There is so much to consider when you’re getting a dog. Often times, people think you can just go and pick the cutest one and you’re done but this isn’t the case. Each breed of dog is different and finding the right breed for you is an important step to making sure you, your family and the dog are all happy for the long haul. I can speak from experience. My dog is a husky mix and I love him with all my heart but there were a lot of things I didn’t think thru when I got him. The biggest thing is the crazy amount of hair this fur ball has! I brush him a few times a week and should probably vacuum my floors daily. He’s a bit more maintenance than I planned for and he’s totally worth it but I can see how this could be a deal breaker to others. A great way to avoid surprises is to do lots of research to make sure you’re getting the right dog for you. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when looking into getting a dog. Things you should think about are:
Dog Size – Do you want a small or a large dog? Dogs can take up a fair amount of space so think about how big your home and outdoor space is. Speaking from experience yet again, an 80lb dog doesn’t have a lot of room to run in a 1-bedroom apartment but fortunately, I have a large yard. If you don’t have a yard, many towns have dog parks that you can use to get your dog the exercise it needs. Another thing to keep in mind is that dog size and breed may also come into question with lease agreements and home owners insurance. Make sure that you check into your policies before adopting.
Energy Level – Do you want a dog that can run around all day long or one that’s ready for a nap after their walk? Some breeds need much more exercise and attention then others.
Family – If you have or plan to have children, there are some breeds are more family & children friendly. Also take into consideration if you have any current pets that your new dog will need to live with.
Grooming – Do you want a dog with an easy care coat or one that needs grooming? How often are you willing or able to groom your dog? How much money are you willing to spend on getting your dog groomed regularly?
Cost – This goes far beyond purchasing the dog. Dogs are an ongoing financial commitment between food, treats, toys, grooming, and medical bills. How much are you willing to spend?
There are many great online quizzes that cover the information above and more that will take your answers and tell you the best breed types for you. Animal Planet has a quick and easy 10 question quiz that is available here. Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or a breeder, doing your research early will help to ensure the happiest family/puppy combo!
