Finding your best friend

[bigdoglover]

The London Free Press

By Anne Howland

Prospective dog owners should take a good look at themselves, then at the various breeds of dog, before deciding what kind of dog to buy, advises Ottawa's James Reynolds, a respected dog show judge.

In February, Reynolds became the first non-U.S. judge since 1930 to select the best-in-show winner at the 130th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. The prestigious and influential show is America's second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind the Kentucky Derby.

Of the seven groups of dog breeds -- sporting, non-sporting, toy, herding, working, hound and terrier -- the sporting group, which includes retrievers and spaniels, is the most likely group in which to find a good family dog, Reynolds said.

"People fall in love with a breed for the wrong reasons," he said.

Before buying a dog, people should think about how much exercise they can give the animal and where they live, Reynolds said.

Long-haired breeds also require more grooming and leave more hair in the house, he added.

"Once you've assessed yourself and your location, then look at breeds," Reynolds said, suggesting TV programs, dog shows and online resources as good places for research.

Finding out what a dog was bred to do is helpful, he said. For example, dogs bred for guarding will likely need an owner who can teach discipline and obedience, while dogs bred for working or herding can become bored -- possibly destructive or even aggressive -- if not active.

Also, certain breeds are predisposed to specific medical conditions that potential owners need to be aware of, Reynolds said.

BUYING A DOG

The Canadian Kennel Club offers the following tips on buying:

- Always visit the kennel

- Make certain the dam (mother) is on the premises and available for you to see

- Ask to see health certificates and records of visits to the veterinarian

- Insist upon being provided with a signed bill of sale stating the puppy is being sold as a purebred

- Insist upon being provided with a written guarantee

- Confirm that the dog has been permanently and uniquely identified

- Confirm Kennel Club registration of the parents, the litter and the puppy you are about to purchase

[KennelMom]

To bad they didn't mention rescue or adopting an adult/senior dog. Sigh.

[bigdoglover]

True, but I thought it an informative article nonetheless.