When you’re ready to add a new pup to the family, you’ll want to make sure it’s a perfect fit. Dog ownership is a big commitment and it’s important to make sure you’re up for the challenge. Here are several factors to consider when picking a new dog to love and care for.
Pup Size
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and there are pros and cons that come along with every pound of puppy goodness. Typically, dogs are categorized into three groups:
Small Dogs
Small dogs are generally less than 30 pounds and are great pets for apartment living and for homebound adults. They usually need less exercise and are fairly cheap to feed and care for. Small dogs also make excellent travel companions since you can scoop them up and carry them onto a plane or let them ride alongside you in the car. These pups can also be very fragile, so take caution when bringing one home to a family with kids or other pets.
Medium Dogs
Medium pups are between 30 and 50 pounds and include breeds like beagles and cocker spaniels. They make excellent companions on hiking trips or jogging alongside you through the neighborhood. Medium-sized dogs are big enough to have around small children, but they don’t take up as much space as a large dog. They’re the perfect compromise.
Large Dogs
Large dogs weigh in at over 50 pounds and often look very intimidating because of their size. These dogs will generally cost you more in food, grooming and medication simply because of their massive size. Not all large dogs need a lot of space, but most do. Greyhounds are the exception and they’re perfectly happy to lounge around your apartment all day while you’re at work.
Do They Play Well With Others?
It’s important to consider your family dynamic and how a dog will fit in. Do you have small children or other pets? Some breeds can be aggressive or territorial and are best placed in homes without children or other animals. Other breeds, like the Siberian husky, are very rough and could injure a small child when playing. There are many kid-friendly breeds like golden retrievers and Labradors that will happily play alongside your children and beagles especially love being social with other pup brothers and sisters.
Breed
There are so many dog breeds and it’s important to do your research. You first need to consider whether you want to get a purebred pup or a mutt. If you go the purebred route, you’ll need to consider challenges like temperament, health problems and grooming needs. Purebred dogs are generally more expensive than mutts as well. If you decide to adopt a mutt, you need to understand that they will have characteristics of several breeds.
What are Their Needs?
Dogs, like humans, have unique needs that need to be met. In addition to food, shelter and water, pups can require more or less space, attention and activity. Consider what you’re willing to offer your new pet before committing to them. Some dogs, like Labradors, need a lot of space to run around and play and other breeds like border collies, need lots of attention from their owners. You’ll also need to consider whether you’re willing to give your dogs plenty of exercise. Some breeds like German shepherds, need to run around and play. Siberian huskies are a breed that thrives in an environment with lots of space to run around and with owners who give them lots of attention. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, try a greyhound or a dachshund.
When you begin the search for the perfect pup, it’s important to consider your needs as well as theirs. Here at Pine Creek Vet, we’re familiar with all breeds and can help you find the perfect dog to bring home to your family.