As a potential new dog owner or even a long-time dog owner, I know that there are dozens of things you need to know, or just want to know for your own peace of mind. However, there are dozens of questions that simply can not be answered, not over the internet, or not by me at all. Reasons for that vary, but here are the most frequently asked questions that I can't answer, and why I can't.
"What kind of dog is best for me?"
If I had a window into your life, and could see what your typical daily life consisted of, and what kind of interactions you had, then I might be able to say "this would be the best dog for you". You need to look at your lifestyle, and your habits, work, sleep, play, and evaluate the different dog breeds that might fit in your home. Don't forget that you can "test-drive" a breed or mix by fostering from your local shelter or rescue.
"How much will it cost me to keep a dog?"
Cost is such a big factor in dog ownership that every potentially new owner wants to know how much money they need to budget for when they get a dog. Unfortunately the cost of each individual varies so much that I can't even tell you what even the first year will cost. Vaccinations could cost $200 or less, depending on your veterinarian, and size will dictate how much money you spend on food, not to mention the quality of food counts as well.
"Can you recommend a breeder?" and "Is this breeder a responsible breeder?"
Since verifying the quality of a dog breeder is next to impossible over the internet, I can not and will not recommend a dog breeder for any breed. I do provide links to the breed club of the dog breed you are looking for. Many breed clubs online have a list of Code of Ethics breeders (responsible and ethical breeders) that belong to the club. For a look at what the typical Code of Ethics is like, check out the Mastiff Club of America's Code of Ethics.
"What is wrong with my dog?"
Whenever your dog's health is in doubt, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian, or a veterinarian near you. I am NOT a veterinarian, and I am NOT trained in animal health. What I am, is an avid dog lover who has spent years examining the health and well-being of my own dogs, with the help of their veterinarians. I am an avid researcher, from both books and internet, but nothing typed on a computer screen can compare to a hands-on veterinary exam.
"What mix of breed is my dog?"
Unless it was a deliberate breeding between purebreds, nobody will ever completely know what breeds are in a mixed breed dog's genetic make-up. In fact, it is entirely possible that a litter has more than one father, which can really muddy the waters. But don't get discouraged! Part of the joy of having a mixed breed is the "wonder" aspect: "gee, I wonder what's in him?" And if you want an opinion other than your own, the folks at the Dog Park forum are always up for a good mix-guessing game. Registration is free and easy, and you can post pictures to help the guesses along.
