You've found puppies for sale that are just adorable, and you've decided to purchase one. Before you make that purchase, however, are you certain that you are choosing the right puppy for your family? There are still many, many things to consider once you've decided that a puppy will make a wonderful addition to your family. Here are some things that should not be overlooked.
Breed - Will your puppy just be a member of the family, or might he or she also double as a show dog? Will the puppy eventually be used for breeding purposes? All of this plays a vital role in determining which puppy you purchase.
Size - while puppies are typically small and cute, they do grow. Some grow to be quite large and heavy. What is the appropriate size of the full grown dog that your puppy will eventually be, in terms of available space? This must be considered whether the puppy will be an indoor or outdoor dog.
Potential Illnesses and Conditions - Certain breeds of dogs are at a higher risk for potential illnesses and conditions, and this can not only be costly, it can also be heartbreaking. Take the time to be aware of the potential health concerns of the breed of puppy that you are considering before making a final decision.
Personality - All dogs have their own unique personality, but some breeds have expected personalities. Do you want a watchdog? Do you want a puppy that will grow with your children and love them? Do you want a lap dog? Do you want a highly social dog, or a dog that isn't quite so social? Research the breed that you are considering to find out what you can expect - generally - concerning that breeds personality.
Your family - What type of puppy will be best for the people and other pets that live in your home? For example, if you have small children, you will want to select a breed that is known for being good with children specifically. If the puppy that you select will require special care, beyond that of most puppies, how well prepared are other family members to help out? If you have young children who tend to play rough, a small delicate dog may not be advised. Consider the needs of the puppy, as well as the needs of your family, and try to visualize the puppy being in your home, around your family members in day-to-day life before making a decision.
Although experts will say that dogs live to be an average of fifteen years, you may want to select a certain breed that is known to live longer, on average, or for a shorter period of time, on average. Remember that you are making a lifelong commitment to the puppy - meaning that you are committed to keeping and caring for the puppy for his or her entire life. Are you ready to invest fifteen years?
Determine which family member the puppy will actually belong to. This is the person that the dog will form the deepest bond with, and it is very important. For example, if your child will be leaving for college in four or five years, this can be very traumatic for the dog, which will be left behind. This may mean that you don't want to get a puppy of a certain age, or that you want to get an older dog.
Consider the puppy carefully before making a decision. There may be other considerations pertaining to the selection of your puppy that are specific to you and your family. Never make a puppy purchase on the spot, without putting a great deal of time and thought into the decision.
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