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Whats The Secret?
Puppy Love
The WUB guide to finding the canine of your dreams, this Valentine’s season
Author: Shalini Bhattacharya
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| While bringing home a pup can be very exciting, it’s important to introspect on your motives. Ask yourself the following, before you take the plunge: • Do I have enough time to dedicate to bringing up my pup? • Is it financially viable to bring home a dog and take care of its health requirements? • Will I be able to dedicate enough time to exercise my dog regularly? • Who will take care of it when I’m away on work/vacation? • Do I understand that some of my favourite shoes and books, among various other things, will be sacrificed (no matter how prepared I am) during my puppies’ teething period? |
It’s that time of the year again. When the complaining
on your Facebook newsfeed stops, albeit temporarily!
When rom-coms win over sports; the days seem sunnier
and the grass greener! When people across the world
don their rose-tinted glasses (and liberally use
exclamation marks)! It’s also a time when couples
walking hand-on-leash, makes some of us feel like
adding a plus one…
If you happen to be of the couples contemplating a four-legged canine companion, there couldn’t be a better time to start a relationship than the Valentine’s season. But whether you’ve decided to adopt a pup or to gift one to your significant other, we understand that the decision can be an overwhelming one. Fear not! What’s Up Bangalore breaks it down for you.
Discovering your perfect match
Baffled by the number of breeds available? You’re not the only one. We quizzed prospective as well as current dog owners in Bangalore about some of the specific concerns
and thought-processes that go into choosing
the right breed. We then identified the most popular
breeds available in the country and categorised them
to help you find a breed best-suited to your needs.
Here’s what we came up with!If you happen to be of the couples contemplating a four-legged canine companion, there couldn’t be a better time to start a relationship than the Valentine’s season. But whether you’ve decided to adopt a pup or to gift one to your significant other, we understand that the decision can be an overwhelming one. Fear not! What’s Up Bangalore breaks it down for you.
Discovering your perfect match
Baffled by the number of breeds available? You’re not the only one. We quizzed prospective as well as current dog owners in Bangalore about some of the specific concerns
It all comes down to three basic questions you need to ask yourself, in order to narrow down your search for ‘The One’. These are:
Which of the following statements sums up your reason to bring home a pup?
a) “I’m looking for a good family dog, which will keep the kids company as well.”
Dogs in general, make great companions for the entire family. But there are some breeds that are known to be better with children than others. For instance, Dachshunds, Beagles and Boxers are perfect matches for very energetic children. While Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and St. Bernards are extremely gentle dogs with pleasant temperaments that will play with and protect your toddlers. However, it is essential that you, as the adult, take on the role of a ‘pack leader’ with your pooch, to ensure a strong and healthy relationship.
b) “I’m looking for a fitness buddy.”
While all dogs require regular exercise, there are some breeds that particularly thrive on physical activity. German Shepherds, Boxers, Dalmatians and Dobermans for example, can easily substitute for your personal fitness trainer! Be warned though, you’re not going to be left with any excuses to skip that morning run. So think twice before you hit the snooze button.
c) “I’m looking for a good watchdog.”
Dobermans, German Shepherds, Boxers and Japanese Spitzen (which we commonly, but incorrectly, refer to as the Pomeranian) make for very good guard dogs since they’re physically large (except for the smallish Japanese Spitzen), naturally protective bold and assertive. However, these breeds need confident owners who can display natural authority towards them. Also, please note that the term ‘guard dog’ does not by any means imply that they should be isolated in a kennel by the gate of your home. All the aforementioned breeds need high levels of human interaction and are very loyal and affectionate family dogs.
d) “Cause they’re just shho…adowooble (read: so adorable)!”
Like babies, puppies require a lot of time, effort and dedication. Be sure of the reasons you’d like to adopt one and don’t get swayed by their puppy-dog looks! Ask yourself whether you’re willing to take on the responsibility of having a dog. If you’re unsure, we strongly suggest that you re-think your decision. Why not volunteer with an animal shelter instead? There are tons of puppies and dogs that are craving your attention and a small treat maybe?
What is your current living situation?
a) Apartment/Flat In this case, you should consider bringing home vociferous dogs. Avoid Chihuahuas and the Japanese Spitzen. Size does matter when you live in an apartment – look for small to medium-sized breeds that require moderate exercise. Pugs, Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset hounds (does the ‘Hush Puppy’ dog ring a bell?) and English Cocker Spaniels are ideal for a mid-sized apartment.
b) Independent House
Firstly, congratulations! Sure, you’ve been labelled endangered species and are a target for every builder in this over-constructed, under-planned city. However, the good news is that you now have the privilege of adopting any breed of your choice! In case of multi-storied houses, avoid small, long breeds such as Basset Hounds and Dachshunds, as they’re prone to slipped discs.
What are your levels of tolerance to shedding of fur and dedication to grooming your dog?
If you don’t think you will be able to handle unwanted fur on your furniture and clothes and/or will not be committed to the regular grooming of your pooch, then we suggest you go with short-haired breeds, as they don’t shed as much as their longer-haired counterparts.
Popular short-haired breeds:
Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, Dachshunds, Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians and Dobermans.
Popular long-haired breeds:
Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, English Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, St. Bernards (short-haired variety also available) and Japanese Spitzen.
Note: The characteristics mentioned vis-à-vis the breeds are generic personality traits, which can change depending on handling skills, the puppy’s food habits, the amount of exercise it gets and the environment created at home along with several other factors.
