How To Choose a Puppy

There is no universal breed of dog that just is perfect for everyone! However, there are many breeds that have their own characteristics, energy levels, grooming needs, personalities, temperaments, etc. to choose from! Before choosing a puppy, think very carefully about your own lifestyle!

You want to match your lifestyle with a breed that will compliment it! Too many times people buy a certain breed of dog out of impulse, fashion fad(dogs are not fashion accessories but this is a fast growing trend leaving many dogs in shelters), and unrealistic expectations.

If you are a laid back person that is mostly an indoor person, then you will want a dog that has that same type of lifestyle. There are many breeds that require little exercise and do not have high energy needs. If you are the outdoor type or you can dedicate yourself to devoting lots of time to exercise and playing and providing a large area for your high energy guy or gal, then a dog that belongs to a sporting or working breed like a Labrador Retriever would be a good choice to make.

Many small dogs such as Jack Russells demand a lot of attention because they are high energy dogs but are commonly mistaken for the ultimate indoor pet. This is the furthest thing from the truth! Size does not determine what makes a great indoor or outdoor dog! You will want to get some luxury dog beds for your Jack Russell. You have to do your homework and research. Choosing too rash or not putting any thought can result in a bad match and potentially a dog ending up at a shelter or worse as a stray! Dogs that do not match their owner’s lifestyle usually end up under socialized, poorly trained, and can be aggressive!

This is what you definitly do not want! Breeds that are the best suited for indoor living are : English Toy Spaniel, Pug,Boston Terrier, Shih-Tzu, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier. If you prefer a larger dog, go for a Clumber Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Mastiff, Sussex Spaniel, or Bulldog. For all you outdoor folks or those of you who prefer sporting breeds some choices to keep in mind are : Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Belgian Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

If you want to go a bit smaller, perhaps miniature or toy sized, then try a Papillion, Toy Poodle, or Miniature Poodle. These little guys are not only very intelligent but they are known for agility and speed. They are little athletes! If you have children and you are looking for that forever family friend, then you want a genteel breed dog. You want a sweet disposition but yet you want a breed that is large enough that small children can’t hurt or injure the dog. Breeds that make ideal family pets that are especially good with children are: Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bulldog, Collie, Basset Hound, Standard Poodle, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Scottish Deerhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Bouviers des Flandres.

If you want to try a dog that is going to also double as a good watch dog and protector of the home, then these dogs would be a welcome addition and many of them are still great dogs to be around children because they are herders meaning that they are used to watching and caring for those whether they be animal or human in their charge.

Some examples of these herding breeds are: Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Mastiff, Belgian Malinois, Canaan Dog, and Standard Schnauzer. Be sure to pick up some dog crate beds for your dog right away.

Dogs that make great service workers or training partners that are high energy are : Golden and Labrador Retrievers, English Setter, Brittany, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Flat-Coated Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Akita, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Irish Setter.

Not everyone has a traditional home setting, perhaps you either spend the greatest amount of time near or at the beach or lake or you live on a boat, then these water canines are a great choice: Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Otterhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, and Newfoundland.

There are as you can see a vast selection of breeds for every lifestyle, and with a little time and research such as talking with breeders or your local veterinarian or visiting your library you can find the right forever friend that is the right fit for your lifestyle!

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