Bow Wow Week: Puppy Edition
Choosing the right pet for your family can be a tough decision, and there are factors you might not have thought about. Good thing Andrea Arden returned to Kelly and Michael with more puppy advice during Bow Wow Week. Learn about the best city dog breed and how to pick the right pet for your lifestyle.
Kelly & Michael: How To Pick A Puppy
“Why is it so cute when Michael Strahan holds a puppy?” Kelly wondered. Andrea agreed that he rocked the look of cradling a pup.
Andrea Arden reminded everyone that this is a huge commitment that could last many years. Don’t just pick the first one you see, she suggested, recommending adopting a dog that fits your lifestyle.
Kelly and Michael: Kid-Friendly Puppies
If you are thinking of adopting a puppy, learn about some breed options available for adoption that are suited to your lifestyle and living situation.
Choosing a kid-friendly puppy means finding one who is “physically durable,” like a golden retriever mix or a hound collie mix. Other good choices include bloodhounds and Burmese mountain dogs.
“Make sure you socialize your puppy and teach your children how to behave with dogs,” Andrea said.
Kelly & Michael: Hypoallergenic Dogs?
What about people who are allergic to dogs? Andrea said there is actually no hypoallergenic dog, but there are some breeds that are better than others. The allergic reaction is caused by a protein found in dog saliva and dander.
However, some dogs elicit less of a reaction for those with allergies. Those breeds include poodle mixes, the Coton de Tulear, Havanese, and the Wheaten terrier. Try introducing an allergic family member to one of these breeds before bringing it home.
Live!: Italian Greyhound Best City Dogs
Kelly Ripa fell in love with a dog she was cuddling during the show. Isn’t this how she ended up with her last four-legged family member?
What is the best city dog? If you live in a city, you might think about a tiny dog, but those have a lot of energy, such as Jack Russell mixes. Breeds to think about include the Brussels Griffon or the Italian greyhound. Avoid vocal dogs, such as the beagle or daschund.
Greyhound dogs are readily available for rescue and can tend to be sedentary and quiet, which your apartment neighbors will appreciate.
Kelly and Michael: Suburban Dog Breeds
What if you live in the suburbs and have a big yard? Then all bets are off and you can get any high energy dog. Think about a shepherd lab mix, a retriever, or a collie. Just keep in mind that they need a fenced yard to run and play in, or daily activity to keep them stimulated.
Live: Adopting A Puppy
Michael said he travels a lot, and would need a dog who can travel with him. Andrea said that smaller is better in that case. But you can’t always take your dog everywhere you go, which means you might need to choose a smaller dog that friends or family can dogsit for you now and then.
“Do your research, choose carefully, and adopt,” Andrea said in conclusion. All the puppies featured on the show this week are up for adoption, and you can also check with local shelters in your area to find dogs that need good homes.
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