FROM THE DESK OF PATRICA
How Do You live ?
Apartment Friendly or House Friendly
Live in an apartment, but longing for some canine companionship? Not to worry. Many, many apartment-dwellers have successfully adopted dogs. In fact, in dog-friendly cities like New York, most people live in apartments, so don't despair. If they can do it, so can you! You just need to take into consideration a few things. First, make sure your apartment allows dogs, and understand that if you move to a new apartment, you'll need to find another that allows dogs. Next, you'll need to provide training to make sure your dog doesn't bark incessantly and disturb neighbors while you're away (this is where adopting from a rescue group, where dogs have been in foster homes, can really make a difference. They'll know if the dog you have your eye on is prone to barking). Finally, you will need to make sure your dog has adequate access to the outdoors for some exercise and potty breaks. A dog-walker and doggy daycare are great resources to use if you work long days.
Whether or not a dog can thrive in an apartment has much more to do with his personal traits than his breed. Most breeds can adapt to apartment life. But all dogs, no matter what breed, require some level of exercise to remain happy, healthy and well behaved. An under-exercised or bored dog can become quite destructive in any home.
Keep an open mind when you begin your adoption search. Many large breeds do surprisingly well in apartment life. For instance, Greyhounds and Great Danes make great apartment companions. Though they are very large, both breeds are generally quite happy to be couch potatoes when indoors as long as they are provided some outdoor activity each day. Conversely, some small, high-energy dogs who are prone to barking when left alone may not be the best choice for shared-wall living. However, and we can't stress this enough: it's all about the individual dog, not about the breed, and a mixed-breed dog very well may end up being "the one"!
What Breed is Important to you?
While no dog is 100 percent nonallergenic, if you're allergic to dander, you may be able to tolerate a so-called "low-dander" dog. Several breeds are known as low-dander dogs. These types of dogs have coats that are more like hair than fur, and they tend not to shed much. They also usually require a lot of brushing and grooming, due to their constantly growing hair.
Here is a list of "Low-Dander" Dog Breeds
If you're just starting your search, you may be asking yourself what kind of dog or cat would be best for your lifestyle. You may be diligently researching the characteristics of each breed, making a list of which breeds would and wouldn't be a fit. To you, we say: Relax! It's okay to do your research, but don't feel like breed selection is the ultimate key to finding your perfect match. It really is about much more than what looks good on paper:
it's about the individual dog or cat's personality and the chemistry you feel together (yep, we have chemistry with animals just like we do with other humans!). And don't forget about those marvelous mutts! Not only do you get a one-of-a-kind companion, but many veterinarians say that mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs, who tend to be prone to certain genetic conditions, depending on the breed.
1.SPAY/USA: Run by North Shore Animal League America, this is a nationwide network of over 1,000 affordable sterilization programs and clinics with 7,000 veterinarians:
http://www.spayusa.org
2. Go for an adult dog. Puppies are great, but they're not perfect for kids. They mouth tiny hands with razor-sharp teeth, they jump, and they're also easily injured. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can't always tell or control what personality traits your puppy will develop. On the other hand, when you adopt an adult dog, what you see is what you get. Their personalities are fully-formed and on display for the world to see! It's much easier to tell if an adult dog is great with kids now than to guess if a puppy will grow up to be.
3. For extra certainty, adopt from a rescue organization. Many rescue organizations keep their pets in foster homes, so rescuers have a pretty clear picture of their pets' personalities. Foster families have a chance to observe their dogs around children, other animals, and can also tell you if the dog is housebroken (many are--another benefit of adopting an adult dog) or knows basic commands.
4. How important is breed? Not important. Some tiny breeds, like Chihuahuas, tend to be nervous around children, and Italian Greyhounds are considered much too injury-prone to be a safe choice around very young children. Other breeds,like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are widely thought to be great with kids. But there are exceptions to every rule: we know many Chihuahuas who absolutely adore children, and even Golden Retrievers can bite. And don't believe the hype: pit bulls can make wonderful companions for children. Bottom line: It all depends on the individual dog. We're big fans of mixed-breed dogs, who often have wonderful temperaments. Please, keep an open mind and you'll find the right dog for you and your kids!
