This weekend brings the return of the American Kennel Club's Meet the Breeds expo at the Javits Center in NYC. Taking place September 28-29, 2013, Meet the Breeds is a family favorite annual event, and a wonderful place for people considering adopting a pet dog or cat to explore options, have some real-life hands-on time with the different breeds and get some questions answered about pet ownership.
We can't wait to attend and check out the dog breeds we've been considering adopting these past few years. This may be the year that we actually do it! All three of us are excited to meet and speak with the dog breeders and owners about their experiences with each breed and see if we can make a decision - and a plan for welcoming a family dog into our lives.
I had the opportunity to ask Gina DiNardo, a spokesperson for the AKC, for recommendations for our situation - and other metro New York families. Here's her advice on what to consider when getting a dog:
Q: What should a family consider before getting a dog?
A: You should determine realistically how much time you have to dedicate to a new dog and what your living situation is. Some important questions to ask are: How much time do I have to provide exercise for the dog? How much grooming am I willing to do? How much space do I have at home for the dog? Answering these questions honestly will help you determine what the right breed for your lifestyle is.
Q: Are there any sites or other resources for families wanting to research the getting a dog (and what to expect/how to prepare), and choosing the best dog breed for their situation?
A: Check out the AKC’s website at www.akc.org. You can find in-depth information about all of AKC’s 178 recognized breeds, as well as information about how to care for and train a dog.
Q: Do you recommend any particular breeds for families with children?
A: Small toy breeds are better suited for older children. They are fragile and toddlers may not realize to be gentle with them. There are so many great breeds for families with kids depending on your lifestyle. If your kids are active and enjoy playing outdoors, the Labrador Retriever is a playful, active, family friendly dog. If your family enjoys saying inside and is not very active, a Bulldog or Pug would be a great addition to your home. They are loving, easygoing dogs that enjoy being near their people.
Q: What are the pro's and con's of adopting a dog vs. getting a puppy from a breeder?
A: When dealing with a purebred, you know exactly what you’re going to get. They have a predictability that is really important to families, such as temperament, energy level, coat type.
Q: What should commuter families (living in NJ or Long Island or Westchester or CT and working in NYC) keep in mind when looking for a pet dog? What arrangements should the family make to take care of the dog during the day?
A: You should look into a dog walker or a friend who will be able to come by to walk and feed the dog. How frequently your dog needs to go out depends on how old it is. Puppies need to go out every few hours, while adult dogs can last longer.
Q: What types of dogs are best for homes with no- to small yards? What are some ways to get a dog active in small apartments or homes with small yards?
A: Toy breed dogs, such as a Chihuahua or Pomeranian, are great in small apartments because of their size; however, just because you don’t have a lot of space doesn’t mean you can’t have a larger dog or a dog requiring more exercise. As long as you’re committed to providing daily exercise, such as long walks or trips to the park, then you can have most types of dogs in your home.
For more information about the Meet The Breeds show, be sure to "like" their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanKennelClub or follow the American Kennel Club on Twitter: https://twitter.com/akcdoglovers/
Stay tuned for more updates on our pet dog search!
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