5 tips for choosing the right dog breed for life in the Canary Islands
Owning a dog is one of life’s great pleasures, but when you move to a place as unique as the Canary Islands, you have to think twice about the breed you choose. The subtropical weather, gorgeous beaches, and outdoor lifestyle are a place of opportunity, but can also create challenges.
Whether you’re moving your family from the UK or considering the right breed to own in Spain, there are several things to consider before bringing a furry friend into your life.
1. Adapting to the Climate
The Canary Islands are known for their wonderful subtropical weather and mild climate year-round. Having said that, the temperature can reach high levels, and humidity isn’t exactly low either. Dogs with thick double-layered coats have trouble adapting to the temperature. In contrast, some dogs who are lighter or have short hair won’t have as many problems. For example, French Bulldogs, with their petite frame and short hair, will acclimate well to the weather. In any case, it’s a good idea to train your dog not to overexert themselves during hot days. People have to seek shade, rehydrate, and have air conditioning during summer months; dogs need shelter, water, and similar treatment.
2. Tracking Exercise Needs
Home styles or houses to live in on the islands vary. Some families will live in a villa with a garden; others might choose to live in an apartment, even in town. Choosing a high-energy dog that needs constant outdoor exercise won’t do well in a small space. There needs to be room for exercise, indoors and out, more than the typical walk in the park. A smaller lapdog might work best if you’re planning for an apartment dog. Try to make sure the space available will work in concert with your dog’s exercise needs.
3. Outdoor Activity and Lifestyle
The Canary Islands are a great place for outdoor activities. Choose a breed that fits your personality and bonds with nature. If you love going outside and you’re looking for a running mate, some of the better breeds for you would be retrievers, terriers, shepherds, spaniels, etc. If, on the other hand, you tend to be more on the sedentary side, you’re best picking a breed that is too. Some good examples would be English and French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows, etc.
4. Dedicating Time and Effort to Proper Care
Additionally, all breeds of dogs have specific needs when it comes to grooming and veterinary care. Some dogs will need regular brushing and bathing; others… not so much. There are also a number of health issues to watch out for, depending on the breed of dog you adopt. For example, brachycephalic dogs struggle with their breathing and temperature regulation in a climate like the Canaries. The owner will need to take special steps to make sure their dog is comfortable and able to breathe in the heat. Taking all of these factors into account ahead of time will help you choose a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle and that will be well taken care of.
5. Choose a Breeder or Kennel You Can Trust
Going with a trusted breeder or reputable kennel will be your best bet in finding a dog that is healthy and well-behaved. At Tomkings Kennel, you’ll find all of the guidance you need in picking out a dog that is best suited to your lifestyle and the type of environment that you’ll be living in. Reputable breeders care about the health and temperament of their puppies. So, if you’re adopting a puppy from a breeder that cares about their puppies, they’ll most likely be much better behaved and make for a much easier adoption process for the dog and for you.
Conclusion
Picking the right dog breed for the Canary Islands is going to require you to put some thought into things. You’ll need to take the climate, your home, your personal fitness level, and the dog’s needs and background, among other things, into consideration. However, with some foresight and a little bit of help from Tomkings Kennel, you’ll be able to find a dog breed that will not only suit your lifestyle but also thrive in the unique
Share:
