Deciding on which breed of dog to buy shouldn't be taken lightly.
Everybody's living situation is different and a lot of critical thought should take place before making any selection.
Part of that includes realizing if buying a dog is even the right decision.
Because remember, this is a long-term commitment that not only affects your life but also that of your new dog.
After reaching the conclusion that getting a dog will work, there are a few factors to review that will lead you to the right type for you.
Size Your new puppy won't stay small forever and as they grow, they'll need more space to roam around.
To account for this, talk with your breeder or search online for each dog's expected height/length and weight when mature.
Don't forget that larger dogs require more exercise and food, so if you can't handle that, look at something smaller.
Gender There isn't much of a difference between male and female dogs, especially if you're buying your dog as a pet.
If it's a pet you're after, it's highly encouraged to have it either spayed or neutered to keep from having a litter of your own.
This will also eliminate most noticeable differences between male and females.
Temperament People have different personalities and dogs are no different.
Take into consideration personality traits (obedient or stubborn), activity level (energetic or lazy), interaction with other people/dogs (friendly or protective), dependence (can't be without you or can go without attention).
Extremes don't always come into play and each breed has its own mixture, but it's important to do some research and see if your personality will mesh with your dog's.
Health By now it's easy to see not all dogs are created equal and the same can be said for potential health concerns.
Because dogs come in all shapes and sizes, different breeds are prone to specific ailments and can require different daily care.
When you're talking to your breeder, go in knowing the potential health risks your new dog might face.
You might be dealing with a breed that is troubled by hip, spine, internal or eye problems.
If you're aware of any future problems it can help prepare you for possible vet costs or heartache.
Coat/Grooming Grooming should be a routine expectation but each type of coat has its own needs.
Long coats take more work.
If you're going for a designer style, professional grooming should be expected.
Regardless of coat length, you'll likely deal with some form of shedding, ranging from year-round to infrequently.
So it's up to you how much hair you want to deal with.
Taking all these things into consideration should help you find the perfect dog for you.
Remember this will be a joint relationship between you, your family and your dog.
It's important you're aware of the level of commitment each breed requires, since owning a dog can easily be a 10-plus year expectation.
Everybody's living situation is different and a lot of critical thought should take place before making any selection.
Part of that includes realizing if buying a dog is even the right decision.
Because remember, this is a long-term commitment that not only affects your life but also that of your new dog.
After reaching the conclusion that getting a dog will work, there are a few factors to review that will lead you to the right type for you.
Size Your new puppy won't stay small forever and as they grow, they'll need more space to roam around.
To account for this, talk with your breeder or search online for each dog's expected height/length and weight when mature.
Don't forget that larger dogs require more exercise and food, so if you can't handle that, look at something smaller.
Gender There isn't much of a difference between male and female dogs, especially if you're buying your dog as a pet.
If it's a pet you're after, it's highly encouraged to have it either spayed or neutered to keep from having a litter of your own.
This will also eliminate most noticeable differences between male and females.
Temperament People have different personalities and dogs are no different.
Take into consideration personality traits (obedient or stubborn), activity level (energetic or lazy), interaction with other people/dogs (friendly or protective), dependence (can't be without you or can go without attention).
Extremes don't always come into play and each breed has its own mixture, but it's important to do some research and see if your personality will mesh with your dog's.
Health By now it's easy to see not all dogs are created equal and the same can be said for potential health concerns.
Because dogs come in all shapes and sizes, different breeds are prone to specific ailments and can require different daily care.
When you're talking to your breeder, go in knowing the potential health risks your new dog might face.
You might be dealing with a breed that is troubled by hip, spine, internal or eye problems.
If you're aware of any future problems it can help prepare you for possible vet costs or heartache.
Coat/Grooming Grooming should be a routine expectation but each type of coat has its own needs.
Long coats take more work.
If you're going for a designer style, professional grooming should be expected.
Regardless of coat length, you'll likely deal with some form of shedding, ranging from year-round to infrequently.
So it's up to you how much hair you want to deal with.
Taking all these things into consideration should help you find the perfect dog for you.
Remember this will be a joint relationship between you, your family and your dog.
It's important you're aware of the level of commitment each breed requires, since owning a dog can easily be a 10-plus year expectation.
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