These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily.
You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage.
Stanley Berardi is a 29-year-old animal expert and entertainer. He has always had a passion for animals, which led him to pursue a career in the zoological field. Stanley is an expert when it comes to caring for and training animals, and he loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge with others.
In addition to his work as a zookeeper, Stanley is also an accomplished entertainer. He has developed an act that combines comedy, magic, and animal tricks, and he loves bringing joy to people of all ages. Stanley's goal is to make the world a more fun place one person at a time.