Hi there,

I am curious as to how people actually go about choosing their dog.

I am a firm believer in the advice that we should research breeds beforehand to ensure that their needs and temperaments fit with our lifestyle, but when I think about it, I didn’t do that when I picked out my 2 Lurchers, who I took from a rescue shelter 2 years ago. I’ll even admit that I didn’t even really know what a Lurcher was!!

I was lucky, in that Lurchers have turned out to be my ideal breed – my extensive research since has confirmed this, as have my 2 wonderful dogs.

But all this has raised my curiosity about what other people actually do, and I would love to read other’s answers to the following questions:

How did you choose your dog?

Did you research the breed beforehand, or know about the breed from past experience? Or, like me, did you read up on the breed afterwards?

Was it more the particular dog you chose and, if so, why?

Is breed important to you? Would you always choose a pedigree and, if so, why?

What factors are important to you, in choosing a dog?

Did you make the right choice? Would you choose differently next time?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your replies.

Oh my goodness, I'm going to bore everyone to death, lol! Well, I had waited a very long time for a dog (12 years). As soon as we bought our first house, I set out on a quest, determined to get one. I did have a "group" in mind, based on size, temperament, grooming needs, and some physical attributes, like color, markings, etc. But we weren't going to pay hundreds of dollars for a fancy bred show dog either. I instead spoke to several friends who knew of litters of puppies needing homes, young strays, checked the local classifieds, and visited several shelters. There was another dog, a golden retriever listed at one of the rescues in the region that my husband was also interested in (in fact, he was more set on a golden retriever than anything). We had plans to go see the dog. However, the day before, I called one of the shelters, thinking I would drop by after work. I called, because I hadn't seen much of a selection listed on Pet Finder. They told me I really needed to drop by, as they were so cramped and busy they simply did not have time to update the website listings. So I stopped at the shelter, and looked, and talked to the caregivers. I even pulled a couple out to observe in the play yard. I found a beautiful white shepherd, but she did not seem the least bit interested in me. She was two years old, and I was really looking for a puppy, but I would have taken an older dog, had the right one come along. I felt a little better when the officers told me a local rescue group was bailing her out the next morning anyway. I was about to leave, when the officer asked me if I would be interested in a little puppy (all I had seen so far were adult dogs, and older pups). She said she had one in another holding area. She explained the puppy was available, but was in the "on hold" area because their main kennel was full. So they brought out this little spaniel mix, who was so shy she peed on the floor. I picked her up and took her out in the yard to observe her a bit. The only thing this little girl wanted to do was bury her head under my arm, in my lap. But I have to say, it was love at first sight! She was so adorable. I took her back inside, knowing I couldn't take her without consulting my husband first. While I waited for the staff to come collect her, I just held her while she desperately cleaned my glasses, begging me not to send her back to the cage. It broke my heart!

So the next day, we went first to the rescue farm to see the golden retriever. She wasn't the least bit interested in me, but did seem to like my husband. However, she seemed to be very difficult to train. This was understandable, as she had already been in and out of 3 or 4 different homes by this time, and at 10 months, she was going through an independent phase. (My husband still liked her a lot, though) Before deciding on the golden, though, I convinced my husband to come with me to the shelter to see the spaniel mix. The first thing he did was open her mouth: "Oh, she's got puppy teeth!" That told us she was indeed a very young puppy still. Then the puppy climbed up into my husband's lap and buried her head under his arm, as she had done to me. He lifted up her head, played with her floppy ears, and he was hooked. We brought her home that same day. (And incidentally, she did not pee out of nervousness again after that one time)

We named her Annie, and after showing her off, and scouring breed websites, we decided she is definitely a Springer Spaniel-- at first, some people were convinced that she might even be full Springer, but we think not-- she probably has a little something else-- the vet thinks perhaps 1/4 lab, since she is, in his words, "a big spaniel." When we figured out what she is, then we looked up everything we could about Springer Spaniels. When I got Annie, I knew nothing about Springer Spaniels, and had perhaps only heard of the breed vaguely. But now my husband and I both agree, this Springer Spaniel is the perfect dog for us! Annie is five years old now, and still every bit as sweet and adorable as the day we picked her up from the shelter.

