The first choice

The most popular companion animal in the Netherlands, the dog! It is not surprising that this pet is also in first place at Doggies United . They are the nicest companion animals that can learn a lot and can go anywhere. Dogs like to be with people and adapt easily, with the right upbringing you have a friend for life, because a dog lives on average about 15 years. During that time, a lot can change in your own family situation, so it is important to carefully consider whether a dog really suits you. Fortunately, they come in 300 different breeds, varying in size and character, the perfect match can certainly be among them!

It is important to know exactly what kind of dog you are looking for, will it be a puppy or an adult dog. And then a dog from the shelter or a pedigree dog. Unlike a cat, a dog is a companion animal and naturally lives in a pack. This can be a pack of other dogs, but a family can also be seen as a pack. This means that you cannot leave a dog alone for whole days. Dogs need to get some fresh air three to four times a day on average. On a leash with a collar or dog harness, they can sniff around and do their business. So even if it is raining or if you do not feel like it, you have to go outside.
In addition, you have to educate and socialize a dog when you buy it, this takes time, patience and a lot of love. If you have children, it takes extra time to learn to deal with the new dog in a gentle way. It is not recommended to leave small children alone with the dog, but if the socialization is successful, you have a full-fledged companion and a friend for life! A dog can sometimes be a godsend for the family, cuddling and petting dogs has a positive effect on mental and mental health, also in children. If you already have other pets, they can react stressfully to the purchase of a new four-legged friend in the first few days. It is important that you know how to deal with this so that the animals and the family can live together in a friendly atmosphere. The size of the house and garden is also an important factor for purchasing a dog. The breed must fit in with the living situation. Dogs always need space, some breeds more than others. If you select the right breed that fits your lifestyle and the dog has an enclosed garden or balcony, the dog will probably be able to cope very well with that. Also consider the neighbours, because some breeds are naturally extremely alert.

Children going to school and working, this also means that the summer holidays are just around the corner. You can take your dog with you, this requires some preparation but can be a lot of fun. If this is not possible, a sitter must be found, for example at a dog boarding house or with friends or family. But here too, this can entail additional costs. Also, do not forget to book in time because in high season and other holidays the boarding houses are often already full. In addition, it is advisable to use a dog walking service or take your dog to day care if you are employed full-time. But here too, this depends on the breed and upbringing of your pet.

Which breed is right for me?

If you have finally decided to get a dog, it is time to choose the right breed. Remember that every breed is unique, dogs can all wag their tails and bark but each has unique characteristics and needs for care. Of course, not every dog ​​is suitable, if this is your first pet, there are more common breeds that are perfect for you. Of course, this does not mean that they also perfectly match the requirements, because education plays a major role in this!

Do you want a pedigree dog, or a crossbreed and would you rather adopt a shelter dog or purchase a puppy with a pedigree? Shelter dogs from abroad are also very popular. Logical, because we humans have a big heart, but in terms of education this is still different than a puppy. Let us help you with the choice of dog, because after all, you have already decided to get a dog.

The first question we have to ask ourselves is how much can you afford to buy a dog. Of course this is not the most important thing, but it should actually be decisive. In our opinion, it is an important factor in the final choice. We have already said that you buy a dog for life, and not for a few months. How often do you hear on the news that neglected dogs are confiscated, or that shelters are overcrowded with abandoned animals, especially in the summer period? To prevent this, we would like to explain that there are one-off costs associated with buying a dog, but also monthly recurring costs such as veterinary costs, training, shelter, food and care. If this is already difficult due to work, study or health reasons, we advise you not to buy a dog. You can then do volunteer work in an animal shelter or sign up to assist in a day care or walking service. This way you are in daily contact with dogs and you do not have the recurring costs. Of course, this also works the other way around. If you have already purchased a dog and something changes in your personal situation, it is nice to have help in the immediate vicinity so that you do not have to take your dog to a shelter.

Speaking of shelter dogs, the website www.dierenasiels.com lists many dogs that are waiting for a golden basket . If you do not prefer a specific breed but would like company and have some experience with dogs, we recommend that you take a look at one of the hundred animal shelters in the Netherlands or abroad. It is important to know that these dogs are often a bit older and have already developed a character that, if positive, can surprise you but can sometimes also be difficult to unlearn. If you can handle that and are willing to take the time for this, this is not a problem, if this is difficult, it is better to choose a puppy or purchase a somewhat younger pedigree dog. W e are happy to explain the concept of pedigree dog to you.

A dog is a pedigree dog if it meets three requirements. Starting with the breed standard; the dog must meet the breed standard in appearance and behavior. In addition, the dog must have a valid pedigree registration via the Raad van Beheer and both father and mother must belong to the same breed. These are quite a few requirements, let's start with the ten most well-known breed groups.

  1. Shepherd dogs and cattle herders
  2. Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossers and Mountain Dogs
  3. Terriers
  4. Dachshunds
  5. Points and primitive types
  6. Scenthounds and bloodhounds
  7. Pointing dogs
  8. Retrievers, Spaniels and Water Dogs
  9. Companion dogs
  10. Greyhounds

At the moment there are more than 300 different breeds that are recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, or FCI for short. Enough choice you would think. Each breed and associated breed group has characteristics that you can use to test whether this breed suits you. On the internet you can find more information about the above breed groups. If you now know which breed you want to buy, we will look with you at which products best suit the breed, age and we are happy to help you get through the first night! We are happy to provide you with good food , tasty snacks and fantastic toys .

 

A puppy

We have no preference for breed or age, but we do find it important that the dog is well cared for! With a good upbringing you lay the right foundation for a satisfied dog. For the family but also for the puppy itself. Think of a safe place to sleep, healthy food, the right toys, education and house training.