See the handy list below to find out what size classification your dog belongs to (based on ideal body weight):
Small or toy dog breeds – 1 to 25 pounds
Medium dog breeds – 25 to 50 pounds
Large dog breeds – 50 to 100 pounds
Giant dog breeds – >100 pounds
Small and toy dog breeds: Small dogs usually have high energy but many are kept as primarily indoor pets. Because they’re largely indoor pets, they are prone to skin irritation and weight gain. Be careful to ensure that they get regular exercise and regular grooming. Examples of dogs in the small category include Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Pekingese, and Pomeranian. Toy dogs are small dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds and are less than 18 inches in height at full maturity. Examples of toy dogs include Chihuahuas, English Toy Spaniels, Affenpinchers and Brussels Griffons.
Medium dog breeds: Medium size dogs are the most popular type of dogs because there are so many breeds that fall into this category, including Bulldogs, Border Collies, Bull Terriers, Welsh Corgis, Siberian Huskies, Chow Chows, Dalmatians, and Pitbulls to name a few. There are so many types that they can be laid-back or energetic, guard dogs or personal companions. The one thing they have in common is their weight category. Medium dogs are popular because they aren’t prone to injury like small dogs and large dogs are. They are also highly intelligent dogs and make good companions. Medium-sized dogs should not be left outdoors unattended because they tend to be “diggers.” Medium-sized dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, and also because their energy can turn into restlessness inside the house if they don’t receive enough physical stimulation.
Large dog breeds: Common large breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Rottweilers, Afghan hounds and Doberman Pinschers. Large dogs usually have slower metabolism, high exercise requirements, and are best suited to homes with plenty of space, such as a large outdoor yard. Their diets should take into account the need for bone and joint health.
Giant dog breeds: Common examples of giant dogs are Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, and Scottish Deerhounds. These breeds usually grow rapidly during the first 6 months of their life, during which time they require a diet that is high in energy and nutrients, and also one that is easy to digest. They usually attain adult-size in about 18 to 24 months, by which time special attention should be given to their body condition (weight to frame ratio) to maintain bone and joint health.
Please see the links below for other considerations when picking a dog and from breed-specific characteristics.
Choosing the right dog http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/new-dog-checklists/choosing-right-dog
Dog Breed Questionnaire http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/questionnaire/page1.html
Compare Breeds https://www.akc.org/compare-breeds/
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Our pets are a beloved part of our family and sometimes this means that they have to travel with us when we undertake long journeys. As a general rule cats seriously dislike traveling and are almost always better off at home in their own environment. Dogs are more amenable to traveling, but there are still a number of considerations to make to ensure that the journey is both safe and comfortable for your pet. If planning to travel with your pet, please do make sure to take the time to read about health certificates to avoid difficulties and delays.
The most important thing to remember is to ensure that your pet is not free to roam around the vehicle. Not only could this be distracting for the driver, but your pet will not be protected in the event of a crash. You may have seen dog seat belts being sold in some pet stores. Whilst they have been approved for sale, there is no reliable evidence proving them to be effective in accidents. Instead you should secure your pet in a crate that has been tethered to the car by a seatbelt or other secure method. Ensure that crate is big enough for your pet to change position if they become uncomfortable.
Do not put animals in the front passenger seat of your vehicle. If the airbag deploys then there is a chance that your pet could be seriously injured.
Do not ever leave your pet alone in the car. Animal thieves frequent parking lots and service stations looking for unattended pets to steal. Also leaving an animal alone in a warm car can be fatal. On a day where the outside temperature is 85F, the temperature inside your vehicle can reach 120F in just 10 minutes putting your pet at serious risk.
Do not allow your pet to stick his head outside a moving vehicle. Doing so risks injury or sickness by fast-moving air forcing itself into your pets’ lungs.
Never transport your pet in the back of an open pick-up truck.
Make plenty of bathroom breaks. This will also allow your pet to stretch their legs and have a drink.
As a general rule, if you wouldn’t allow your child to do it then do not allow your pet to do it either!
A new pet can be very exciting! But do you know where to find the pet that's right for you? Choosing which pet you'd like can be hard, and not just because you have to choose between one kitten or puppy and another.
We've got the tips to help you make the right decision — for you, and for the animal.
The ASPCA also has helpful tips on adoption! https://www.aspca.org/adopt-pet/adoption-tips
Deciding to adopt a new animal is a big decision and one that shouldn't be made impulsively. Pets need to be cared for and loved like any other member of the family, and that takes time, effort, and money. Do you have time more than once per day every single day to walk your dog? Do you have enough money to buy fresh litter for your cat regularly?
Only adopt an animal if you feel confident in your ability to care for them. While many children will want to participate in all the fun parts of caring for your pet, they often have trouble consistently remembering or even wanting to do the dirty work. Remember, you as the adult are ultimately responsible for the care of any animal in your household. If you won't be able to care for the animal and expect your children to do the majority of the work, it opens the potential for the pet to get hurt or neglected.
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