Did You Know?
The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany, but it has been bred in Scandinavian countries. The Miniature Pinscher is noted for its lively temperament and intelligence.

Owning a dog is definitely a long term commitment. You need toask yourself whether you will be able to devote the next 10 to 15 years or more of your life to this new pet. Do you have the means to provide all the food, shelter, attention and veterinary care this animal will need over his or her entire life? Before you answer these questions, please consider the many aspects of pet ownership:

Your Lifestyle - Think about your lifestyle for a moment. Are you away from home a great deal of the time? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? A dog should be a companion, who will have ample time to spend with you. Like humans, dogs are social creatures who love to interact with people and other animals. If you will have very little time to spend with your dog, perhaps a goldfish would be a better pet to consider.

Your Home - Is your home large enough to share with a dog? How will your neighbors feel about this new addition? Will anyone (besides yourself) be disturbed if your dog barks a lot? If you live in an apartment, are there any restrictions on having a dog? Do you have ample areas around your home for your dog to exercise and relieve himself?

Your Finances - Buying a dog is only the first step; feeding and caring for your pet over its lifetime are where the real costs lie. Food, veterinary care, licenses, kennels, grooming and supplies can really add up.

Veterinary Care - A dog, like any member of a family, should receive quality medical care. When you first pick up your dog, you will be expected to have him immunized against several diseases. . You will also need to revisit your vet at least once each year. These needs can be time consuming and costly, especially if an illness ever occurs. Like a marriage, this commitment is "in sickness and in health".

Messes - Yes dogs can be messy. If you plan to keep your dog inside your home, you can count on a variety of challenges, such as: muddy paws tracked across carpeting, pet odors, puppy teething damage on clothing and furnishings, knickknacks being broken, , shedding, scratching, etc, etc. How will you feel when these virtually inevitable events occur?

Large or Small Breed?

This is usually one of the easier decisions you will need to make. Most people have a pretty good idea of how large a dog they want, but a few key points might be helpful.

Small dogs can be cuddly companions that nestle in your lap, or they can be diligent watchdogs, all depending on the breed you choose. Small dogs are excellent for urban or apartment dwellers because they can be trained to go on newspapers or in a litter box, and generally require less exercise because their short legs can get a workout by running inside a home or apartment. Small dogs obviously eat less than larger dogs, so your dog food bills will be smaller, and their stools will be reduced, which makes cleanup easier. If you are buying a dog for a child, remember that small dogs generally tend to live longer than larger dogs. This can be especially important if you want a pet that will survive throughout your son or daughter's childhood years. However, small dogs can be less tolerant of rough handling by children, and they have a higher pitched and more frequent bark, which may require greater tolerance on the part of you and your neighbors.

Large dogs require more space, both inside and outside your home. Because they are unable to get adequate exercise simply by moving around your home (unless you happen to live in a palace), large dogs will need to be exercised outdoors. Preferably this exercise will occur with you at the other end of the leash. If you are an active, athletic person, a large dog can certainly be a welcome addition to your exercise routine. Many people prefer large dogs because of their physical beauty, and because they can provide a measure of personal security. Remember that large dogs can be intimidating to visitors, which can be good or bad, depending on who the visitor is. Also, large dogs are usually more expensive to care for since they eat more and may need to be obedience trained.

Male or Female?

Almost all dogs are loving and faithful companions if they are given the chance, regardless of whether they are male or female. There are no differences in loyalty or intelligence related to sex (editors note: this is not always true with humans). However, there are certain differences related to aggression, not necessarily in the amount, but in the type of aggression. Male dogs have a stronger territorial instinct, which makes your home his home, and can lead your dog to mark his territory (your yard) with urine. A male dog that constantly "lifts his leg" can damage your shrubbery over time by burning your plants with urine. Both males and females can be taught to urinate in one part of your yard, which can lessen this problem. Rather than acting out of territorial instincts, females are more likely to be aggressive against certain people or other animals. Also, females come into "heat" twice a year, which can be messy, and can act as a strong attractant to males. If you do not plan to breed or show your dog, most pet professionals would advise you to have your dog spayed or neutered.

Puppy or Adult?

It can't be denied, puppies are cute little bundles of joy. But generally, you should not obtain a puppy until it is at least ten weeks old. Puppies need this time to be nursed by their mothers, and they also gain psychological benefit from being near their litter mates. Some of the advantages of acquiring a puppy instead of an older dog include being able to raise the puppy exactly as you want.You will be able to train a puppy just as you want him to be trained. And generally speaking, puppies will have an easier time adjusting,than an adult dog. Also, if your puppy is a mixed breed, it is less certain what he will look like, and what his temperament will be once he grows up.

With an adult dog, you are getting a pet that has already passed through the highly active puppy stages. An adult will usually be housebroken, and will already have an established "personality" that is easier for you to observe. By spending a little time with a mature dog, you will have a good idea of what he or she is really going to be like over the long term. Try to find out as much as you can about the background of an older dog, with a special emphasis on identifying any possible behavioral problems. If you can, find out why this dog is no longer with its original owner(s). Also, if you have young children, be careful as you introduce them to an older dog, and monitor the behavior of the dog closely. Buying or adopting an adult dog can be a wonderful experience for all parties, and in many cases you may be saving the life of this pet.

What To Look For When Making Your Final Selection

Clearly, your final selection of a dog will be the most important step you take toward a happy future together. You are choosing a living, breathing animal who will hopefully spend the rest of its life with you and your family. To help make this important choice a successful one, try to spend some quality time with the dog you are considering, and carefully observe the following traits:

Personality -
How does the dog respond to you? He should be alert and reasonably accepting of your attention (unless of course you desire an aggressive dog, for reasons of personal protection). Remember though, this is the first time he is meeting you, and he has no idea why you are interested in him. Some level of apprehension on his part is understandable and quite acceptable, as long as he warms up to you after a little handling. The dog should show some response to your voice and hand gestures. A dog that is overly shy or overly aggressive may have difficulty in adapting to a new home, and may require special attention and training.

Movement -
A dog should be alert and fairly active. Observe him as he walks, and determine if there is any hesitation or limp. Does he seem to have good balance and coordination? Does he move easily, or does he walk very little then lie down as if he is tired and uninterested in you?

Physical Inspection -
As much as the dog will allow it, try to examine him from nose to tail. Are the eyes and ears clear? All teeth should be in place, and the gums should be pink and healthy. The dog's coat should be clean and shiny, with no bare spots. If you are considering a puppy, check his belly for any bulges which could be the sign of a hernia; or bloating, which might be a sign of worms. Examine the dog's stance when standing still. Are his legs straight, or does he seem to favor any particular leg that might be painful? Determine from the seller exactly what type of shots and veterinary care the dog has had.

If you have any doubts about the physical condition of a dog you are considering, you have the right to have this animal examined by a competent veterinarian of your choosing. In some instances, a dog may have a small problem such as ear mites. A veterinarian would be able to assure you that this is an easily treatable condition, that should not deter you from buying this dog.

If you are considering a purebred dog, you should be presented with registration papers. Also, be sure to clearly discuss any guarantees or return policies before you purchase a dog, and get a copy of these policies in writing.

Registration of Dogs
Here in the Philippines, purebred dogs are registered at the Philippine Canine Club Inc. (PCCI).

Rm. A206 Hillcrest Condominium
1616 E.Rodriguez Sr. Blvd.,
Corner Hillcrest St., Cubao Q.C.
Philippines
Telephone nos:4124104 / 4124105 / 721 8345

types of dogs - photo gallery - dog stories - quotations - faq - contact us - guestbook