I really wanted a dog. I Really, really, really wanted a dog!!!
But Mum said, first I needed to learn more about dogs.
"Do you know how to look after a dog?" She asked me.
I asked my big sister if she could help me look up facts about dogs on the internet.
We found out that: Dogs need to have a healthy diet.
Dogs need lots of water.
Dogs need regular exercise.
Dogs need a place to sleep.
Most dogs love playing games.
Dogs need to have a security gate – for their protection and other peoples!
"And, what type of dog would you like?" Mum asked me.
I asked my big sister again, if she could help me look it up on the internet.
Border Collie?
Boxer?
Basset Hound?
A Pomerian is really fluffy, very cute, with lots of energy. It would need to be brushed a lot, and Mum might get mad about the hair.
A great dane has a gentle nature and is very intelligent. But I don't think he would fit in our small house; or in our small car if we had to take him to the vet.
An Alaskian Husky is a very nice dog, but it would be really hot for him in summer, since we don't live in Alaska.
I guess we'd have the same problem with a Canadian Eskimo Dog.
An Airedale terrier was originally bred to hunt otters; we don't have many otters around here.
A Finish Lapphund, originally bred to herd reindeer, is very popular in Finland, but we don't have many reindeer here either.
Miniature Schnauzers are spunky guard dogs, but they tend to bark more than bite.
Spaniels are warm natured, friendly, and loyal, and make great pets.
How about a Russian Spaniel? Would I need to speak to him in Russian?
The Shar Pei was originally bred as a place guard dog in China, but, we don't have a palace.
What about a Broholmer?
Or an Australian Terrier?
Or a Czechoslovakian wolf-dog?
I'd like a poodle, but they also have a lot of curly fur to look after.
Perhaps a labradoodle – it's a cross between a labrador and a poodle.
Labradors or Retrievers are kind, friendly, and outgoing dogs, they also love helping people.
They are the most common dog breed used to help blind people.
A labrador might be a nice dog to have – if he's not too busy helping blind people.
Should I get a puppy or an adult dog?
Puppies are cute, but need lots of training.
Older dogs are trained, but may have learned bad habits.
Mum had one more question for me, do you know how much a dog will cost??!!
Luckily me and my sister had already thought about that one. And looked it up.
A pure breed can be quite expensive, but there are lots of animal welfare groups where a dog can be adopted, and this helps out a pet without a home.
To adopt a dog you need to pay for the dog's doctor bills to make sure he is healthy and has all his vaccination shots.
Good quality dog baskets and toys can be found at the supermarket or bulk stores, or at the animal welfare shelter.
As can good quality dog food.
Don't forget about the fence if you don't have one.
Some countries may require a dog license.
I learnt dogs are really fun to have, but also a big responsibility.
Mum says she's thinks I am ready for a dog now.
Mum and I will go down to the animal shelter to see if I can find a dog that loves me as much as I love him or her.
I hope you enjoyed learning about dogs as much as I did.
