Choosing the perfect puppy can be tricky and you might even have moments of uncertainty during the process. You might be asking yourself, "Do I have room for a puppy?" or "Which breed is best for me?"
We're here to tell you those feelings are perfectly natural to have. Bringing home a new puppy is a big decision and one you need to be certain you are ready for. There are many things to consider when picking the perfect puppy that fits your lifestyle best. At first glance, many breeds may seem similar however each puppy has their unique traits and behavior. The good news is we are here to help! Our mission at PuppySpot is to help people find their perfect puppy and the love that comes with it.
We have put together a 10-step guide that explains everything you need to know when choosing the perfect fur-ever friend for your family.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Puppy for Your Family
Few days in life are as meaningful as the day you bring home a new puppy. Choosing the perfect puppy is a big decision that comes with a lot of responsibility. Unfortunately, far too many puppies end up in shelters because their owners did not consider their new dog's specific needs before they brought them home. That's why it is important to ask the right questions before you choose a puppy.
1. Ask the Right Questions
Choosing the right puppy is an introspective process - you have to know what you want and what you can responsibly care for before you can choose a breed that fits your family and your lifestyle. Consider the following questions below and do your best to answer them honestly. As you do, keep in mind that the ultimate question you need to answer is not "Is this dog right for me?", but "Am I right for this dog?".
2. Why Do You Want a Dog?
Of all the questions that prospective dog owners should ask themselves, the most important is "Why do I want a dog?" If your answer sounds anything like, "Because I saw a cute puppy in the pet store window." then you should probably not get a puppy. Puppies are not a fashion statement; a way to grow a following on social media or a means to intimidate strangers. They are living, breathing creatures who feel and love as deeply as any human. Therefore, any decision to bring a puppy home must be made for the following reasons.
- Companionship - Puppies are remarkably social animals who thrive on human companionship. If your lifestyle takes you away from home most days, then you might not have enough time to commit to a new companion. That is unless you pick a small breed to take with you everywhere, like a Yorkie or a Chihuahua.
- Socialization - Puppies are a wonderful way to connect with other people. For people living alone, a puppy can increase contact with the outside world while providing meaning and structure to one's life. Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus are remarkably sociable and a great choice for anyone looking for a sweet and friendly puppy to get them out of the house.
- Exercise - Since every dog needs at least some degree of exercise, a puppy is a great way to ensure you also get the exercise you need to stay active. Breeds like the Siberian Husky and Dalmatian are great for runners and bikers. But if you like to swim, then a Labrador Retriever or a Poodle may be right for you.
- Children - Children learn life skills like compassion, responsibility, and patience by caring for a puppy. It's important that parents set realistic expectations and supervise all interactions between the puppy and children until both are of adequate age to be left alone together.
- Companion for Existing Dog - Puppies are incredibly social creatures and often appreciate the company of other dogs. Sometimes two dogs can be easier and more fun than one. But, every dog is an individual, and some breeds do not play nicely with others. If you're not sure whether your existing dog will like a new dog in the house, then you should consult a professional before you get a new puppy.
- Empty Home/Heart - One of the best (and saddest) reasons to get a new puppy is because your last dog passed away. A home can feel empty without a dog to fill it with life and love. If your dog has crossed the rainbow bridge and you're looking for a new puppy, the Goldendoodle and the Bichon Frise are known to brighten every room they walk into.
3. Do You Have Children?
Puppies are great for kids: Both as a source of unconditional love and a way of teaching responsibility. When choosing a puppy for your children, consider your lifestyle, their ages, and especially their allergies. Some of the sweetest, most kid-friendly breeds shed profusely, making it difficult to manage allergy symptoms in the home. While some allergy-friendly breeds may prefer the company of adults over children. Though most dogs thrive with regular training, you may have to teach your kids the basics of dog safety, and the best ways to interact with their new puppy. That said, you shouldn't have any trouble with these kid-friendly dog breeds:
4. Does Your Job Take You Away From Home?
Sadly, one of the leading reasons puppies end up rehomed or in shelters is because their owners underestimated the amount of time it takes to care for a dog's daily needs. If you work at home with little to do outside of work, then a puppy might be the right way to shake things up. On the other hand, those who travel for work or work infrequent hours might not have the time to provide the personal, emotional connection that your puppy needs and craves. But a hectic career does not preclude you from having a dog, you just have to find a low-maintenance breed, like:
5. Where Do You Live (City, Suburbs, or Country)?
Though many breeds are capable of living just about anywhere, certain breed characteristics preclude some dogs from living in certain places. A German Shepherd, for example, will find it difficult to navigate a small apartment without bumping into things.
That's why it's important to not only consider your dog's size, but also its exercise requirements, and whether you can meet them in your current living situation. If you live in the country, you're more likely to have the space needed to exercise high-energy breeds like the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd. Those in cities and suburbs, on the other hand, might have to drive some distance to a dog park to make it work. The trick to choosing the best dog for where you live is to choose a breed that can adapt to the climate and the environment.
6. Can You Keep Up With Its Exercise Needs?
Meeting your puppy's exercise needs is a necessary requirement of dog ownership and one that is often overlooked by prospective families. Some dogs need frequent, vigorous bouts of exercise to stay fit, happy, and mentally healthy. Other breeds, like the Pekingese, were developed specifically for sitting on laps and lounging around all day long. As an owner, it's up to you to decide what kind of activity you can reasonably accommodate and choose a puppy accordingly.
7. Can You Accommodate the Dog's Size?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a puppy is its adult size. Though many puppies start out very small, they grow quickly and become too big for their owners to accommodate in their current living space. Ironically, giant breeds end up in shelters less often than large to medium-sized breeds, like the Siberian Husky because owners of breeds like the Great Dane more often understand what they are getting into beforehand. That's why it's best to consult with a professional if you are unsure how large a dog will be as a fully grown adult.
8. Can You Afford to Care For a Dog?
Now that you understand the reasons why you want a puppy, and what your lifestyle can reasonably accommodate, it's time to move on to what you can reasonably afford. Though caring for some dog breeds is more expensive than others, there is a minimum cost of ownership that you must be able to afford if you are to care for a dog throughout its life. The minimum cost of dog ownership includes all of its veterinary, nutritional, and grooming expenses, as well as all of the supplies, toys, and puppy-proofing equipment you need to ensure a safe, happy, and healthy life for your dog. That said, the AKC estimates the minimum cost of dog ownership to be around $1k per year, depending on the size and life expectancy of the breed.
9. Do Your Research
With your reasons for getting a dog firmly in mind, you can move on to the next part of the process, selecting a breed. Though it requires a fair bit of research, determining which dog breed best fits your lifestyle is one of the most fun parts of the puppy-choosing process.
10. Choose a Good Breeder
At this point in the process, you've determined why you want a dog as well as the breed that best fits your lifestyle. Now it's time to determine where you are going to get your new puppy. Though there are many places you can get a puppy, prospective owners should avoid puppy mills at all costs. Instead, choose a responsible puppy service, like PuppySpot, whose enhanced screening has more than 100 points of emphasis for every puppy and its parents.
If this is the first time bringing a puppy into your home, let us help you find the perfect pet. We work with trusted breeders and can bring your puppy right to you!
