Bahraini Abdulrahman Salah Al Khan, who traded in his desk job with a leading financial institute to set up the popular Pet Arabia enterprise, has joined the GulfWeekly team as a guest columnist. He will be offering advice and useful tips so pet-loving readers can fully enjoy their four-legged friends for life.
Question: What breed of dog is best for me?
Answer: Choosing the right pet should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider what type of dog will fit into your lifestyle and into your family. Give some thought to the amount of time, attention and effort you are willing to devote to your new pet.
Some dog breeds need companionship and require a greater amount of attention from their owners, while others are satisfied to be alone for longer intervals.
Is your lifestyle physical and active, or do you prefer relaxation and quiet time? There are dog breeds to fit every lifestyle.
Size is always an issue, but be aware that size alone does not always determine a breed’s need for exercise. Some smaller dogs (terrier breeds, for example) need as much activity as a larger dog.
The composition of your family is also important to consider. Personality and temperament vary greatly by breed.
If budget constraints are an issue, it is wise to consider feeding, health concerns and the care and grooming of the breed you choose. Bigger dogs eat more than small dogs, certain breeds are more prone to specific health problems, some shed more than others, require more attention to their fur and require periodic professional grooming, while other breeds require little maintenance.
Proper socialisation and training is important for all dogs, and remember, it is always better to adopt a dog from a shelter than to buy one from a pet store.
* For more information on pet needs and a wide range of top-quality pet products and services, visit petarabia.com. We can also be reached by telephone at 17592288, by email at info@petarabia.com, and, if you’re not already, please like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @petarabia.