Given that you may expect your dog to be a part of your life for at least a decade, it’s important to take your time when selecting a dog. Only you bear the brunt of ill-fitting shoes if you make a mistake. Choosing the wrong breed of dog can lead to both the dog and its owner being miserable. This guide will help you decide what kind of dog you want to be your lifelong friend.
An adult dog should be house-trained and may even have had some obedience training if you decide to buy one as an adult. There is always the risk that the dog will bring negative habits with it, which may not become apparent for a few days or so. As a result, for your personal peace of mind, consider purchasing an adult dog from an animal shelter that can provide you with an unbiased assessment of the dog before you buy and may even offer a trial homing period. Buying a puppy, on the other hand, means that you are solely responsible for how the pup’s character develops. Ownership of a puppy is gratifying and enjoyable, but it also requires a lot of time and effort.
Choosing a purebred puppy ensures that you’ll know exactly how large your dog will grow and what it’ll look like as an adult due to the breed requirements that all pedigree dogs must meet. A general concept of the type of personality and temperament it should possess is also in your grasp. Even within the same breed, a dog’s personality and temperament can vary widely, so if you have the opportunity, meet the pup’s parents and other close relatives to get a better sense of its personality traits. Inquire about the breed from the dog trainers at your local club, who see a number of various breeds on a daily basis.
Despite the fact that mixed-breed dogs can be some of the most well-behaved and rewarding companions, you would have no idea of the dog’s true personality before you purchased it. ‘ Border Collie-Golden Retriever crosses, for example, generate offspring with the best of both breeds.
One of the most compelling reasons to purchase a certain breed of dog is its appearance. Puppies of any breed can be visually beautiful. At home, though, the dog’s personality will determine how he interacts with the rest of the family on a daily basis. A Yorkshire Terrier might be a better fit for a couple in their golden years than a home full of rambunctious teens. There is no right or wrong answer here; it all comes down to what you and your family are looking for in a dog.