How to Choose a Puppy
Dogs are among the most common pets worldwide, and there are quite a few reasons for the popularity of dogs as pets. Companionship is probably the most common reason, a dog is a man’s best friend. Another reason dogs are popular is the security they offer. Being informed about how to choose a puppy is extremely important. Big dogs won’t like living in a cramped home and a little pug won’t protect your valuables too well.
The first thing people usually look at is the dog’s appearance but this isn’t the right way to select a dog. Choosing based on appearance is perhaps why so many of them are eventually handed over to shelters, it is very important to select a puppy that matches your family, temperament and activity level.
How to Choose a Puppy
Male or female
The gender of your canine pet is very important as well. Sex is an important factor since male dogs are very different from female dogs. This can be a little complicated, but the main point to keep in mind is that male dogs are attention-seeking active animals, while female dogs are more stable. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best suited for you will depend purely on your needs and home.
Pedigree, mongrel or cross-breed
Another important decision for you to make is whether you want a pedigree or a non-pedigree (mongrel) dog. Some would argue that there’s a third type of dog, the cross-breed, but cross-breeds fall into the category of non-pedigree dogs.
There really isn’t any hard and fast rule regarding which is better, it all comes down to each individual breed of dog. But you need to understand that no matter which breed you go for, its overall character will develop based on how you rear and take care of it. Irrespective of whether you go for a pedigree, a mongrel or a cross-bred dog, it will cost you the same to get it neutered, vaccinated, fed and cared for. The only thing that will vary is how much you pay to get the puppy.
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Puppy or dog
When thinking of getting a dog, most people usually think of puppies. Puppies are cute, but there are a few benefits in getting an older dog. It is easier to house-train an older dog, as puppies just can’t hold their urine in and need to urinate more frequently. Older dogs will be fully grown and will have already developed a temperament. Plus, if you get the dog from a shelter, you may just save his/her life.
Long coat or short coat
The last thing that you are going to have to decide on is whether you want a dog with a long coat or one with a short coat, you may think that this choice is just related to aesthetics but that’s not the case. Long-haired breeds might not shed as much as short haired breeds but they have problems of their own, and they require regular grooming or their undercoat will get really rough and dirty. If left untended, it could lead to skin issues and could also cause your pet a lot of discomfort. No matter which type of dog you go for, grooming and care are going to be equally important factors to remember.
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“How to Choose a Puppy” was written by Guest Writer : Mark Stubbles
Mark writes for www.petnificent.com
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What would be your considerations in choosing a puppy?
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My wife and I have always wanted to have a dog and we are finally stable enough that I think we could do it. However, even choosing the right kind of dog is hard to do, so I appreciate your article. Puppies are so cute and might just be worth the house training woes. This gives us a better place to start looking for our dog. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for visiting blog today, Nathan. Good luck in your puppy hunt!