Dog Care

The cost element does come into dog-keeping, the larger breeds costing considerably more to maintain, in food terms, than the smaller-a toy breed will eat approximately 25 percent less than a Great Dane. The dog in regular work will also consume more food than its fellow that leads an indolent life, so this, too, must he taken into consideration. The breed standards laid down by national kennel clubs indicate, in many cases, the desired weight of the breed. If you are concerned that your dog falls below, or above, this ideal, you should consult your veterinarian, who may recommend a special diet.

Feeding

Caring for a new puppy
Young puppies, in particular, have voracious appetites. Their growth rate is at its peak during the first six months of life, so a sufficient intake of food is essential to produce the energy required for healthy development. When you collect your pup from the breeder, they will normally hand you a diet sheet, which you should observe for the first months of the pup's life. You may not. wish to continue feeding the recommended products, hut it would he foolish to deviate from the breeder's recommendations until the pup is well grown. As the dogs grow, you can reduce the number of meals per day.

How much food

The table right shows the quantity of food required by the different sizes of dog in the first twelve months of life.

Grooming

Most people have a preference for a long- or a short-coated animal, and even sometimes for a particular color. Remember, however, that the long-coated animal is likely to need far more time spent on grooming than the short-coated one, and that the light-colored dog, for instance the Dalmatian, is going to shed hairs that will be apparent on the living-room carpet. More about dog grooming...

Space

You will need to be aware of the space requirements of the dog you choose. Obviously, the Dachshund is a good choice for a small house or apartment as it requires only limited living space, while the Otterhound needs a lot of room. Perhaps surprisingly, however, space requirements are not entirely dependent on the dog's size-trie tiny Pekingese needs to have a good amount of space to move about in, while the large Greyhound, for example, is accustomed during its racing life to occupying a confined area away from the track, and will happily relax in its own corner when in a domestic situation.

Keeping your Dog Healthy

Ask the breeder about the pup's worming program and check whether it has had any inoculations against killer diseases such as canine distemper and parvo virus. If not, you will need to arrange for the necessary shots with your veterinarian and to establish the routine for annual booster shots thereafter. Finally, if the pup that you have chosen is registered with its national kennel club, the breeder should give you its Certificate of Pedigree. Make sure that this has been duly signed and completed, so that you can arrange official transfer of ownership into your name.

Exercise

The amount of exercise required by each breed again varies enormously. It is vital that vou check in advance whether vou can give the dog sufficient freedom to roam and run. Leaving a lively dog like the Siberian Husky cooped up is cruel, while the fierce-looking Bulldog is quite happy with only short walks.