Source: The Record Delta
Choosing the right dog or cat requires more than selecting an appealing breed, according to veterinarian Roxanne Evans, owner of Upshur Veterinary Hospital in West Virginia. Evans recommends researching breeds before bringing a pet home, particularly because genetics can influence behavior, energy levels, training needs, and health risks. Working breeds require sufficient physical and mental stimulation, while high-energy dogs such as Belgian Malinois may be poorly suited to small apartments without yards.
Certain breeds also have predictable health concerns, including English bulldogs, whose facial structure can contribute to respiratory problems. Evans said her practice sees everything from small dogs to larger hunting and outdoor breeds. Cats are commonly domestic shorthairs and longhairs, and their personalities tend to vary more by individual than by breed. Dogs often display more breed-specific tendencies, such as the typically outgoing nature of Labradors or the tendency of Chihuahuas to form particularly strong attachments to one person.