How to Choose the Right Puppy

Ensure you are allowed to keep a dog in your home. If you're renting, double-check your lease agreement to confirm you're allowed to have a dog. You definitely want to avoid the situation where you're forced to move out or find a new owner for your puppy due to lease disagreements. Don’t attempt to secretly keep a dog – it's impossible to hide them, and you might end up in serious trouble with your landlord. Remember, you might also need to pay extra security deposits for your pet and cleaning fees if you bring a dog into a rental property.

Research Breed Restrictions In the U.S., certain cities, counties, or states may ban specific dog breeds, so it’s important to know which breeds are permitted or prohibited in your area. Look up “pet breed ordinances” or “dangerous dog breed regulations” in your region to see if there are any laws restricting the breeds you want to bring into your home. For example, Fitzgerald, Georgia allows the continuation of existing pit bull ownership within the city but prohibits bringing in new pit bulls. You should also contact your insurance company to see if you need additional coverage for a specific breed. Common breeds on the “banned list” include:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Presa Canario
• Chow Chow
• Doberman Pinscher
• Akita
• Wolf-hybrid
• Mastiff
• Cane Corso
• Great Dane
• Alaskan Malamute
• Siberian Husky

Consider Your Household Members Think about the people and other pets living with you. If you have family members or roommates who are allergic to dogs, dislike them, or simply don’t want a dog in the house, this issue needs to be addressed. Similarly, if you already have pets that aren’t compatible with dogs, it might not be the best environment for a dog. Don't bring a dog into a home that might make it feel scared or hostile.

Consider the Time and Energy You Can Devote to a Dog If you work long hours and commute a long distance, you might not have enough time to dedicate to a dog. Without proper human interaction, dogs can become destructive or very sad. Attention involves more than just love and affection.

• Can you provide enough exercise for the dog to stay physically and mentally healthy?
• Are you willing to wake up early to take the dog out for bathroom breaks?
• Does your job or lifestyle require frequent travel, causing you to be away from the dog?
• If so, can you afford dog-sitting fees or have friends who can help care for your dog when you’re away?

Ensure You Have the Financial Means to Care for a Dog Depending on the breed, a dog can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years. You'll need to financially support your pet throughout its life, so make sure you're prepared before bringing one into your home.

• The ASPCA estimates that in the first year of owning a puppy, the cost for small breed owners is about $1,314, for medium-sized dogs it's around $1,580, and for large dogs, it's roughly $1,843. These costs include initial veterinary care such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and buying essentials like crates, travel carriers, leashes, etc.
• After the first year, costs will decrease. You’ll mainly pay for routine veterinary visits, food, toys, and licensing fees. Small dog owners will spend about $580 annually, medium-sized dogs around $695, and large dogs about $875.

Determine the Size of the Dog You Want to Own Once you've done some preliminary research and confirmed that you can get a dog, the next step is to figure out the ideal size for you. If you live in a small space, you probably wouldn't want a giant dog. In some cases, even apartments that allow pets have size restrictions. Think about what you're looking for – do you want a small puppy to cuddle, or a big dog to deter intruders?

Learn About the Exercise Needs of Different Dog Breeds Dogs have been bred for various purposes for centuries, which means their exercise requirements vary greatly. Generally, herding dogs (like Collies and Sheepdogs), working dogs (like German Shepherds), and hunting dogs (like Labrador Retrievers) need extensive exercise and wide spaces. Even small breeds like Maltese and Chihuahuas require daily exercise. Of course, some breeds, both large like the Neapolitan Mastiff and small like the Pomeranian, don’t require as much physical activity.

• If you're an active person, you may want a breed that enjoys physical activity to accompany you on runs or hikes.
• If you prefer lounging on the couch, choose a breed that matches your relaxed lifestyle.

Consider the Temperament of Different Dog Breeds A dog's personality is often heavily influenced by its breed. Some breeds, such as the Weimaraner, are too large and energetic to be safe around young children as they might play too roughly. Other breeds, like the Akita, can be aggressive and may bite mischievous children. Research the temperament of any breed you’re considering to see if it’s a good fit for your family. In the U.S., you can contact organizations like the American Kennel Club or breed-specific clubs to learn more about the characteristics of different dog breeds.

Consider the Health Needs of Different Dog Breeds Each breed has its own set of health issues. For instance, pugs have flat faces and bulging eyes, which make them prone to eye injuries, pain, and chronic irritation. The giant size and deep chest of Great Danes often lead to bloating and stomach torsion, which are painful and require emergency care. They’re also prone to hip dysplasia and elbow problems. You should determine whether you're prepared to handle the potential health risks associated with the breed you're interested in.

• Mixed-breed dogs tend to have a broader genetic pool, making them generally healthier than purebred dogs. If you want to minimize genetic risks, you might want to avoid purebreds.

Think About Your Ability to Care for the Dog Long-haired breeds like Collies are beautiful, but they require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Matted fur isn’t just unattractive, it can also become matted and cause pain, irritation, and even infection. Short-haired dogs need less grooming and may be a better choice for those with limited time for dog care.

• You should also consider whether you’re willing to clean up the shedding hair of long-haired dogs.
• Poodles are considered a hypoallergenic breed as they don’t shed hair, but they require regular grooming to prevent matting.
• Some breeds also need professional grooming to maintain their coats properly.