My pup was so cute to look.lo.so,,,,,

I chose the breed I have, Dachshunds, because I've always had them, starting when I was a teenager.

As for the individual dogs, I didn't choose them, exactly. They chose me.

I got my older boy, Oli, about 4 months after my last Dachshund had died. I contacted a breeder friend of mine, and described what I was looking for; a male, under 5 years of age, any color, size or coat type, but had to be laid back and easy going. She told me she had just gotten a young dog back that sounded like what I was looking for, and come meet him. So I did.

Oli climbed into my lap, laid his head against my chest, and rolled his eyes, sighing in pure bliss. Then he gave me little kisses on my cheek. I got up to use the restroom, and he followed me, at heel, waited outside the door, and followed me back to my chair, where he again climbed into my lap and laid his head against my chest. I was hooked.

I got Whiz about two years ago. He was 12 weeks old and was an owner surrender at the rescue organization I help out with. When I saw him I just had to hold him. It was cold out and I was wearing a heavy coat. He wiggled his way into my pocket, popped his little head out, and refused to come out. So what could I do besides wear him home? LOL.

When I got home and put him on the floor, Oli took one look, scooped him in with his front paws, and started grooming him. "Thanks for the puppy, Mom. I always wanted my own dog." And that's what Whiz is. Oli's dog.

well it wasn't hard for me.
i live in a flat so i wanted a small dog.
the smallest i can get.
and i find maltese dog verry cute.

i just looked and looked untill i found a perfect dog for me.

her name is Rea.

but...
she has to operate something in her throat
and maybe she'll need to opearte her back right leg too.

i'm so sorry for her....

Well, my family had 2 beagles about 7 years before we got the dog we have now. My parents (I'm only 14) didn't really like having the beagles and they were not very well trained. They had heard that mixed breeds had fewer health problems and often great dispositions. So, with that in mind, we went off to a wonderful shelter that is near by. We were actually planning to look at a basset/lab mix but we saw a different dog walking by, named Green Lantern (superhero theme that week). So we met with him and wound up bringing him home and hour later! We couldn't stick with that name of course so we renamed him Sonny! We think he was abused before the shelter picked him up because for a while he was very jumpy and afraid of everything. Now Sonny is 5 and hes very well trained and very friendly! l3l3l3

well as for me, i love dogs who are behave..like shitzu

[Piti Longstalking]

I chose the most obnoxious and unruly dog at the local shelter, that was a bully breed. Enter Ohm. I've since transformed him into my living resume. Nothing like a great dog for awesome marketing.

[wishbone]

Well, me and my buddy found each other. We adopted him from shelter, where the very moment we so each other, we meet like we're been together for long time. I've researched everything about his breed with good information and tips before we get him.

-is a nerd and answers your questions exactly-

How did you choose your dog?
I went to four different shelters to look at them seriously; volunteer at one now, the other one I had chosen a dog and they turned around and informed me they'd changed their mind and wouldn't adopt to me... the last one I visited for a week straight every day before choosing the dog I wanted.

I went there looking for a 2+ year old... came out with a 6wk old puppy. -headdesk- But at least I have no bad habits to try to live with.

Did you research the breed beforehand, or know about the breed from past experience? Or, like me, did you read up on the breed afterwards?

I knew about the breed beforehand, and I had researched it a little, but had decided not to go with one because I hadn't been able to find one in my preferred age range in my area. I knew the basics of the breed, but I did most of my research while holding a puppy in my arms lol.

Was it more the particular dog you chose and, if so, why?
I actually liked her littermate more... but this girl's colour caught my eye and once I had her out of the cage and she was shivering a she nestled against me, I was won lol.

