Cornish Vet November 2016.
A dog is for…. What to look for when choosing a dog.
Life, not just for Christmas…. so the old slogan goes. This is often the time of year that families
consider getting a new pet and whether looking for a brand new puppy or adopting a dog from a
rescue centre, it is important to consider carefully the choice of dog. Breeds go up and down in
popularity, so beware of being indirectly influenced by the higher profile of the ‘breed of the
moment’.
Different breeds can display certain characteristics which may affect temperament, exercise
requirements and may also make them more susceptible to particular clinical problems. The more
purebred the animal, the more likely they are to display these typical characteristic traits which have
their up sides and down sides. Cross breeds, on the whole, are not as likely to carry these traits as
strongly.
For example, Labrador retrievers are considered great family pets because they have an easy going
temperament; but they are known to be more likely to suffer issues such as hip dysplasia and
subsequent arthritis. Certain breeds with ‘squashed nose’ features are more susceptible to
respiratory problems and others with heart conditions. So if you’re considering the breed of puppy
or dog you are looking for as a pet, try using this checklist to help you:
 Size of mature dog: not only is this relevant to the size of your home or garden, but consider
the quantities of food they will require! And size will also affect the cost of on-going
preventative care such as flea and worm treatment or neutering procedures since these are
all based on weight.
 Amount of exercise and stimulation: some smaller breed dogs still require quite a lot of
exercise – several times a day, perhaps. Consider the mental needs of a dog too – some
dogs will become easily bored and if left unstimulated may develop behavioural problems
and a tendency to destructive behaviour.
 Clinical issues: joints, respiratory problems, gastric issues, heart conditions, skin allergies.
 Temperament: lively, relaxed, energetic, responsive – what is suited to your own
circumstances?
You may go through this list and decide that actually, a cat or guinea pig might be a better choice for
you! Importantly, our checklist relates closely to the five welfare needs of animals, - these are
appropriate diet, environment, company/socialisation, the opportunity to exhibit natural
behaviours, and freedom from pain/suffering, injury, or disease - which all animal owners are
required to meet. Also, when looking for a puppy, please do seek out a reputable breeder where
you can visit the puppy at home with their litter-mates and mother. Rescuing a dog from abroad
may appeal, but there are strict legal requirements that must be met, so thorough research is
essential.
We do recommend insurance cover for peace of mind and to cover accidents, chronic illness or a
tendency to eat things that shouldn’t be eaten! It is worth looking carefully at different levels of
cover which vary according to time or value limits on a condition, or limits on certain elements of
care and treatment.
Overall, the key is good research and being as fully informed as possible, so please don’t hesitate to
contact your vet for help and advice.