What Type of Dog Should I Get?
If you are considering getting a dog, it’s important to make a good match. There are several factors to consider, including personality, size, activity level, and temper. Read on to learn about different dog breeds and their unique needs. Then, you can choose the best dog for your household. Hopefully, you’ll end up with a pet that you love and care for. There’s no better way to enjoy a new furry family member than to choose a perfect fit.
1. Personality – What Type of Dog Should I Get?
The personality of a dog is determined largely by its genetic makeup, its environment and its owner’s lifestyle. Early socialization and life experiences also play a part in determining a dog’s personality. Some dogs have an easygoing or calm personality, while others have a feisty and overprotective personality. There is no clear-cut genetic blueprint for a dog’s personality, but early socialization is essential for a well-rounded dog.
In humans, certain traits are associated with decreased risk of chronic illnesses. A higher level of excitability and activity is associated with lower risk of chronic illness. A high BMI increases the risk of obesity and disease in dogs. Overweight dogs put a lot of stress on their bodies. Male dogs are also more likely to develop health conditions. Researchers also study personality differences in dogs by their sex. The research also shows that certain breeds have a lower risk of diseases.
The personality of a dog affects its health, well-being and security. The dog’s temperament is influenced by its environment, its owner and the type of training given to it. For example, a small-sized dog is easy to manage and won’t drag a child when meeting other dogs. However, every dog has a different personality than another. Before purchasing a new dog, make sure you do your research to find out the personality of your new friend.
In addition to their genes, a dog’s personality is influenced by their breed, their environment and their owner. Although many dogs display traits of an independent, social individual, some are more reserved and introverted. Cats can also display the same traits as dogs. However, there are many differences that should not be equated with the personality of a dog. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that dogs are just as intelligent as humans.
2. Size – What Type of Dog Should I Get?
Size of dogs varies between different breeds and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and environment. Genetics accounts for 65% of the variance in size and only 35% is unaccounted for. However, size does vary within breeds, and Pugs and Shih Tzu are not mutually exclusive. The genetics of both breeds are largely similar, and some differences may be attributed to size.
The X chromosome may play a larger role in dog size determination. In fact, the X chromosome has multiple size-associated intervals, but their fine-mapping is not yet complete. One study added a 104 Mb locus to an existing model of all breeds and found that this gene explained an increased amount of variance. Nonetheless, fine-mapping chromosome X loci is a daunting task, and further research is needed to identify all relevant genes and their respective sizes.
The average SBW for dogs with the given combination was calculated. The smaller dogs were homozygous for the derived alleles at all of the markers, and the heaviest had none at all. There were several breeds with substantial size differences, including Papillons, Border Collies, and Boston Terriers. However, the standard deviation of SBWs for dogs with a particular combination was lower than for groups defined by a single marker. This suggests that combinations of genes explain body size better than individual genotypes.
The SBW distribution of dogs in the study revealed a step-like pattern. Dogs with the derived allele of HMGA2 had a smaller SBW distribution than those with the same allele at the other loci. Further, dogs with SBW between 4.5 to 9 kg had a much narrower SDW distribution than those with the derived allele of HMGA2.
3. Activity level – What Type of Dog Should I Get?
The activity level of a dog can be classified according to its state of activity. The level of activity depends on the time it spends resting, moving, and standing. Dogs that are just introduced to a new environment, or those that are being restrained by their owners, may fall into the activity level of level 3.
The activity level of a dog also depends on its weight. Healthy dogs with normal weight and low activity levels can survive for a longer period without food. The amount of fat is another factor influencing the amount of calories required. In contrast, an exercise-confined dog will require fewer calories than an active free-range dog. If you are unsure about the activity level of your dog, you can consult the book “Happy Healthy Puppy.”
During the study, 149 yawns were recorded. Out of these, 53 dogs yawned. One dog was sleeping. Of the 54 dogs, 72% of the dogs at activity level two yawned. Meanwhile, 29% of dogs at activity level four yawned. These results suggest that dogs at the lower activity level of a day are not active enough to yawn.
4. Temperament – What Type of Dog Should I Get?
A dog’s temperament is a major factor in how well a dog will live with its new owner. Some dogs are like trains and cannot be trusted to be on a loose leash. Others have trouble coming back when called and may be dangerous when pushed. In reality, only 10% of puppies grow up to be the perfect ‘go-anywhere’ dog. The rest are just a compromise, so it’s vital to choose the right dog.
Read more about specific dog breeds to consider at the AKC breed selector.
Read about the best dog food brands here.
