A pet is life-long commitment.  It is important that you pick the pet that best suits your needs and lifestyle.  Before buying a pet, consider the following:

• Is your living environment suitable for a pet?
• What type of pet will suit your living environment?
• If you want a cat or a dog, what type of breed will suit your living environment and lifestyle?
• Do you have enough daily free time to give attention and care to a pet?
• Who will look after your pet when you are on holidays?
• Can you afford a pet (eg registration, food, veterinarian bills, grooming, pet supplies)?
• Are you prepared to spend time training your pet?
• Do you already have pets?  If so, will your new pet fit in with those pets?
• Who else lives in your household (eg babies, toddlers, seniors)?

Dogs as pets

Dogs can be faithful, lovable companions, which is the reason for their popularity as pets.  When choosing your new best friend, it is important to consider what type of dog would best suit your lifestyle, living environment, needs and wants.

Below, is a guide to the major dog breeds and their characteristics.  This guide is not comprehensive and you should speak with your local veterinarian or other dog owners to get more detailed information.  Every breed of dog has its own traits so it is important that you get all the advice you can before making your decision.

Sporty dogs

These dogs were bred to hunt and include the Pointer, Retriever, Setter and Spaniel breeds.  These dogs tend to be medium sized with lots of energy.  They make wonderful companions as long as you train them well and exercise them regularly.

Hounds

These dogs like to run and include a wide variety of dogs from the Dachshund, one of the shortest dogs, to the Irish Wolfhound, the tallest of all dogs.

Working dogs

Dogs with jobs.  This group of dogs were bred to guard or herd stock and include the Alaskan Malamute, the Boxer, the Great Dane and the Rottweiler.  They tend to be large in size and need to be well trained.

Terriers

Terriers have the largest number of breeds and were bred to hunt.  Terriers are lively with strong personalities. They need training to ensure they don't get out of control.  They range from small to medium in size and include the Australian Terrier, Bull Terrier, Jack Russell and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Companion dogs

They suit families with small children and breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Poodle and the  Pug.  Companion dogs are a good choice for people with small yards.

Herding dogs

These dogs were bred to help farmers herd or 'drive' their livestock so these dogs have lots of energy.  Breeds include the Cattle Dog, Border Collie, German Shepherd and the Old English Sheepdog.

Cats as pets

Owning a cat can bring great joy and companionship.  Unlike dogs, cats are not pack animals, so they lead a more independent lifestyle.

Cats are also self cleaning and do not need to be exercised.  It is for these reasons that cats often suit people with busy lifestyles and families.  Like dogs, there are many different breeds of cats to choose from, each with their own characteristics, needs and benefits.  It is important that you look at the different breeds of cats to see which breed is right for you. Your local vet or pet store can give you more information.

Other pets to consider

• Fish
• Mice or rats
• Guinea Pigs
• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Hermit Crabs

For more information on choosing the purr-fect pet for you, contact your local veterinarian or pet shop.