Dogs are known to be man’s best friend for many reasons. They are one of the most intelligent and loyal animals, thus considered first choice as pets for homes. Dogs are known for enthusiastic joy and unconditional love, which is why they are also great companions for people who live alone. Petting a dog is a win-win situation. It has many benefits, including the obvious benefits like additional exercise and a friend for life, but they can also help with mental health.
According to a report by ScienceDaily, pets are scientifically proven to relieve stress in humans and trigger feel good hormones. These four-legged friends can not only kill loneliness, but also become a family member over time if trained properly.
There are many different breeds of dogs in the world today. In India, most of the pet dogs and guard dogs are of foreign breed. It’s not that there are no domesticated dog breeds in India, but people are tended more toward fancy dog breeds.
Before bringing a puppy home, you must be aware of the long-term costs of owning a dog. Petting a dog takes a lot of time, money, and commitment, in most instances. Dog ownership can be extremely gratifying, but it’s also a big responsibility.
Below we have listed some important factors to consider before buying a dog:
Space
You should choose the dog breed according to the available space at your home. Small dog breeds like Pug, Dachshund and Beagle do not require much space and are great for small apartments. On the other hand, if you are living in a big house, you can go for bigger dogs like Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, etc. They need a bigger space to move around.
Dogs need time for exercise, playing and other activities daily. You need to keep in mind all these responsibilities and spare proper time for your dog every day.
Initial investment
When thinking of buying a dog, you should first consider your initial budget decently. One of the first expenses of pet ownership is adoption or purchase price. If you want to purchase a purebred dog, you can certainly expect it to cost more in comparison to a mixed-breed dog. It is recommended to purchase from a reputable and professional breeder, not a backyard breeder so that it doesn’t affect your budget in the long term. You can also adopt a dog from a dog shelter or rescue center, which will cost very less and give home to a life.
Pet food cost
You need to feed your dog properly according to his size and other requirements. Dog food and treats will be the majority of the overall pet expense in long term. The amount of food is important but not as important as the type and quality of feed a dog breed needs.
Research the pet food as per your budget and pet’s needs – don’t just go for a high priced dog food. The additional food supplements will cost you separately.
Dog training
Training your pet can be a task full of hassles. It mainly depends upon the dog’s temperament and breed. The puppies that appear dominant and aggressive may be harder to train and handle when fully grown. You have to choose the puppy that settles down quickly. It will take some time and money on your behalf to train him how to react with people and live in a house.
Proper training must be given to these breeds since puppyhood to keep them calm and friendly. You must try to make them understand human ways of expressing affection.
Temperature
You need to buy a dog according to the temperature and other climate conditions at your place. Some dogs do well in cold climates while others can survive in hot climate regions. The simple rule is that don’t buy dogs with long hair if you live in a city with high temperatures.
Additional expenses
You definitely want your dog to look good-looking! For this, you may have to spend some money on grooming. You need to take your dog for veterinarian visits on a regular basis to keep him healthy.
Additionally, you need to give some toys to your dog for playing when alone. It can be a chewable toy or some kind of soft toy. This will cost money and will depreciate over time. It is not a one-time cost.
Other important considerations for buying a dog
- Most veterinarians and breeders agree that 7-to-8 weeks of age is the ideal time for a puppy to meet a new family.
- Keep in mind the life expectancy of the dog you are planning to take to your home.
- The puppy should be free of genetic diseases and has no medical history. Researching a little bit about its parents will be helpful to know how well the puppy will do in the new family.
- Buy from an ethical breeder.
- Do check out whether a dog license is required in your city or MC area.
- Pet hair can be a problem so choose the dog breed accordingly.
- If someone in your family has allergies towards fur and animals, avoid buying a dog.
- You dog will also need medical care and your engagement.
- Check for health problems in different dog breeds.
- You can ask for KCI papers.
- It is ideal to research deeply the breed you choose to bring home.
Best Dog Breeds for Home in India
Pomeranian
Pomeranian is a perky, friendly little dog breed. Classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size, Pomeranian is a popular companion dog and show dog. They can make great pets for families, but may not be the best choice for people with small children. Read more about Pomeranians at Pet Central.
Temperament: Intelligent, Sociable, Extroverted, Playful, Friendly, Active
Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
Price: Rs. 5K to RS. 10K
Pug
These are sweet-natured dogs that can adapt to all sorts of environments. They are recognized for even-temperament, playful personality, and loving dispositions. Pugs are affectionate and playful so they make a great family dog. They are friendly with both owners and strangers, plus, good with other dogs or animals.
Pugs tend to have a somewhat lazy nature and spend a lot of time napping.
