You’ve made the decision to get a dog, congratulations! You are about to begin an awesome and fulfilling adventure. Now it’s time to determine what kind of dog is right for you. First, you should decide if you want a mixed-breed or purebred dog.
Mixed-Breed Dogs
A mixed-breed dog are a combination of more than one breed. Animal shelters are full of mixed-breed dogs waiting to be adopted into a loving household. Most animal shelters have a private room where you can interact with the dog. This will help you decide whether the dog is going to be a good fit for you. Most importantly, do not rush into a decision if you aren’t 100% the dog is the right fit.
Pure-Bred Dogs
If you are going to adopt a pure-bred puppy, you should find a reputable breeder. A good place to find a reputable breeder is at dog shows. Those who participate in dog shows are very serious about breeding for top notch physical and mental qualities. Additionally, veterinarians may be able to provide names of reputable breeders. We suggest avoiding breeders you find on the internet, such as Facebook groups and Craigslist. It is also not a good idea to support most pet shops, as many of these puppies are from puppy mills, which have very little concern for the behavioral and physical healthy of the dogs.
Choosing a Dog
When deciding what breed of dog is right for you, keep in mind the size, activity level, temperament, and shedding. There are hundreds of dog breeds, so considering these factors will help you narrow down your choices. The first factor to consider when choosing a dog is size.
Do I want a Large or Small Dog?
If you live in an apartment, we suggest considering a smaller dog. Most apartment complexes have a weight or size limit on dogs you can have. Additionally, smaller dogs will eat less food, and usually require less exercise than larger dogs. Larger dogs may be a good fit for someone who lives an active lifestyle, however, larger breeds are more likely to dig, bark, or chew things up if they don’t get enough attention or exercise.
Other Factors to Consider
The most important thing to consider when selecting what breed you want is the temperament of the breed you are interested in. If you have friends and family over frequently, make sure to choose a breed that will be friendly with new people. No matter what breed you choose, make sure it is the best fit for your lifestyle.