October is adopt a dog month.  Sadly, there are 3 to 4 million dogs and cats that are euthanized every year in the United States according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  Rather than buying a dog from the store, you should consider adopting one from a shelter to save a life.  At the shelter, there are many dogs of all breeds eager to find a forever home.

Once you have decided to adopt a canine from a shelter, you must think of what type of dog is best for you.  Remember you want your new best friend to stay with you for the rest of its life.  If you adopt a dog that is not appropriate for you, you may have to return it to the shelter.

Taking care of any dog is a commitment, but you will be rewarded for getting a canine.  What type of dog should you get?  You must take a close look at yourself and lifestyle to decide what type of domestic dog is best for you.

If you are athletic and strong, you should consider getting a large dog.  They truly love long walks in the great outdoors, and you will need all of your strength to walk them.  Having a love of travel, they are ideal to take on camping trips with the entire family.  Some may even be good hunting dogs.  They will also protect your home from intruders.  Police and firefighters us large dogs to assist them with their demanding jobs. Big dogs also work as rescue dogs.  Transforming the lives of the blind or visually impaired, large dogs also serve as guide dogs.

Are you looking for a companion to take anywhere that you go?  If this is the case, you may consider getting a small or medium dog.  I just love small and medium dogs because they are very easy to handle.  You can take them to many stores and even to the mall.  When I take my dog, Sunny, a female Pekingese, out for walks she is very well behaved.  She is my shopping companion.  People are always delighted to see her.

When you visit the shelter, you will see many mixed breed dogs.  Mixed breeds are more unique than pure breeds, and they run faster than pure breeds.  They also live longer than pure breeds.  According to a 2013 study, they live 1.2 years more than pure breeds.  The average lifespan of a dog ranges from 10 to 13 years.  Some dogs live longer.  Bluey, who died in 1939, was the oldest dog in the world.  He lived 29.5 years.

No matter what kind of dog you choose to adopt, you will get health benefits.  Studies report that dog owners had a decrease in minor health problems.  Dog owners had a stronger heart and strengthened immune system.  They also had less allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Teaching them responsibility, dogs are also great for children.  Due to their noble nature, the perfect dog for a child is a Golden Retriever.  Any dog that is mixed with Golden Retriever is also ideal for a rambunctious child.  Another good choice for a child is a Labrador.  They love to fetch the ball and the Frisbee.  Large dogs can withstand rough play; therefore, they are better for youngsters.  According to research, kids who had dogs were less absent from school.  Canines also help kids who have ADHD improving their cognitive and social development.

Like kids, canines love to dress up for Halloween, especially the small and medium dogs.  You can purchase a costume for your canine and take them for a walk on Halloween.  They love all of the attention, and maybe they will even get a treat.  I already have a ladybug costume ready for my dog Sunny.

Since dogs have a loyal nature, they will stand by your side through thick and thin.  They truly become a part of your family.  With the holiday season soon approaching, adopt a shelter dog and give man’s best friend the gift of life.