Is breed important to you? Would you always choose a pedigree and, if so, why?
Don't really care about pedigree, I got Avalon from the shelter, but breed is sort of big to me. I'm fond of big dogs, and I don't like certain large breeds (example... greyhounds... they're cool and sweet but not my kind of dog). So breed is big for me but pedigree isn't (although I can't see a single sign of Avvie being anything but a purebred Australian Shepherd which is crazy... I'm really good at calling breeds, too).

What factors are important to you, in choosing a dog?
Breed, size, colour, intelligence, energy level... lol

Did you make the right choice? Would you choose differently next time?
I'm still not sure. She's sure energetic but she's a puppy... hopefully in a year or two she will be calm enough that 3 miles a day will be enough for the day, not just ten minutes lol. I do know my next dog is going to be some breed of husky. But overall I'm in love with my little dear.

I choose a dog based on size...I like small dogs...my favorite breed is pug...

[rayter]

Well my first dog, I didn't choose it, it's my mom's gift to me. I got the 2nd one after taking a dog breed selector quiz, hehe. The result is pomerenian, so I got one.

My dog chose me! After a night clubbing with my wife, we were leaving the club and while in the parking lot, this reeeeallly cute black lab puppy came out from under the cars in the lot and fearlessly approached!

Needless to say, after a lot of effort to track down where it came from, we kept it!

If you are picking a pedigree you need to be really careful, we chose a puppy from a breeder who I am convinced knew that there was something wrong with it. After 5 years we had to put it down as it had so many serious skin problems that the poor dog was really unhappy. I stupidly never did anything about it with the breeder, which I had done. Having said that, we have had 2 amazing Norwich Terriers from other breeders. BUT, and if any breeders are out there you won't mind me saying this, they are extremely fussy who they let their dogs go to! So make sure you know exactly what you are talking about, including the colour! We said we wanted a brown Norwich Terrier, to which we were promptly told "I think you mean red"!!

I think you should decide what size of dog you want and maybe go from there.

Petfinder.com - Adopted.

I don't research anymore, but that's only because I have been researching dogs for the past ten years BUT I would highly recommend everyone research their dogs first. You'd be surprised how many features their breed can determine. Yes, all dogs are different... but nature is always lurking within You might bring home a soft quiet little puppy and three months later it's bouncing off the walls and digging holes to China in your flowerbeds.

hi! I'm a girl so i decided to take care of small dogs like chihuahuas and shi-tzus. They are small enough that you can take it to the mall with you and you would not have a hard time taking it to places because they are well-behaved.

And these dogs are not hard to take care of. They are small dogs but they are very loving and they show their affection in sweet little ways. Well, of course, different people have their own set of taste in choosing a dog but for me, small dog breeds are definitely cute and smart as well.

How did you choose your dog?
I had been researching different breeds of dogs, i wanted a BIG dog, the bigger the better. Then one day someone broke into my garage and there was no way i could live in my house by myself after that so the next day i called about an add in the paper for "2 Free Dogs" i went to see them later that day and i fell in love with my dog Angel who snuggled up to my and gave me kisses the second she saw me.

Did you research the breed beforehand, or know about the breed from past experience? Or, like me, did you read up on the breed afterwards?
My dog is Boxer/Lab/Pitt and i'd already researched these dogs in the past but i brushed up on my research so i could see what kinds of problems she might have gotten from the different breeds.

Is breed important to you? Would you always choose a pedigree and, if so, why?
No not really, I don't think pedigree dogs are any better then plain old mutts, sometimes i think mutts are better because most pedigree dogs (the ones bred my unresponsible breeders) have so many health issues from inbreeding its not funny.

What factors are important to you, in choosing a dog?
Temperment mainly, i wanted a dog that would be good with kids and other animals since i have 3 ferrets, a cat, and 2 bunnies also. Both bunnies now belong to my dog as far as shes concerned and the cat is her best friend lol.

Did you make the right choice? Would you choose differently next time?
I think i made the right choice, i had to choose between her and her sister, her sister seemed more aggressive and she nipped at me alot where angel was all kisses and has never nipped or mouthed. I wouldn't trade angel for anything.

I Love My Puggle .. I Love Family Dogs and Puggle is perfect for me. When I was searching for a dog I asked myslef why I want a designer dog, and why I want a Puggle. I didn't choose Puggle because its so cute, but I research and know a lot about them, understand their personalities and exactly what I'm getting. They are true Family Dogs.

[puppylove2009]

as far as my poodle goes I didn't do much research I have had poodles my whole life and knew a poodle would be a good fit.


AS far as my mix goes. Well I saw her picture and read her story online and I just had to go down to the rescue and get her (she was between 10 and 12 weeks old)

Had I researched the breeds they thought she was I probably wouldn't have got her (Jack russell terrier is one of her breeds they know that for a fact mom was a JRT) because JRTS dont' fit into our lifestyle.

But she is not hyper at all she is lazy. She is a good dog, very smart. So I'm glad I didn't read up on what breeds she had in her.


And I love her sooooo much.


I do feel its best to know what you are getting into with a purebred and maybe a bit with a mutt. But I feel my mutt got the best of her breeds and threw out the worst.


I am heavily researching my next breed

How did you choose your dog?

Well, my most recent adoptee I actually did some research and checked out about a dozen dogs through various local humane societies and rescue groups. I made a list of what I wanted in a dog and read up on different breeds but I wasn't looking necessarily for a purebred (I've always owned mutts) just for specific characteristics.

My other current dog, was a spontaneous adoption 10 years ago at a Petco--I was there that day to attend a talk by a trainer on a subject of interest with my cattledog. I went home with more than I intended to that day.

The cattledog was an adoption from a pound. No research was done. I thought the puppy sitting in a corner was a husky mix. Turned out to be a cattledog mix (red heeler) with severe shyness issues.

Another previous dog was a situation where he adopted me--literally, I opened my car door at a friends house and this stray dog jumps in and makes himself at home. Best dog you could hope for!

Did you research the breed beforehand, or know about the breed from past experience? Or, like me, did you read up on the breed afterwards?

I had to do research on the cattledog breed after adopting that puppy. I had no clue what a cattledog was much less it's temperment.

With my recent adoptee, I did the reading beforehand.

Was it more the particular dog you chose and, if so, why?

I wanted a calm dog that would get along with the other animals in the house. I also wanted a dog with the energy to go running with me and do stuff like agility and therapy dog work. I kept looking until I found the perfect combination.

Is breed important to you? Would you always choose a pedigree and, if so, why?

I'm a mutt person who finds herself now with a purebred--my first ever. My dad had a purebred GSD and purebred cocker spaniel. My mother has owned purebreds. I've always gone for the mutts until now. I think there are trade offs. With mutts, you don't necessarily know what genetic traits are packaged inside; but, you also tend to get a dog with fewer genetic defects. Mutts tend to be healthier and hardier because of that latter fact. OTOH, a purebred (when breed right) can give you a beautiful package with predictable behaviors/traits.

What factors are important to you, in choosing a dog?

Behavior. Energy level. Personality. I'd rather have a well behaved mutt than a poorly behaved, poorly bred purebred. Whether pure or mixed, getting the right energy level is so important--don't get a high energy dog if you live a couch potato lifestyle.

Did you make the right choice? Would you choose differently next time?

Oh, definitely, I made the right choice. Tanner, my new adoptee, is God's reward to me for loving dogs no one else would have--he is sweet, loving, energetic, a groomers-dream-dog (according to his new groomer), smart, ADHD, petite little hunk of gorgeousness. He is just what my old dog needs to keep him active in his old age.