Buying a dog is an exciting experience, but also a big responsibility. Before you choose which dog to get, you need to figure out exactly what type of dog is right for you. Here The Kennel Club offers some helpful advice.

Did you know?

There are 210 different breeds of pedigree dog in the UK, from the Affenpinscher to the Yorkshire Terrier.

Measuring 109cm tall, a Great Dane called George is the largest dog ever recorded, while the smallest was a Chihuahua called Boo Boo at just 10cm tall. As you can imagine, their exercise requirements and dietary needs differ dramatically.

A Great Dane needs more than two hours of exercise a day, while the Chihuahua only needs around 30 minutes, but breeds differ in more than just size and exercise needs. The dog’s coat for example is also a factor. Some dogs require grooming almost every day, while some dogs don’t have any hair to groom at all.

Finding a dog to suit you

Every breed of dog has its own characteristics and lifestyle requirements. For a harmonious relationship it is vital that anyone looking into getting a dog researches these thoroughly. By making sure you can provide the appropriate lifestyle for your dog, you have taken the first steps towards responsible dog ownership and a happy relationship between dog and owner.

How do you learn about different breeds?

Finding out about all of the different breeds of dog in the UK is easier than you may think. The Kennel Club runs a number of events where people can come along and meet the different breeds of dogs, as well as finding out all about the different activities you can do with them.

The most famous of these is Crufts, which is officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest dog show. Around 28,000 dogs come to Crufts over the four days of the annual show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham. At the event there is a dedicated Discover Dogs area where visitors can meet around 200 different breeds of pedigree dog and learn all about them from experienced owners.

The Kennel Club’s message 

Unfortunately, Kennel Club research has found that almost half of dog owners admit to not properly researching the type of dog that would fit into their lifestyle before they bought one. Instead they were influenced by celebrities, films and a dog’s looks. The Kennel Club is concerned that this is one of the reasons that so many dogs end up in rescue centres.

The Kennel Club wants people to understand that there is a lot to think about when buying a dog. Events such as Crufts not only inform people about the different breeds in the UK, but also the importance of buying responsibly, socialising, training, exercise and much more.

Buying your dog

After you have found the perfect breed for you – one whose lifestyle requirements you and your family are confident you can provide – you then need to find where you can get your dog from. To get a rescue dog, contact a breed rescue club and the experienced staff and volunteers will be able to advise you on the dog for you. If you would prefer a puppy, make sure you go to a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, where the breeder will have made sure the puppy’s parents have undergone relevant health tests to give the puppy the best possible start in life. Both Breed Rescue and the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme will be at Crufts to tell you more.

Discover dogs at Crufts

Visit the Discover Dogs area at Crufts, which is taking place from 8–11 March at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets are now available at www.crufts.org.uk. Children aged eight and under can go for free.

Words by The Kennel Club