Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.
Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.
Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.
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September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs
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Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death?
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September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?
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Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better?
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August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems
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Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health?
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August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety
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Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help.
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July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet
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Is daycare right for your pet?
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July Newsletter: Do Pocket Pets Need Regular Exams?
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How often should you take your pocket pet to the veterinarian?
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June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases
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Could X-rays protect your pet oral health?
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June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?
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Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations?
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May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight
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Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight?
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May Newsletter: Pets Have Allergies too!
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Wondering why your pet is constantly scratching, biting or licking its skin?
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April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night
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Is your cat disturbing your sleep? Check out help your kitty stay calm.
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April Newsletter: Signs Your Dog May Have Bloat
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Do you know the signs that may mean your dog has bloat?
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March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets
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Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines?
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March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know
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Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know.
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February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean
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Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors?
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February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy
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Is your puppy ready to be trained?
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