Temperament: Docile, Charming, Clever, Stubborn, Sociable, Playful, Quiet, Attentive
Life Span: 13-15 years
Price: Rs. 10K to Rs. 20K
German Shepherd
It is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog. German Shepherds are large, muscular, noble, loyal and highly intelligent dogs. They have a relatively high hair shedding rate, which can be lessened by routine grooming. A plenty of regular exercise is essential for this dog breed. It is an ideal breed for active households. Read more at The Spruce Pets.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient but can be destructive if bored alone at home.
Life expectancy: 9 – 13 years
Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Curious, Loyal, Alert, Confident, Watchful, Courageous
Price: Rs. 20K to Rs. 150K
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in India. Known for mild and kind temperament, they are considered excellent family dogs. Labs are easy to train and maintain, very obedient and energetic. This breed is suitable for apartments or flats.
Untrained Labs can become a source of havoc for owners and end up being abandoned by them. It has become a huge problem in India. See the article at Huffingtonpost India for more.
You need to know this breed’s dietary & medical needs, health risks and learn the ways to cope up with these problems.
Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years
Temperament: Intelligent, Kind, Agile, Outgoing, Trusting, Even Tempered, Gentle
Price: Rs. 20K to Rs. 25K
Golden Retriever
Goldens are beautiful dogs known for being great with children, obedient, smart, friendly, loyal, well mannered, strong, and affectionate. They are also a popular dog breed in India. They’re super easy to train, fiercely loyal and protective of their owners. This dog breed can stay alone at home for longer periods.
Aside from the friendly nature, they are also strong dogs and hard workers. They require a significant amount of grooming and attention. Hair shedding can be a problem with this dog breed.
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Trustworthy, Friendly, Confident
Price: Rs. 20K to Rs. 30K
Dachshund
Bred as hunt badgers, Dachshund is known for short legs and long, narrow shape. These cute little dogs are loyal and attached to owner families. They are good with other pets, especially other Dachshunds, and make ideal house dogs. Training then is hard due yo their stubborn and independent nature. They also need a significant amount of walks and playtime daily.
Dachshund may not be the ideal breed to have around small children and other pets unless trained and socialized properly. This breed is prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).
Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
Temperament: Clever, Stubborn, Devoted, Lively, Playful, Courageous
Price: Rs. 15K to Rs. 20K
Beagle
Beagles are excellent hunting dogs, loyal companions, and also funny characters! They are loving, happy, and companionable, which makes them excellent family dogs. They prefer a company always, however; and if left alone, may howl and be destructive to things at home.
Their friendly nature and appearance make them a good home dweller for families with kids. They also react peacefully on other dogs and people.
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Amiable, Intelligent, Excitable, Determined, Even Tempered, Gentle
Price: Rs. 15K to Rs. 30K
Bulldog
These medium-size dogs are very responsive to training and can make a great companionable family pet. They are loved for their gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles . This dog breed needs minimum exercise, and just a short walk on a daily basis is sufficient.
Bull dogs are good with children and moderately friendly toward strangers. They can’t tolerate hot humid weather. It is not an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.
Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Docile, Willful, Friendly, Gregarious
Price: Rs 25K to Rs 100K
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are excellent guard dogs as well as companions at home. They do better with seasoned owners having a good experience of training a strong dog. With a proper training, they can be one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds. They need a lot of space to stretch their legs. This dog breed needs early socialization, or it can be dangerous. This dog breed not likes hot weather and should be kept indoors in hot season. Read more at Canine Journal.
Rottweilers can be extremely playful and this need heavy exercise daily.
Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Good-natured, Obedient, Devoted, Steady, Fearless, Alert, Confident, Self-assured, Calm, Courageous
Price: Rs. 20K to Rs. 1.25K
Indian Pariah
The Indian Pariah, a native dog breed of India, is known for its great manner, health, and hardiness. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable. Being a naturally evolved breed, these dogs have less health concerns and require minimal maintenance.
If socialized early, they do great with kids and other pets; however, they do not trust strangers easily. They make a perfect pet for Indian subcontinent. Read more at DawgieBowl.
Life span: 10-13 years
Temperament: Alert, territorial, defensive, social
Price: Free of cost (Just adopt one)
Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies have become among the most sought-after dog species in India. It is a cold-weather breed that can survive in Indian regions near to the Himalayas. The wolf-like appearance of this dog breed is highly attractive. They love to play with children and can live in a family calmly.
They also love to socialize with other animals. Read more at DogTime.
Lifespan: 13-14 years
Temperament: Very intelligent, friendly, attention-grabbing looks, Outgoing, Alert, Gentle
Price: Rs. 30K to Rs. 100K
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel is a affectionate and gentle dog breed. They are one of the favorite dogs for families because of good-looks and intelligent behavior. This dog breed can be recognized from long hair on legs, chest, belly and ears. They sheds hair on average and need regular grooming. This dog breed wants average playtime and exercise daily.
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, Quiet, Friendly, Playful
Price: Rs. 25K to 35K
This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute or substitute for advice of a veterinarian.