How Do You live ?
Apartment Friendly or House Friendly
Live in an apartment, but longing for some canine companionship? Not to worry. Many, many apartment-dwellers have successfully adopted dogs. In fact, in dog-friendly cities like New York, most people live in apartments, so don't despair. If they can do it, so can you! You just need to take into consideration a few things. First, make sure your apartment allows dogs, and understand that if you move to a new apartment, you'll need to find another that allows dogs. Next, you'll need to provide training to make sure your dog doesn't bark incessantly and disturb neighbors while you're away (this is where adopting from a rescue group, where dogs have been in foster homes, can really make a difference. They'll know if the dog you have your eye on is prone to barking). Finally, you will need to make sure your dog has adequate access to the outdoors for some exercise and potty breaks. A dog-walker and doggy daycare are great resources to use if you work long days.
Whether or not a dog can thrive in an apartment has much more to do with his personal traits than his breed. Most breeds can adapt to apartment life. But all dogs, no matter what breed, require some level of exercise to remain happy, healthy and well behaved. An under-exercised or bored dog can become quite destructive in any home.
Keep an open mind when you begin your adoption search. Many large breeds do surprisingly well in apartment life. For instance, Greyhounds and Great Danes make great apartment companions. Though they are very large, both breeds are generally quite happy to be couch potatoes when indoors as long as they are provided some outdoor activity each day. Conversely, some small, high-energy dogs who are prone to barking when left alone may not be the best choice for shared-wall living. However, and we can't stress this enough: it's all about the individual dog, not about the breed, and a mixed-breed dog very well may end up being "the one"!
What Breed is Important to you?
While no dog is 100 percent nonallergenic, if you're allergic to dander, you may be able to tolerate a so-called "low-dander" dog. Several breeds are known as low-dander dogs. These types of dogs have coats that are more like hair than fur, and they tend not to shed much. They also usually require a lot of brushing and grooming, due to their constantly growing hair.
Here is a list of "Low-Dander" Dog Breeds
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier (commonly called a Wheaten)
If you're just starting your search, you may be asking yourself what kind of dog or cat would be best for your lifestyle. You may be diligently researching the characteristics of each breed, making a list of which breeds would and wouldn't be a fit. To you, we say: Relax! It's okay to do your research, but don't feel like breed selection is the ultimate key to finding your perfect match. It really is about much more than what looks good on paper:
it's about the individual dog or cat's personality and the chemistry you feel together (yep, we have chemistry with animals just like we do with other humans!). And don't forget about those marvelous mutts! Not only do you get a one-of-a-kind companion, but many veterinarians say that mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs, who tend to be prone to certain genetic conditions, depending on the breed.
1.SPAY/USA: Run by North Shore Animal League America, this is a nationwide network of over 1,000 affordable sterilization programs and clinics with 7,000 veterinarians:
http://www.spayusa.org
2. Go for an adult dog. Puppies are great, but they're not perfect for kids. They mouth tiny hands with razor-sharp teeth, they jump, and they're also easily injured. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can't always tell or control what personality traits your puppy will develop. On the other hand, when you adopt an adult dog, what you see is what you get. Their personalities are fully-formed and on display for the world to see! It's much easier to tell if an adult dog is great with kids now than to guess if a puppy will grow up to be.
3. For extra certainty, adopt from a rescue organization. Many rescue organizations keep their pets in foster homes, so rescuers have a pretty clear picture of their pets' personalities. Foster families have a chance to observe their dogs around children, other animals, and can also tell you if the dog is housebroken (many are--another benefit of adopting an adult dog) or knows basic commands.
4. How important is breed? Not important. Some tiny breeds, like Chihuahuas, tend to be nervous around children, and Italian Greyhounds are considered much too injury-prone to be a safe choice around very young children. Other breeds,like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are widely thought to be great with kids. But there are exceptions to every rule: we know many Chihuahuas who absolutely adore children, and even Golden Retrievers can bite. And don't believe the hype: pit bulls can make wonderful companions for children. Bottom line: It all depends on the individual dog. We're big fans of mixed-breed dogs, who often have wonderful temperaments. Please, keep an open mind and you'll find the right dog for you and your kids!