regular, vigorous exercise to deter excessive barking, destructive chewing or unruly behavior. A highly trainable dog may house train quickly but may also get into mischief if not continually given training challenges. Aggression may contribute to watchdog temperament but can be a liability around children or strangers. Affectionate breeds are endearing but may bark or destroy more from separation anxiety. Every personality benefits from a puppy socialization class and/or dog obedience classes.

Active, Excitable, Yappy, Affectionate

Long Low-shed Coat:
Small = Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Fox Terrier, Poodle, Shih-Tzu, Bichon Frise.

Large = Airedale.

Long Coat:
Small = Pomeranian, Pekinese.
Medium = Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog, Springer Spaniel.
Large = Irish Setter

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Short Coat:
Small = Boston Terrier, Pug, Dachshund, Chihuahua.
Medium = Beagle.
Large = Weimaraner.

Watchdog, Aggressive, Dominant

Long Low-shed Coat:
Small = Cairn Terrier, West Highland Terrier, Silky Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer.
Large = Afghan Hound.

Long Coat:
Medium = Chow, Spaniels, Sheepdogs.
Large = Husky, Malamute, Samoyed, Akita, St. Bernard, Shepherds.

Short Coat:
Medium = Corgi.
Large = Boxer, Dalmatian, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Doberman.

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Easy to Train, Quick to Housebreak

Long Low-shed Coat:
Small = Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise.
Large = Standard Poodle.

Long Coat:
Medium = Sheltie, Keeshound, Australian Shepherd.
Large = German Shepherd, Akita, Newfoundland, Collies, Retrievers.

Short Coat:
Large = Doberman, Vizsla, Rottweiler, Labrador, German Short-haired Pointer.

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Special thanks to Dr. Rolan Tripp and the staff of the VCA La Mirada Animal Hospital (562) 921-3539, for providing this special information. VCA La Mirada Animal Hospital also offers puppy kindergarten and special training classes.