April 20 to May 21 is considered to be the Taurus zodiac sign season. People born under this zodiac sign are expected to be reliable, strong-willed, loyal, and ambitious. Does this have anything to do with how to pick a breed of dog as your new family member?
While strong-willed, Taurus people are very generous and dependable. Further, they usually have a high EQ (Emotional Quotient). Also, they are committed to projects they think will help their long term growth as people.
Currently being under the Taurus sign, it seems fit to discuss which breeds are compatible with those born under Taurus. While we deal with this topic in the spirit of fun, it is important for those choosing a dog breed to consider certain characteristics of the breed. They need to how the breed will fit into their families. The last few paragraphs of this article deal with specifics that can be helpful in this regard.
Great Dane
Although relatively bigger and bulkier than other dog breeds, Great Danes make a good pet because they are gentle towards people.
If how to pick a breed depends on size, the Great Dane is a winner.
This dog breed, just like Taurus people, is loyal and strong-willed. Though Great Danes can be a challenge, the outcome is invariably worth it. Well trained Danes are impressive and fun to be around.
Australian Shepherd
People under the zodiac sign of Taurus are appreciative of beauty. Australian Shepherds are beautiful dogs and, reportedly, are often chosen for that reason alone.
Australian shepherd dog is beautiful and that may be how to pick a breed
More than being just beautiful, this dog breed is one of the smarter breeds in the dog kingdom. They are easily trained and have a keen sense of direction. Australian Shepherds are similar to Taurus people in that both of them are eager to learn new skills.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are devoted pets and make an excellent house dog because of their happy and cheerful demeanor. Like their human Taurus counterpart, this dog is highly sociable.
This gorgeous Scottish Terrier is so friendly,
On the downside, Scottish Terriers can get a bit clingy. Also, they sometimes are not happy if they have to share their human with other dogs. If you choose this breed, you may want to read this article as well. They may be at risk for this problem. https://happymutt.org/separation-anxiety-knowing-the-symptoms/
O.K., the Stars Aside, How do You Really Pick the Best Breed of Dog for You and Your Family???
Individuals, families, and their combined situations are so unique. There is no one breed that could possibly fit in well with all of them. There are so many breeds that there will always be several from which to choose.
So many, in fact, that it would be easy to feel overwhelmed. That is, true unless you had already developed a strong affinity for a particular breed.
Besides leaving it to the stars, how does one determine what breed of dog will fit in best with them and their family? You may already have some basic parameters to guide you in this search or you.
However, some of you may be starting with a totally blank slate. Below are a few questions to ask yourself when selecting the best breed of dog. Remember that you are asking these questions for you and your family.
Just Who is This Dog Really For?
Who will be the main provider of care for the animal? Is this person an adult or a child and, if a child, what age? Does this person have any special needs? How much experience do they have with dogs?
Is there a strong breed preference? Do you live in an apartment, a condo, or a single dwelling home? Is it in a large city, small town, or on a farm/ranch in a more rural setting?
Yes, You Can Take A Quiz to Help You Select The Best Breed for You and Your Family
Dog personalities can vary greatly from breed to breed. There are several online quizzes that help you to narrow down the field greatly. The American Kennel Club has a quiz to help you identify the best personality fit for you. PawsLikeMe.com helps you to locate a suitable personality match with dogs up for adoption around the country.
Emotional and Mental Traits
A dog’s intelligence and temperament complement his/her personality. Remember, although not a guarantee, certain breeds are known for specific traits. Selecting a breed that would physically and emotionally fit into your favorite activities would enhance your relationship.
Physical Attributes
Are you looking for a dog with more or less energy? What are your other interests and how would your dog fit in? For example, are you a hunter? Do you love water sports? Are you a hiker? Some breeds were developed to participate in these, and other, activities specifically.
If you are a jogger, you may want to select an athletic breed of dog. One who would enjoy tagging along and be able to keep up with you. Some are better bred for city sidewalk runs. However, other breeds are built for the challenge of rougher, mountain trails.
Size Does Matter
Do you have a preference regarding the size of the dog? If you love to cuddle up with a dog in your lap while you read every evening, a Great Dane is not a good choice. Do you have plenty of room for a large dog to run and play outside? Or, will you need to take morning and afternoon walks?
If how to pick a breed depends on size, you cannot go wrong here with a tiny dog and a huge one from which to choose.
Large dogs need larger areas in which to play and exercise. Smaller, high energy dogs may as well. Once past the puppy stages, most Giant Breeds are fairly laid back.
As adults, they often don’t need a lot of space for working off energy. They do, however, need more room for basic exercise to maintain good health than does a smaller breed.
How about the type of coat? There are some breeds that have more than one coat type from which to choose. For example, St. Bernards come in both rough and smooth coats. (Many people refer to them as long and short coats.)
Dachshunds come in smooth, long and wire coats. Some coats shed more or less than others Obviously, the amount of grooming required by each breed can vary significantly.
If how to pick a breed depends on a beautiful coat, this St. Bernard would win!
If how to pick a breed depends on class and beauty, this smooth coat St. Bernard is a real winner.
Getting Along With Others
Some breeds of dogs do not get along with other kinds of animals. You probably would not wish to put a hunting dog in the same setting as a pet rabbit or bird. Some individual dogs may not get along with cats.
However, with proper conditioning, get along with them quite well. They are not usually the ones with DNA programmed to chase after smaller animals like squirrels, mice or rabbits.
Mutts, as mixed breeds are frequently called, can often make for delightful pets. Sometimes they can fit your need better than a specific breed. For example, if you have an allergy to dog dander. Mixing a poodle with another breed can cut down on the shedding of another breed with other desirable traits.
Where Do You Live?
Does the breed of dog you have in mind have an affinity for the climate in which you live? Dogs bred to thrive in snow, ice and frigid temperatures may not fare so well in the heat of the Deep South or arid southwest. While you can provide an artificial environment that is safe and comfortable for them, the activities for which they are bred to perform and enjoy will be missing.
What about your neighbors? Will you have a fenced-in yard? Will your dog live inside or out? Some breeds are very vocal while others are not and their activity levels differ drastically as well. If you or your neighbors value peace and quiet, you may prefer a more mellow breed than one found in the Guard or Hound groups. They are bred to be vocal.
Some neighborhoods will not allow certain breeds of dogs to live there. If you reside where there is a Home Owner’s Association, be sure to inquire about pet breed restrictions before bringing a dog home. Certain home insurance companies will not cover homes if the owners have specific breeds of dogs as pets.
Who Lives With You?
Are there children in the house? If so, how many and how old are they? How active are they? While larger breeds are often the better choice for children, some terrier breeds are really good with kids as well.
Do you have any physical restrictions that may limit your abilities to care for a dog’s needs? Some breeds require a great deal of grooming. Some require a great deal of exercise. Should you have physical limitations that prevent you from performing these tasks then, perhaps, another breed would be a better choice.
If how to pick a breed depends on their getting along with a child, this one is a good choice.
If how to pick a breed depends on being able to hold an cuddle with them like a baby, this is a winner.
When All Is Said and Done…
After you have done your research and, maybe, have even taken a quiz to help you select the best breed for you, it is time to pick an individual dog. That is another article altogether!
Please keep in mind that, while you don’t wish to ignore important breed requirements or needs, you may fall in love with a dog of a completely different breed altogether. If you have evaluated your living and personal situation and the traits of the dog and can realistically meet both your needs, go for it! The heart knows what the heart wants, after all.
Thanks to Ganesha Speaks.
