Once you decide on bringing home a new canine friend, selecting the right puppy is a crucial decision that should be given a lot of thought and consideration by you and the entire household. The right puppy will make a terrific friend and companion throughout for many years to come, while the wrong puppy may end up being isolated in the backyard or worse, taken to a shelter home.
There is no such thing as the perfect puppy for everybody. There are, however, several hundreds of breeds to choose from. With a little research and self-evaluation, it is possible for any person to find the right puppy for him or herself.
Exercise Requirements
One of the things you need to consider in determining the right breed is his personality as an adult dog. All puppies are energetic and active, but once he reaches adulthood, his level of activity should match with your personality and lifestyle.
If you are the type of person who likes to spend a lot of time indoors, on the couch, and in front of the television or reading a book, you need to pick a puppy that will also enjoy the same lifestyle.
On the other hand, if you have an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog that shares the same level of energy as you, consider getting a sporting breed. These dogs have an unlimited amount of energy and will be more than happy to go out with you hiking, jogging, or spending time playing with your kids.
Size
Do not assume that a dog’s size directly reflects his activity levels. Most small and toy breeds are very active and enjoy a lot of running around, while large, giant breeds have moderate-to-low levels of activity and are more content laying on the sofa than running around outside.
However, when it comes to your living situation, size can be a big influence in deciding which type of dog to have. If you live on the ninth floor apartment complex and plan on paper training your dog instead of dragging him nine floors down for his potty break, you are better off with a small breed.
Small-to-medium size dogs are also preferred for households with small children. It is easy for big dogs to accidentally knock down a small child during playtime or with a swipe of his tail.
If you prefer a big breed, you also need to keep in mind that they generally shed more, eat more, and potentially cost more in medical expenses (medications are usually prescribed according to size and weight).