Right dog for you: In my previous article I had highlighted the factors that one should consider before deciding on whether you should buy a dog as pet or not. If you have decided to buy a puppy, then it is suggested you do a good homework before you get one home exactly the same way when you plan on buying a new car, doing all the research about different models and segments of cars, comparing them, trying to find out which one suits your situation and circumstances the most.
The dog that you are going to bring in is going to stay with you for a very long time, and it is going to influence your life in a big way. Your dog is going to be your long-term commitment. Do not get tempted by the cuteness of beauty. Go for a breed which best suits your circumstances.
Knowing Why You Want a Dog
It is very important to first ascertain why you need a dog. Different breeds answer different purposes and have a predisposition to a particular behavior. If you need a toy dog then a pug or papillon will be most suitable for you. Collies and German shepherd on the other hand are more of highly energetic and hunting breeds, which may not suit your need.
Cost
Irrespective of the one-time purchase cost, bigger dogs have large appetite and feeding them can be a costly preposition. Not to forget the high veterinary cost for large dogs.
Size of the Dog and Your House
Size does matter. Large dogs need bigger spaces to move around and play. Does your home have enough space for a big dog? Choosing a dog big is unsuitable for your living condition not only is going to give you discomfort, the dog also is going to be a bigger sufferer. A bigger breed dog needs more open area to play around, and due to lack of exercise and physical activity may become prone to become overweight and other illnesses.
Grooming and Cleanliness
Are you prepared to spend extra hours in grooming your pet and cleaning your house? Breeds like Akita and German Shepard shed a lot, and it can be a real mess at home vacuuming out the fur. Consider Bichon Frise, Poodle, or a Shih Tzu if you want low-maintenance hypoallergenic dog breed for yourself.
Temperament
Whether bred for cuteness or for other tough utilities, in between there is a big range of temperament. It is always advisable you seek expert opinion about this before you buy a puppy. A pup bred in a home-type facility is more likely to be human friendly and comfortable socially. Ask for pup’s pedigree.
Don’t choose a puppy based on how it looks. If possible, find out information about pup’s mother, what is her temperament because she is the one who sets example for the pup. Observe whether the mother is calm or aggressive when you are around its pup. If you find the mother to be nervous or aggressive, then you should not go for that puppy.
Pedigree
A lot depends upon the history of puppy, where are you buying it from – a dealer, dog shelter, or a breeder. A lot of puppies in breeding facilities are bred like chicken solely for the purpose of minting money. It is preferred to buy from a breeder who has kept its puppies in homely settings rather than from a kennel where there are chances that they are traumatized and unsettled behaviorally.
More importantly inbreeding is one aspect that needs to be looked into. Avoid brother-sister, father-daughter, or any close inline mating. This information can be received from the seller and from the pedigree copy.
Age and Lineage
Buy a puppy no older than 7 to 10 weeks. Go for a pup who is behaviorally balanced, not too eye-catching nor too shy.
Children
Some people bring home puppies for their children, and also they expect that children will keep the dogs engaged and visa versa. Well in the longer run, it proves to be impractical. You have to keep in consideration that some breeds grow up just too fast and turn into huge dogs but our children do not and larger dogs can become difficult to control. All dogs love jumping around, latching on to moving objects, chasing after cats or other things. This can be dangerous for small children at home. You need to keep a constant watch when your dog and children are together at home or outside.
CONCLUSION
Those are some of the factors that one should consider before deciding on which dog to go for. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian also about your plan. Buying a dog is going to be a life-changing experience not only for you, your children and other family members, but also for the dog itself. Both deserve to be happy – You and your little pub.
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