There are several things to consider when choosing the perfect furry friend for your family, as the new addition to your little tribe can make all the difference in the world. Several studies have shown how having a pet increases the general well-being and mental attitude of the whole household as they create an overall better and more supportive, positive, and encouraging atmosphere. If you, however, are not sure which one to pick and are having second thoughts, here are some tips and tricks to consider before going to the shelter and making the final decision.
Think of the size
There are several advantages and disadvantages of having a big dog in the house if you are thinking of getting one, of course. Dogs are generally more energetic, have an overall better attitude, and are often family-friendly. However, when it comes to choosing the right dog for your family, large dogs are more intimidating which makes them perfect for rejecting intruders or any kind of danger, and smaller dogs are easier to handle and often more fun for the kids. Smaller dogs are known to have high energy levels and hyperactivity, though small, they are a bit aggressive. The larger breeds are often more resilient to different inherited diseases and have only illnesses mostly connected to their size. When it comes to maintenance, it really depends on the particular breed, since puddles, even though small, are a load of work, because of the thick fur. Maybe a bigger dog would be the right choice around older children, probably 5 to 8 years old, and the little ones, around babies and toddlers.
The breed
There are several things to consider when it comes to a particular dog breed. Every breed has its advantages and they also come with a set of different genetic predispositions and characteristics. Golden retrievers are often regarded as the standard among potential family dog breeds. They are loyal, kind, family-friendly, they are patient with little children, and generally safe to have around. Similar to Golden Retrievers, Malamutes are an amazing breed, having similar size and genetics, energy levels, and other characteristics like Golden Retrievers. They generally sharpen senses, are lovable and kind, are great to have around kids, and have a protective attitude when it comes to shielding the ones they love and care about. If you, however, have little to no experience, the team at themalamutemom.com gathered Malamute owners all around and summed up their experience so it is available at the palm of your hand. You can learn everything there is about grooming, maintenance, eating habits, potential genetic disease and illnesses, and much more. This breed is often overlooked but they are the perfect family dog, especially if you live farther apart, somewhere near the countryside or in the open. If you are a bit scared of bigger dogs, one option is going for a friendly bulldog. They often have a reputation of being aggressive and dangerous, but these are just rumors and nothing more as they are kind, loyal, adorable, and charming. They are great around kids and have high energy levels which will keep the little ones more than occupied.
The age of your little ones
Adding a new family member is similar to adding another sibling to the house; thus, consider your children’s age, since it may be wiser to wait until they have developed a true sense of responsibility. There are no such concerns with toddlers, however, make sure the child is not allergic to the animal’s fur or hair, and keep in mind that frequent care is necessary since bacteria and filth from the outdoors that the dog takes in might impact the toddler’s health. With older children, ages 5 to 8, you must determine whether they are aware of the enormous responsibility of owning a pet and whether they believe the ideal dog would be a more lively breed with a lovely disposition, as children at that age may be rather demanding. As a result, choose a dog of comparable age; older dogs typically lack the tolerance to deal with children’s misbehavior.
What about cats?
Cat and dog lovers have always existed, and many individuals are unsure which group they belong to. If you’re thinking of obtaining a cat instead, weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making your decision. We are not saying cats aren’t great, they just have a reputation of being a bit naughty and impatient around kids, as most cats do not prefer their tail being pulled often. They can from time to time be a little narcissistic and have an attitude, but they are extremely intelligent creatures and often form a strong bond with little infants. If you already have a cat, adding a dog can be a bit of a headache, but it will all work out in the end. Cats are frequently not regarded as loving or lively by little children, who regard dogs as more faithful and dedicated pets.
These are just a few things to think about before bringing in a new family member; one thing we failed to mention is that sometimes it’s all about chemistry.
