For many people, getting a new dog is as easy as going to the local shelter and picking out the first dog that throws puppy dog eyes their way, is missing a leg or has a sad story. This is great – there are so many dogs in shelters who need homes, often through no fault of their own.  But for others, they want a puppy.  They want to raise the dog from a young age, train it, bond with it, heck even mess it up in their very own way.  Maybe they have young children at home, for which the unknown background of a shelter dog might be too great of a risk, maybe they have a dog who doesn’t get along well with adult dogs, or maybe they just really want a puppy.  Both ways are 100% acceptable and 100% yours, the pet owner’s choice.  After all, you’re going to be caring for the pet for the next 10,12, 15 years if you’re that lucky!

Researching the breed of dog as well as the breeder, is an important part of choosing your next canine companion.  One of the most important aspects is ensuring you’re supporting a responsible breeder (there will be another separate post about this).  Here we will give you lots to think about when choosing a new pup!

 A Purpose for Your Pup

Thinking about your current schedule and lifestyle, what purpose will this new pup serve in your home?  Are you looking to show? Compete in activities such as agility,, dock diving or even more intense activities like bite work and protection? Are you looking for a couch buddy to binge watch your favorite Netflix show?  Maybe you’re looking to do flyball or even search and rescue training. There are lots of options to consider when choosing a pup and these are just a few.   Where you live also makes a difference. I live in Central Texas so here you have to be super careful running dogs in agility courses because the summer temperatures regularly reach over 100 and feel like 110 or more.  Brachycephalic breeds (smush faced) are at an increased risk of overheating and the shorter the nose, usually the higher the risk.

 If you don’t have a breed of choice already, all these questions and more should be taken into consideration when deciding to bring home a new dog. If you want a couch potato dog, you probably shouldn’t get a high drive, working breed from working lines who needs a job (think Malinois or German Shepherd).  You’re likely going to end up frustrated with a lot of chewed up furniture and shoes, and left with a dog who is bored out of his brains.  If you’re looking for a dog to compete in sports such as dock diving for example, you might not want to pick an English Bulldog or a Pug.  Sure, you might see them surfing on the internet in viral YouTube videos, but generally they’re not known for their overly athletic abilities. They typically are not great swimmers and have a much higher risk than many other breeds for overheating (and drowning!). 

Grooming & Training

Many dog breeds require a lot of grooming. If you’re not able to do this yourself, off to the groomers your pooch will have to go.  Some breeds need to be groomed quarterly by professionals and can be maintained in between by their family at home.  Others require much more skill in keeping their wild locks tamed.  Having a short haired breed makes grooming easier, but a common misconception is that short haired dogs don’t shed as much.  My vacuum begs to differ! Often, people consider mixed breed dogs such as “Doodles” or Poodle Mixes, due to their supposed allergy friendly coat, these dogs require a ton of grooming and if not kept brushed, their coat can easily become matted and require drastic measures to get rid of the tangles (think naked shaved puppy!).  Grooming is an expense that should be considered when you’re choosing your pet, as this can easily mount up over time.  Your veterinarian and breeder should be able to educate you about grooming requirements of your breed as they likely have a lot of experience in this department, especially breeders who show their dogs.

Training is something every dog needs. From the basics of potty training to titling your dog in one of many different events, dog trainers can be a great ally to have in your corner! Puppies require a lot of supervision and work. They also are like a fresh canvas, ready for painting and designing into a work of art. No art work is perfect, there are always imperfections. But that is what makes each piece unique. Dogs are individuals with unique personalities, interests and abilities. They need guidance and structure and a strong bond can be built through training with your dog. Some also need more training than others, and more mental stimulation. Plans for shows and events require extensive training and undertaking this is not for the faint of heart. Add training to your schedule, and pocket book if you plan on getting a puppy, it will benefit you both, and your relationship in the long run.

Exercise or Extra Fries?

If you want a snuggle buddy, most toy breeds were bred for sitting on laps.  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some of the sweetest dogs I know, they’re pretty small but not tiny, usually do well with families, grooming requirements aren’t crazy and they’re lower maintenance (usually) on the exercise front. These dogs can have a lot of health problems though so choosing a responsible breeder is imperative!

  If you’re looking for a hunting dog to retrieve ducks , or are interested in a running partner, you may want to look at a German Short Haired Pointer, a Labrador, or a hound dog. 

If you have a busy schedule, live in an apartment, don’t like the outdoors and aren’t prepared to invest time in your day to exercise your dog, you should be truly honest with yourself before bringing a canine athlete into your home.  Even if you live in a home with a fenced in yard, being stuck outside in the yard usually isn’t enough mental stimulation for some breeds who are more inclined to want to exert as much physical energy as the energizer bunny! All dogs require exercise, but some need it way more than others.

The Dog House

Some places do not allow certain breeds of dog, this isn’t for us to debate here, but it is something you should be aware of when picking a pup.  If you live in an apartment or neighborhood with an HOA (Homeowner Association) they may impose breed restrictions, in which case you could be at risk of losing your home, or your pet.  For a lot of people moving at the drop of a hat isn’t an option, so dogs get given up to shelters or rehomed to people under less than ideal circumstances.  Do your research before you commit to getting the pup.  Weight restrictions can also be an issue.  I got Loki and Kato at 8-9 weeks old, when they were around 10-12 lbs.  Their adult weights were around 80lbs, and they were lean.  Lots of places don’t allow large dogs and their adult weight is something you should be mindful of when choosing a pet. It’s best to be sure that everyone you live with is on board about the new pet, roommates, parents, husbands, wives, anyone who will be living with the pet will be somewhat responsible for it, no matter how small their involvement.  Lessen the potential for future issues by including everyone in the family on the choice of pet so everyone can enjoy them for years to come.   

Cha Ching!

Lastly, pets are an added cost to your budget! You should strongly consider if you’re ready to make sacrifices in your wallet before getting a dog. Or any pet for that matter. Even the free or cheap ones from the shelter still need vet care, medications, supplements, monthly prevention etc. and these are not free. What about emergencies? Puppies chew on everything, some adult dogs do too! Emergency vet visits are costly, this is why pet insurance is great, or having savings or a credit card for unexpected expenses.

The first year or so and the last years of your pet’s life will usually be the most expensive.  The last 2 and a half years of Loki and Kato’s lives numbered in the tens of thousands of dollars for us between food, supplements, specialty vet visits and lifesaving medications. And I would spend my last penny and then some for them, over and over again. But not everyone feels this way or is able to make this decision due to prior responsibilities.  This is not a judgement, everyone has a different situation and this is just a reality we have to acknowledge and plan for.  Not having human children, I was free to spend my money on my fur kids.  This is also where finding a responsible breeder can help in the long run (post coming soon) or purchasing pet insurance.  This was a choice I made, but one I did so because almost 13 years ago, I committed to them.  I wasn’t about to turn my back on them just because they needed me more, both financially and physically.  Pets are a huge commitment and finances are a significant piece of the pet ownership pie that have to be taken into consideration. For your benefit and that of the pet.

I hope this has given you lots to think about if you’re considering getting a new puppy or dog.  If you haven’t been afflicted with puppy fever, please share with someone who might be, you might just save the life of a pet, the sanity of a parent, the wallet of a struggling family, and the shoes of a businessperson!

Next Up will be things to look for and consider when choosing a responsible breeder.