A dog can be a wonderful addition to a family but it is very important that people do some research in deciding what type of dog to buy. There are 4 key factors in making this decision.
The amount of time you can devote to your dog is one of the most important factors. You need to think about hobbies, work, school etc. If you work the 9-5 you may need to adopt an older dog because potty training and obedience training are time consuming and need a great deal of time. A puppy needs a lot of attention and has to go out frequently to potty. A 2 month old puppy can only hold it for 3 hours (the equation for this is the age in months + 1). This is just a basic equation and can vary do to the size of the breed and heath issues.
Energy levels are also important when picking a dog. If you are an active person you can find a dog with a similar activity level. People that are low energy should look for low energy dogs because having a high energy dog could lead to bad behavior and even destruction of property. Bored dogs often chew things up or bark for no reason. A bulldog is an inactive dog and is great for people that just want to go on short strolls but a golden retriever is great for people that want to jog with their dog.
The amount of space you have is also a factor. Having a St. Bernard in your 1000 sq. ft condo is probably not the best option. Certain breeds are more comfortable in small spaces or apartments. Just like the energy level a dog that needs a big space and lives in an apartment can lead to destruction. If you live in the city in an apartment, look for a small or medium size dog.
Finally maintenance is a big factor. If you are not devoted to brushing a long haired dog and do not wish to have them groomed frequently you will end up with a matted dog that looks uncared for. If you want a dog as a companion you may look for a dog with short fur that requires minimal grooming. If you are more into having a “beautiful dog” you may like a dog like a yorkshire terrier that needs grooming.
The final factor that is based on individual choice is if you prefer adopting or buying a dog. If you don’t have a preference on a pure breed puppy there are many great dogs needing to be adopted in shelters. You may not get a pure bred but you can find a dog similar to what you want for a fraction of the price. If you want a pure bred there are plenty of online resources to find out about specific dogs like akc.org.
