José Henrique Duarte Correia Veterinarian Professor, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Lisboa Your family already thought about all the details and decided that a dog will be the ideal pet! Dogs are really great friends. They are faithful, affectionate, and fun companions. They are capable of extraordinary feats and seem to enjoy doing them. In short, they are admirable. But this is not all. Dogs are not all equal , whether in temperament, risk of illness, needs for activity or care, among other characteristics. Therefore, to ensure everyone well-being, it is important to know which breed or type of dog is best suited for your family . Being very fond of the look of certain breed of dogs does not mean that this one is the most suitable. Dogs are not all equal If you have any idea about your family preferences for the breed or type of dog, find out if there is specific health care to consider and what are the temperament traits for the breed or type of dog you are considering. All dogs have their own personality and some pure breeds of dog have very strong traits . Some dog breeds have an increased risk for certain diseases. For example, animals with exaggerated facial features such as French Boulegogue, English Bulldog, Pug, among others, have a higher risk of respiratory and eye health problems, which may require additional veterinary care to help them living more comfortably and with better quality of life. Others, such as Yorkshire Terriers, need special grooming care so that their coat is always in good condition. Some dogs are calm and like to sit at their owner feet during most of the day, others are bold and restless. Jack Russell Terriers, for example, require more training, exercise, and patience than usual to be the ideal companion. Size should also be considered. A large dog needs more space and eats a lot more than a small dog. Purebred or mixed breed? Purebred dogs Purebred dogs , although each with their own individual characteristics, have a high probability of developing the personality traits associated with their genetic heritage, in addition to the typical breed body characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club dog breed grouping , you can expect the following general features: Toy group This includes the cute King Charles Spaniel, the playful Chihuahua, Pomeranian Lulu or Dwarf Spitz, Pug and Poodle, all great for tight spaces. These dogs may be small, but they are tough, lively, and playful, full of energy. If you admire a giant personality in a tiny body, these dogs are for you. Herding group Originally created to guard herds. Border Collies, German Shepherds and other sheepdogs are great for farms and families. They are loyal, great companions and very trainable. Terrier group This includes breeds like Miniature Schnauzer, the select Yorkshire Terrier and the popular Jack Russell Terrier. Their sizes vary, but they are all energetic dogs. They have strong personalities, which require owners who do not mind a bit of rebellion. Working group Includes breeds such as Boxers, Rottweilers, Doberman, Great Dane, Portuguese Water Dog. They were dogs created to help man carry out tasks. Some are ideal guard dogs. They are fast learners, intelligent and excellent companions, but not always ideal for families with young children. They are happy to serve and be useful. If they are well trained, they will be friends and protectors for you and your family for life. Hound group This group includes the Beagle, the Teckel, the Setters, Retrievers, Podengos and many other hunting dogs, all known for their loyalty, inexhaustible energy and hunting skills. Many make great family pets, like the affable Beagle, but beware, some are capable of barking loud and clear. Sporting group Includes dogs like the Weimaraners, Labradors and Cocker Spaniels. They appreciate to go out where they can run and roam freely and Require regular and vigorous exercise. Non-sporting group It is a diverse group that includes the Dalmatian, French Bouledogue, Giant Poodle, English Bulldog and Shar-Pei. Known as friendly and robust, they vary in size, personality, and coat. Mixed breed dogs A mixed breed can be the right combination of personality, resilience, size, behavioral tendencies, resulting of a mixed lineage, and will have a unique look. No other dog will look or act like yours! The genetic mixture gives them great advantages , namely of predisposition to diseases with a hereditary component, contrary to what happens with pure breeds. It also makes it less predictable that personality traits will predominate, but these will always be less pronounced than those of purebreds. Therefore, they may have the perfect temperament. It is also necessary to consider the acquisition costs, which are much lower in the case of mixed breed dogs. Thus, these dogs, less expensive and healthier , can be the ideal choice for a family. Buy or adopt If buying a purebred dog is your decision In this case, you must find trusted breeders . In Portugal ask the Clube Português de Canicultura for a list of breeders or ask a veterinarian for reputable breeders. Ask the breeder to meet the litter parents, relatives, and litter siblings, to observe their temperaments and state of health and well-being and try to find out about problems or inherited diseases in previous litters. Find out if the puppies were socialized with people or if they were raised in a kennel, as the latter may have failures in their development and social skills. You can ask to contact the breeder veterinarian and people who have previously acquired puppies from this breeder. You must ask for all written information regarding records, health certificates and absence of hereditary diseases and the medical history of the litter, including deworming and vaccinations. Adopt an abandoned dog There are many stray dogs, abandoned or unwanted, desperate for a new family and a good home. There are multiple dog associations and kennels that offer support and advice about the dogs under their care and that can help you find the one best suited for you and your family. An adult dog rescued from a kennel might be the right choice. He already has his personality well established, so you can be more confident that it will fit your lifestyle better. These dogs are also sterilized, identified with a microchip, and vaccinated , which is an economic advantage, in addition to the satisfaction of being able to offer them a second chance in life. Even if you want a purebred dog, unfortunately there are many of those in kennels of abandoned animals. A commitment for many years Feeding, toileting, exercising, playing and physiological needs are daily requirements to consider when taking care of a happy and healthy dog. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to satisfy these needs throughout the animal life . When deciding which type or breed of dog will best suit your family, you should also consider your answers to all of these questions: Do you have time to provide the care and attention a dog need? Daily exercise is essential for dogs, and without it, your dog will possibly exhibit boredom behaviors such as digging, howling, chewing on furniture, or running away from the yard. Do you live in the city, in the suburbs or in the countryside? Is your house rented or owned? Are there any restrictions on the number or type of pet where you live? Do you live in an apartment or a house? Do you have easy access to areas where your dog can exercise? How many hours do you work per day? Do you often have other obligations after work? Who takes care of your dog in your absence? Do you have other pets? Will your new dog get along well with other animals? What future changes in your living conditions might occur that could affect your ability to support your dog for years to come? Are you prepared to ensure proper veterinary care throughout your dog life to help prevent and treat illness or injury? What are you looking for in a dog? A running or walking companion? A lap dog for a party or an energetic companion? What characteristics will you want to avoid in a dog? For example, that is not rowdy, noisy, or that does not need a lot of grooming? Which is better, a puppy or an adult dog? A puppy requires more time for hygiene training, socialization, obedience training, more frequent meals, exercise, and supervision. Adult dogs are already trained in terms of hygiene, know basic commands, are calmer and generally adapt very well to new homes and families. Are there children in the family? In this case, the important thing is to have a friendly dog and not a particular breed. Do you have time and resources for issues such obedience training, taking the dog for walks, providing proper nutrition, bathing, clipping and veterinary assistance? Families with a busy lifestyle or limited financial resources should consider whether they will be able to provide the level of extra care that some dogs may need. Did you choose your dog thoughtfully and considering your family life? If yes, be assured that you will have a lasting relationship of unconditional love , fidelity, companionship, joy and mutual satisfaction that only a pet like a dog can provide. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
