Selecting A Puppy: Here's What You Need To Consider

Getting a dog is one of a family’s most important decisions. There are so many things to look at: breed, age, lifestyle, work schedules, school schedules, and activity level of the family. The list could go on and on.

What I want to do is educate you and help you make an informed decision. After all, this furry little bundle of joy will be a part of your family for at least the next ten years (in some cases, longer!). It requires a commitment that one should not take lightly. This commitment includes providing a safe and loving environment, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and healthcare.

Adopt or shop?

One of the first things you will run into when you start this pet journey is whether to purchase a puppy from a breeder or get one from a shelter. Undoubtedly, you’ve heard, “Adopt, don’t shop.”

This has been shouted from the rooftops more times than I can count, and if you haven’t heard it, you’ve likely been living under a rock for some time. People are passionate about this topic, and I understand (numbers time!) that more than three million dogs are in the shelter each year, and 390,000 are euthanized. It seems staggering. It seems sad – it is unfortunate. The homeless pet population is challenging for any dog lover to comprehend and stomach. But as with all things people are passionate about, well-intended passion can lead to unintended anger. We on both sides of the fence should look at ourselves and bond over a love of all things dog versus berating or slandering each other over a choice.

You can be a responsible dog owner and get your pup from a shelter or rescue, AND you can be a responsible dog owner and purchase your dog from a breeder. Shocking, I know. The key takeaway is “responsible”. Both adopting (remember, adopting a dog or puppy isn’t free) and purchasing a dog can be responsible and done in ways that do not contribute to the homeless pet population. Both can also be done irresponsibly, likely (unless you are still under that rock) you’ve heard about different rescues or shelters on the news, for example, a shelter in Minnesota adopting out dogs with parvovirus, a rescue in North Carolina shut down after dogs were found living in several inches of feces, untreated injuries and illnesses, dehydration, and multiple dogs found dead. This list goes on and on. Do your research, talk to people, and check reviews online.

From experience, I can tell you I have had many dogs from the shelter. Frost, my heart dog, came from a shelter in Arkansas and was with me for over 11 years until, sadly, he crossed the rainbow bridge. He was incredibly intelligent and funny, loved everyone, and thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in the bed. He had no behavioral issues, and he was by my side constantly and was with me through some of the darkest times I’ve ever experienced, including the loss of a child. I have many friends and acquaintances who have adopted dogs from the shelter or a reputable rescue and have had those companions until the end of their lives.

Now, on the other hand, purebred doesn’t mean well-bred. What do I mean? Just because a puppy or dog is purebred doesn’t mean that the dog is well-bred. Genetics matter. Not just for what you want your puppy to do in life, but for temperament and health reasons. Ethical breeders are vital for the stability of the dogs we know and love. They are responsible for producing healthy dogs that fit into our society today. Well-bred dogs are those that are the result of careful breeding practices, including health testing, understanding of bloodlines, and thoughtful pairings of parents. These breeders produce stable, healthy puppies that are sound of mind and body. They prepare the new owners of those puppies by asking questions about lifestyle and plans for their puppy, and contracts are signed that include clauses about rehoming those dogs so that their lines and puppies never end up in a shelter environment.

I can tell you that I own two purebred German Shepherds who have impacted my life immensely. They kept me going when I didn’t think it was possible, gave me laughs and joy, and pulled me out of mental ruts I couldn’t shake. They were health tested, and I spent a year looking for the right breeder. These two came from health-tested parents. I signed a contract with a clause that stated they were to go back to the breeder should illness, divorce, or family issues arise, and I could no longer take care of them.

The key message from the previous paragraphs is that responsible pet ownership is possible, whether you choose to adopt or purchase a dog. As a community of dog lovers, we have the power to educate and guide new owners, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership. Instead of being divided by our choices, let’s unite in our love for dogs and our shared responsibility towards them.

Factors to consider when getting a puppy

All right, so you’ve decided what fits best with your family and to adopt or purchase a puppy. Now what? Well, you need to find the right puppy! How do you do that? You look at a few things:

Breed
Lifestyle and work schedules
Budget

Breed

The American Kennel Club recognizes 201 official breeds. Worldwide, there are 360 globally recognized breeds. They range in size from tiny dogs like the Chihuahua, to larger dogs like the Great Dane. A quick Google search of a particular breed will tell you the traits and characteristics of that dog, including size, physical characteristics, how social they are with family and strangers, typical personality, common health issues, coat colors, and even depending on where you look how easy or hard they are to train. These are all critical factors in picking the right puppy for your family.

Lifestyle and work schedules

Okay, so you’ve picked the best puppy for your family. Now, look at your family as a whole. Do you work 12-hour shifts? Do you work from home all day? Is one part of your family a stay-at-home individual? If you have children, how old are they? Did you consider the age of your children when deciding on that puppy breed? How active are you? Are you a couch potato? If your children are older, are they involved in school activities, and how much time do those activities take during your week and even your weekend?

These are all critical questions to ask yourself. Some of them may tremendously impact your decision to get a puppy. If you work 12-hour shifts, do you think you would feel like coming home, taking a puppy or dog for a walk, feeding, playing, taking another walk, and entertaining that puppy or dog for several hours until bedtime? You are making a big mistake if you are on the couch potato bandwagon and decide to get a Belgian Malinois. That breed is no couch potato! Now you understand why I’ve asked you so many questions about your schedules and lifestyle!

Budget

Lastly, though just as important, is your budget. Depending on the breed you’ve decided on and where you are responsibly getting that puppy, how much have you spent so far? Let’s see, a reputable shelter or rescue will require an $80.00 to $600.00 donation. Depending on that breed, purchasing from a responsible breeder will cost at least $1200.00 minimum. Then you will need supplies! Dog bowls, crate, food, toys, collar, leash (we have a new puppy checklist to help you!). That is the minimum item list you need to start—another $200.00. Then there are the veterinary costs associated with the puppy or dog (not counting an emergency or illness); according to a CareCredit study, average costs per year for a dog or puppy are between $1,300 and $2,800 for the first year alone. Whew!! Still with me?

In conclusion

If you are indeed still with me and have read through this entire article, you have decided to add a furry family member! Congratulations! Remember that bringing your puppy home is just the beginning – there are other things you should consider, like how to potty train your puppy and puppy-proofing your home.