How to choose the right dog breed for you, according to The Yorkshire Vet

Photo credit: Alun Callender
Photo credit: Alun Callender

From Good Housekeeping

Deciding to welcome a dog into your life is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly, for the sake of both owner and animal. Once you've decided that yes, you have the capacity and resources to properly care for a dog, the next question is which breed will make for the perfect match.

It's very important to do your research around the temperament, requirements and physical needs of different dog breeds so that you can live together in harmony.

Introducing The Yorkshire Vet...

To help get you started, Country Living have enlisted the help of Julian Norton, aka The Yorkshire Vet, to take you through an expert's guide on how to choose the right dog breed for you.

You can watch Julian on Sunday 9th August at 11am on the Country Living Facebook page as part of the Celebrate Summer virtual event. Julian will also be answering 18 top pet questions on Saturday 8th. More details below...

JOIN EVENT

In the meantime: 6 things to consider before getting a dog

1. Money – According to the PDSA, you should expect a dog to cost between £4,500 (small dog) to £13,000 (large dog) over their whole lifetime. Regular payments include accessories (beds, toys, food and water bowls, leads), health and hygiene (vet bills, toothpaste, vaccinations, grooming), pet insurance and care (day care, dog walker, holiday care).

2. Space and size – The size of your home and the outdoor space you have access to play a big part in determining which dog is right for you. Will your dog need a garden to run around in? Will your dog be able to get up and down stairs?

3. Exercise – The amount of exercise a dog requires varies drastically between breeds. An owner must be sure they can meet a dog's exercise needs or be able to pay for a dog walker in their absence.

4. Time alone – What is your weekly routine? Do you spend a lot of time away from home due to work? Dogs need plenty of love and attention and shouldn't be left alone for long.

5. Grooming – Depending on a dog's coat, a trip to the dog groomer will be more or less frequent. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others.

6. Children – If you have a family, it's important to consider which breeds will behave best around children. Here's a list to consider.

7. Energy – Are you laid-back and relaxed or are you high-energy and unable to sit still? Different dogs can match both of these temperaments.


Pet Q&A with The Yorkshire Vet

You can also listen to Julian answering 18 need-to-know pet questions which were sent in by you, the animal-loving readers. You can watch the Q&A between CL Digital Editor Emma-Louise Pritchard and Julian on Saturday 8th August at 11am.

JOIN EVENT

Julian will answer the following questions:

  • How can I stop my dog eating gravel?

  • How can I prevent separation anxiety in my pet after lockdown?

  • How can I give my new dog the best start possible when it joins my family?

  • Why is my three-year-old spaniel suddenly ignoring commands?

  • Why does my cat cry during the night?

  • What is the best treatment for pet arthritis?

  • Why does my horse sweat while standing still?

  • What is the best way to potty train a cat?

  • What is the best way to teach a dog recall?

  • How can I improve my dog’s teeth?

  • Is diabetes more common in Westies than in other breeds?

  • Which food is best for cats – dried, wet or a mix of both?

  • Why is my dog licking everything and how can we stop it?

  • How can I stop my dog barking at people and other dogs?

  • What is the most amazing thing you’ve achieved as a vet?

  • How has lockdown affected your work?

  • Any hints or tips for anyone who would love to be a vet?

  • If you weren’t a vet, which other career could you have imagined yourself doing?

The full line-up for the Country Living Celebrate Summer virtual event...

Photo credit: Country Living
Photo credit: Country Living

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Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

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