Choosing A Puppy Wisely 

When you select your puppy, imagine him as a full-grown dog Choose a puppy that you want to live with as an adult.

     The most important thing to remember when choosing a breed of dog is not to make a spur-of-the-moment decision. I know that puppies are cute and almost irresistible, but please remember that in a few short months your pup will be fully grown. The first step to responsible dog ownership is learning about the needs of your pup BEFORE you buy him. That's right, education is the key.  If you aren't sure how to tell what a pup's needs will be, read on and I'll explain it step-by-step.

PURPOSE

     Each breed of dog was originally bred with a certain purpose in mind. Farmers needed dogs that would keep small game such as rabbits from eating their crops, so they bred swift, keen-sighted hounds such as Ibizan Hounds. Other dog owners wanted strong, massive dogs to hunt large game such as lion and bear and thus the Mastiff was chosen. Shepherds needed dogs to tend their flocks, so through selective breeding they developed dogs such as the Belgian Tervuren. Still other dogs, like Toy Poodles, were bred to be lap dogs for their owners to love and cuddle. 

     Dogs take their intended function very seriously, and it becomes an inbred part of their personality. If you take a dog that was originally bred to run and hunt for hours in the field, and expect that dog to live quietly and obediently in an apartment, both an unhappy dog and owner will result. The poor dog will feel completely frustrated, because genetically he is prepared, both mentally and physically, to run and explore for a good part of the day. You will become upset with your dog because he isn't behaving as you hoped he would.

     Likewise, a toy breed isn't a good choice for an owner who likes to hike for hours in the woods. The demands of the trail would be too strenuous, not to mention the possibility of being eaten by wild animals encountered along the way. 

      I hope you can see why taking the time to research the breed of dog that will fit into your lifestyle is so important, both for your happiness and the happiness of your new friend.  Research multiple sources of information and talk to several breeders about temperament, care requirements, and view pictures of  various dog breeds to help you choose the breed that's right for your family. 

     Perhaps you have chosen to look for your new puppy at your local animal shelter. Great! There are many wonderful dogs just waiting for a second chance. Shelters will usually take their best guess at naming the breed, or mixture of breeds, of each dog, so be sure to research the breed(s) they've listed before you take your new friend home. This step is just as important for a mixed-breed dog as a purebred one!

     If you are considering a purebred puppy, research the breeds that interest you.  When you find a breed that matches your lifestyle, go on to step two to learn how to find ethical dog breeders. 

Links to informative sites where you can further your search:

Dog Breeds Puppy Directory:  Which breed is right for you? Find out by following the link here to detailed breed information including the temperament, health, care requirements, and pictures of each breed.

Local Shelters/Spay-Neuter/Licenses:  Local animal shelter, veterinarian, licensing requirements, spay/neuter info, and more.

A dog should be yours for his lifetime - make the right decision.

Whether you obtain a purebred puppy from a breeder, or a mixed-breed puppy from a shelter, learn about the needs of your new friend before you take him home.

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e-mail: Puppyinfo@cox.net