IS FIDO A FIT? Avoid a Mismatch When Adopting a Dog
Adopting a dog is an adventure in choosing a companion and friend. Given that the consequences of your decision may last for your pet’s entire lifespan (typically 10–15 years), here are a few criteria to consider to help ensure you and your pet are a good fit.
Pekingese would be overmatched on a cattle ranch. Also, people who live in hot regions probably shouldn’t adopt huskies or malamutes, and a s hort-haired Chihuahua might suffer in Alaska. Grooming needs may come as a surprise, too. If you’re on a tight budget with no time to tend your pet’s coat yourself, the frequent groomings required by poodles, Afghan hounds, and Portuguese water dogs may be a bridge too far. Energy Level — If you have couch potato tendencies, a high-energy border collie or Australian shepherd may drive you crazy. Collies or spaniels may be a better choice for owners who lead sedentary lives. An Airedale, bull, or Jack Russell terrier is bred to dig and may rip up your furniture or yard unless you exercise and train them. Hounds such as beagles and bassets are bred to pursue game, a drive that often overwhelms obedience.
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on the first and third Saturday of the month. We will continue to be open on the second and Temperament and Instinct — Some people adopt German shepherds or rottweilers because they want a guard dog. These breeds have an instinct to protect, but they need training before they can provide the kind of protection the owner wants. Also, human supervision is needed to help the dog keep those instincts in check in situations where sociability is required. For help choosing a pet, the Canadian Kennel Club posts an online guide, accessible through a web search with the club’s name and “choosing a breed.” and take well to training, their size can make them a challenging choice for an apartment-dweller. Eager to please and charming, toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, and pug, may make better house pets. Sporting dogs, including retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels, tend to respond readily to training and are among the most popular breeds.
Size and Coat Type — Large dogs may feel cooped up in a city apartment, while a tiny
While working breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs, Siberian huskies, and boxers tend to be loyal
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• At the time of scheduling a
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dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
• Due to the increasing cost of
fourth Saturdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
credit card processing, there is now a 3% service charge added to all clinic services and products. If paying with cash, check, or PIN debit, there is no charge.
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