What You Should Know Before Getting Your First Puppy

“The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.” — Samuel Butle

And that's completely true, once I slipped and fell in the city centre, my dog did the same. Dogs are just the most lovable things in the world. What's not to love? They're tiny, adorable, playful, affectionate little beings, but also there are a lot of decisions to make and factors to consider before you decide to bring home a new puppy.

Are you ready to bring new family member to your home?

Will you have the time? Not just to walk your dog three times a day, which depends on your breed, some dogs need at least 40-60 minutes per walk. Puppy requires attention, training, and socialisation. If you have more family members, you need to be sure if you'll share duties or you'll end up taking care all alone.

Will your pet fit your lifestyle? If you travel a lot, will be someone who can take care of your dog? Do you trust Pet Hotels in your city? If the answer is no, maybe you should stop right here and consider a fish or a turtle as a low-demand animal companion. Dogs will always bring you plenty of happiness, but you need to be sure you'll have energy and time, before choosing your small friend.

How do you choose a puppy?

1. Size matters.
2. The intelligence of dogs.
3. The dog's temperament.
4. Health restrictions.

Size Matters

What kind of dog do you prefer? Since small dogs take up less space, many apartment dwellers prefer the smaller dog breeds, they also requireless exercise. If you prefer big dogs and live in an apartment, it's not a problem until there's place around with activities for both of you, like walking or jogging.

But remember that size does not always correspond with energy level. There are many large dogs with low energy levels and small dogs that can run forever. For example, Saint Bernard, Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff are lazy, but big dogs and Boston Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Intelligence of Dogs

Do you prefer a dog with high intelligence or are you just searching for a companion? Both of them have their own pros and cons. A less intelligent dog can be more disciplined than a smarter dog. It will not feel the urge to break rules often as opposed to a smarter one. Also, unwise dogs can be less demanding. You will have an easier time feeding him as it’s not so choosy on types of food. They are more sociable and will spend more time with the owner trying to establish an emotional connection than their smarter cheesy counterparts. They are therefore great playmates for kids and could be fun to be around.

Because of their high intelligence, dogs can be easily trained to track, hunt, retrieve, and obey, they are excellent all-purpose workers and are used in a number of specialised situations as police dogs or service dogs. Sometimes dogs with higher intelligence naturally are more stubborn and like being in control of certain situations.

The Dog's Temperament

Another important factor to consider when choosing a breed is a dog’s temperament. Some dogs get along with children and other dogs, some with cats, others are better at guardianship or tracking. Understanding your breed’s temperament can help you make the right decision for your lifestyle. Temperaments generally vary by breed, but they also vary by puppy's parents and it's important before getting a puppy to meet its parents.

A few breeds that are good with families and children are Foxhounds, Terriers, Bulldogs, and Retrievers. Examples of guardian breeds are German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans.

Health Restrictions

Some breeds are known for common health issues, like Spaniels and ear infections or Pugs and breathing difficulties. So check for health restrictions that are associated by breed to determine whether you will be able to accommodate the necessary adjustments to the dog’s potential conditions.

Also, it's better to check if you don't have any allergies especially to the breed you pick. It seems strange, but it is possible for a person to be allergic to one breed of dog and not another. Some breeds of dogs are hypoallergenic, meaning they produce less dander and therefore cause fewer symptoms in those allergic to dogs. If you have a dog allergy, you may want to consider a dog with less fur or a dog that produces less saliva; for example, Poodles, Schnauzers, Maltese.