Decide Between a Purebred Dog or a Mixed-Breed A purebred dog makes it easier to predict its temperament because it will likely resemble its parents. If you purchase from a breeder, you'll also receive information about the dog's lineage and medical history, which helps anticipate potential health issues. However, if you're not particularly attached to any specific breed, consider adopting a mixed-breed dog. Most dogs in shelters are mixed breeds, and adopting one means you’re helping the community by giving a homeless dog a chance at a better life.

• Staff at shelters or humane organizations can often tell you about the individual temperament and behavior of the dogs they care for. Even if the dog you're adopting isn't purebred, you can learn a lot about its personality.

Choose the Right Age of Dog Another key consideration when choosing a dog is its age—whether you'd like a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior dog. Each stage of life comes with its pros and cons.

• Puppies are adorable, they can grow up alongside young children, and they offer the chance to form a long-lasting bond. However, they require a lot of work initially and need careful training to be safe as they grow. You'll also face accidents and their high energy levels, much like taking care of a baby.
• Adult dogs may have some bad habits that are harder to break, but they could already be trained! They're generally calmer than puppies and require less supervision.
• Senior dogs might face health issues, but they can be wonderful companions for older adults or those with a less active lifestyle. Senior dogs are often the least adopted, so giving an older dog a home is a noble gesture to help a pet in need.

Meet Potential Dogs After researching, you’ll want to meet the dog you're considering adopting. Arrange a meeting with a breeder or shelter to check out the dogs available for adoption. Take the time to assess each dog's temperament by interacting with them—playing, walking, or even holding them. To truly understand a dog’s personality, spend as much time with them as possible. Don't adopt a dog if you don’t feel a connection. Be patient and continue looking—you’ll find the right match!

Know the Standards for Dog Adoption In most states in the U.S., puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before they can be sold or adopted, although some states allow adoption at 7 weeks. If a breeder or shelter is offering a puppy younger than 7 or 8 weeks old, it may not be a reliable source, and you should avoid it. When adopting from a shelter, make sure the staff has evaluated the dog’s temperament before placing it with an adopter.

Ask about the behavior of each dog. Breeders and shelter staff often spend a lot of time caring for the animals there. They can provide you with insights about each dog's personality and behavior. Inquire whether the dog is friendly or accepting of smaller dogs, cats, or other animals. Combine their input with your own observations: Does it play well with other dogs or exhibit aggressive tendencies?

Make initial assessments of all the dogs available for adoption. You might be eager to interact with the dogs right away, but it's best to first observe them from a distance to see which ones stand out. On your next visit, focus on the dogs that seemed most appealing during your previous visit.

• Place your hand on the cage and watch how the dog reacts. It should eagerly approach and sniff your hand.
• Slowly move your hand back and forth. If the dog doesn't follow your hand, it may not be very responsive.
• Avoid dogs that bark when they see you, jump up, or rush at you in an attempt to attack.

Introduce the dog to all family members. If there are other people living in the household – or even close friends who frequently visit – you need to ensure that the dog responds well to everyone it may encounter. When visiting the dog, bring along other family members and observe their reactions. Is anyone frightened or put off by the dog’s personality? Every member of the household should be excited about the prospect of living with the dog.

Pay close attention to how the dog behaves around children. This is crucial not only if you have young children in your home but also if you plan on having children in the future. Remember, a dog can live with you for 15 years or more – don't assume that all dogs instinctively adjust when a child enters the home. If you don't have kids yet, you could ask friends to bring their children along when you visit the dog.

• Note that dog owners are responsible for teaching children how to interact safely with dogs. It’s your job to prevent kids from pulling the dog’s tail or ears, or getting too close to its muzzle.
• However, also watch for signs that the dog may feel overwhelmed by the noise and quick movements of children. Even if it doesn't seem distressed, a dog's natural instincts may still be triggered unexpectedly. For example, herding dogs may sometimes nip at running children’s legs, which, while not injuring the child, could cause fear.

Ask about the dog's parents. If you're purchasing a dog from a breeder, they likely also own the dog’s parents and may be willing to introduce you to them. Most breeders understand and accommodate such requests. Meeting the parents will give you insight into the potential behavior of the dog you're considering adopting, as dogs often inherit traits from their parents.

Consider adopting a dog on a trial basis. If you're unsure whether a particular dog is right for you, you can request a trial adoption. It's generally easier to arrange this through an animal rescue than from a breeder. Animal rescues are more likely to allow you to foster a dog, or even multiple dogs, for an extended period. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the potential pet and see if it fits into your home, family, and lifestyle.

• It's also a good idea to choose a rescue organization that has a policy for returning animals with valid reasons, in case you're unable to care for the dog.
• Don’t expect a refund on the adoption fee if you return the dog, but a rescue organization should not hesitate to accept the animal back. A refusal to accept returns often indicates a lack of concern for the animals in their care.

• Training a pet to use the bathroom properly can be challenging. Don’t give up!
• Avoid 'backyard breeders' as their animals are often unhealthy and poorly cared for.
• Never purchase a dog impulsively. Dog ownership is a major, long-term commitment that requires careful consideration.
• Make sure the puppy has received its vaccinations.
• Be cautious when buying dogs online. Always meet the dog and the seller in person before making a purchase.

• Dog crate
• Food and water bowls
• Food and water
• Toys
• Spaying/Neutering (optional)
• Small dog breeds may need clothing (sweaters, shoes, etc.)
• Larger dog breeds may require a car safety harness to ensure the safety of both the dog and the driver.
• Properly fitted collar
• Properly fitted leash and harness
• Treats