So, you’ve finally made the decision to add a little crazy to your life and bring home a puppy. First off, congratulations! Searching for the perfect pooch is a fun and exciting time. However, before you fall head-first in love with the first puppy you see, you need to do some research on which puppy fits your family dynamic the best.
In this article, we’ll break down how to choose the right puppy for your family, touching on size, energy level, age, maintenance, and breed. If you are still unsure of which puppy fits your family the best, contact our team at Fawn River to schedule your free consultation.
Size: Big, Small, or In-Between?
Puppies can be much smaller than their adult size. Although a chihuahua might not quadruple in size, a golden retriever or great dane might. What size adult dog is your family prepared for? If you are traveling the world in the back of a van or living in a tiny home, a large breed dog might not be the best fit for your family. Look up the adult size of the breed you are interested in. Is it manageable for your family?
Energy Level: High or Low?
Every puppy has different energy levels. While some dogs calm down after a few years, certain breeds, like working dogs, will have endless energy. Take a look at your lifestyle. Are you active outside, going on hikes, walks, and long trail runs, or do you prefer to relax after your 9-5? Finding a breed that matches your lifestyle is important. After all, you probably don’t want to go on a 5-mile hike after work, but your working dog might. A breed that aligns with your speed ensures quality of life for both you and your pooch.
Age: Young or Old?
Remember, there are adult dogs available. Even though the cuteness of a puppy might have you convinced, it’s important to consider alternatives like an adult dog. Puppies require constant training during the first year. On the contrary, an adult dog already has most of this training down. Getting an older dog might be right for you if you don’t have the time to train and care for a puppy. From senior dogs to one-year-olds, there are always older dogs available.
Maintenance: Regular or Sporadic TLC?
Just like humans need to have proper hygiene, dogs do too! Every dog breed will need TLC; however, some breeds will have more ongoing maintenance than others. For example, puppies with constant fur growth will require regular grooming to avoid matting, while puppies with long ears need special care to avoid infections. As you start your breed research, look into the maintenance needs of each puppy. How much maintenance and TLC are you able to provide? Does this meet the basic needs of your puppy?
Breed: Purebred or Designer Breed?
There are hundreds of different dog breeds for you to choose from. When narrowing down your search, decide if you want a purebred or mutt. A purebred has traceable ancestry and predictable characteristics, while a designer breed can have a unique appearance and a better temperament. Both purebreds and mutts have pros and cons. Considering all of these factors is important to make an informed decision on what type is best for your family.
Cost: High, Medium, or Low?
Puppies can cost different prices. For example, a purebred is generally more expensive compared to a mutt. How much are you willing to spend on your puppy? When evaluating costs, it’s important to include upcoming vet costs. Puppies will be frequent flyers at the vet during their first year, receiving shots and checkups. Most puppies, regardless of breed, will have upfront costs. However, working with a breeder can help reduce these costs since the first round of shots is usually taken care of.
Summary
What puppy breed checks all your boxes? Conducting thorough research in the puppy selection phase can save you time and money down the road. After all, a puppy is a lifelong commitment. You want to be sure you are making an informed decision.
If you are still struggling to pinpoint the puppy breed that fits your family the best, contact our team at Fawn River to schedule your free consultation. Our team has in-depth knowledge of a variety of breeds, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each breed. In addition, we have relationships with ethical and reliable breeders and offer transportation services, guiding you from start to finish.
