Bulldogs, Poodles and Labs, oh my!

Your client may be sure a dog is the right fit, but what about the right breed? With so many varieties to choose from, here are some general categories with example breeds and characteristics owners may want to consider:

• Toy group (Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Pug): Great for small spaces, with energetic, playful personalities
• Herding group (Collies, Sheepdogs): Great for farms and families, these dogs are loyal and responsive to training
• Terriers (Jack Russell, Schnauzer): High energy and sometimes high attitude—owners need to be prepared to deal with strong personalities
• Working group (Akita, Boxer, Rottweiler, Doberman): Smart and loyal, but not always great with children
• Hound dogs (Beagle, Basset Hound, Dachshund): Prepare for some very curious noses and loud howls from these pups!
• Sporting dogs (Weimaraners, Labs, Spaniels): Love the outdoors and require a lot of exercise and room to roam
• Nonsporting group (Bulldog, Poodle, Shar-pei): Known to be friendly and sturdy, but personalities and size vary widely within this group

Get more specific

More information is always better when it comes to selecting the right dog for your family. Direct your clients to these websites where they can take online quizzes to choose a breed based on personality, owner lifestyle and more: 

Dogs and Cats:
http://www.vetstreet.com/breed-finder
https://pawslikeme.com

Dogs Only:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector/

Cats Only:
https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breed-selector

Mutts need love, too

With 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters every year and approximately 1.5 million being euthanized, adopting an animal from a shelter is one of the most compassionate ways to choose a new furry friend. And while shelter animals come with more unknowns regarding breed and disposition, the right pet could certainly be waiting on the other side of that metal cage.

Helping your clients understand the differences among breeds is a beneficial first step in selecting a new pet. Helping them understand and truly acknowledge how their own lifestyle would affect an animal is even more valuable. With this information, they can form a mutually healthy and happy relationship for many years to come.   

For the supplies and medications you need for your practice, contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461 or online.

Sources

https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/collections/best-cat-breeds-for-kids/

https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/807415/top-10-cat-breeds/

https://phz8.petinsurance.com/pet-breeds/dog-breeds/lifestyle-dog-breeds/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-dog-breed

http://www.vetstreet.com/breed-finder

https://pawslikeme.com

https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breed-selector

https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector/

https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics