A dog is most definitely not something you can take out and play with whenever the mood strikes you. Dogs make a lot of demands on your time, and it is your responsibility to make sure that those demands are met each and every day. Scheduling your dog in for a half an hour after dinner just doesn't cut it, no matter breed you wind up with.
Grooming
There are many breeds of dog that can get along just fine with only nail-trimming and a bath when they need it, but there are also a hundred different dog breeds that need so much more. Regular trips to the groomer's for haircuts, twice-daily brushings and even moisturizing are all needs that have to be met with certain breeds. If you aren't prepared to take the time to meet these needs, then you need to look at breeds that require minimal grooming.
Typically breeds that have a short and smooth coat will need much less grooming than a breed with long, or curly fur, but a daily brushing doesn't really take very long if you prefer more fur. Of course, if you do opt for a dog with a coat that requires extensive grooming, keeping the fur clipped to a shorter length, like the "puppy cut" for Poodles, might also be a viable option.
Breeds that require minimal grooming:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dachshund
- Saint Bernard
A moderate amount of grooming:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Chow Chow
- American Eskimo Dog
More extensive grooming requirements:
- Poodles (daily brushing, or regular clipping)
- Old English Sheepdog (daily brushing)
- Maltese (daily brushing)
