So you want to get a puppy? Adding a four-legged family member can be an exciting time, but choosing the dog that best fits your family and lifestyle can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider in picking the breed for you, including your lifestyle, the age of your family and where you live. Here are some factors to consider to help you decide on which breed is for you.
What is your Lifestyle?
Your lifestyle can include everything from your job to how many people live in your family. Do you have the time to put into training a puppy or should you go for an older dog who is past the chewing stage? Think about how much time you spend at home. If you are not home for long periods of time, an active puppy may not be the right fit as they, like babies, need a lot of time and attention. Are you a runner? A large, active dog would be a great running partner.
Where do you live?
A young dog or a large dog needs a lot of space. A large, fenced back yard is perfect for a Golden Retriever or Labrador. But if you live in a small apartment, these breeds would be too cramped. A smaller, toy breed would be best for your home. Consider the exercise requirements and size of the breed before committing to a new pet.
How old is your family?
If you have young children it is particularly important for you to research breeds that are good with kids. There are many breeds that fit a young family, but there are some, like the Chow, who tend to be very loyal to one person and may not be a good choice for children.
Is a Purebred or Mix better?
There are pros and cons to both purebreds and mixed breeds but both are great choices. Purebreds will be a more predictable in terms of adult size and looks as they are the products of the same breed. However, some purebreds can be prone to genetic defects as a result of over-breeding. Mixed breeds tend to be free of those defects and can have a better temperament. It can be difficult to determine the full grown size of a mixed breed as it is hard to predict what part of its ancestry will dominate. But mixed breeds can give you a unique, one-of-a-kind fur baby.
Still not sure what kind of dog, take one of these quizzes from Dog Time or Animal Planet to see which one might be best. No matter what kind of dog you choose, remember that it is a lifelong commitment. He will become a member of your family. Think about your lifestyle, where you live, how much time you have to train a puppy and what the dog needs before choosing your new friend. Do your research and ask friends and family members who are dog owners about their experiences and breeders or other outlets they recommend. Consider rescuing a shelter dog. They can be the most grateful and loving pets you will ever have. Check out The Shelter Pet Project to learn more about adopting a shelter dog.
Once you have found your new family member, keep his outdoor space clean and healthy. Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers Dog Waste Clean-up Service makes life easier for dog owners, with complete cleanup and removal of all dog poop from yards, kennels and dog runs, because you have better things to do with your time! Starting at just $10 a week! We serve most of the Phoenix west valley, including Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise, plus parts of west Phoenix. Call us at 602-391-0160 or visit our website or Facebook page for more information. Enjoy a clean, safe, pet waste free yard year round.
