If you are thinking of adding a loving and loyal canine companion to your family, you will want to consider many factors in selecting the type of animal which best suits your lifestyle and fits your needs. The time and effort you invest in making this important decision is well worth it, considering your new family member will be a part of your life for up to the next ten to twelve years or more.
Once you and your family have agreed you are ready to make a commitment to care for a puppy, you will need to decide what kind of dog is right for you.
Where Do You Begin Your Search?
Your local animal shelter is a good place to start as well as local rescue groups or searching the internet under petfinder.com. These resources usually have a wide variety of puppies. Generally, these puppies receive careful medical exams and have already had initial vaccinations. Spaying or neutering is usually included in the adoption fee and can be performed when the animal reaches the correct age. Most shelters have excellent support services such as free behavioral counseling.
In addition to visiting these resources, you may also wish to talk to local obedience training facilities, a groomer or two, contact reputable breeders and obtain advice from a practicing veterinarian in your search for that perfect puppy.
Be Sure To Consider Your Lifestyle
Breeds such as hunting or working dogs require more exercise than some smaller breeds and may crowd an apartment or small home. Do you have a fence to contain your new companion? What about grooming? Do keep in mind that all dogs shed their hair coat at least twice a year (Spring and Fall). Some kinds of dogs shed constantly and some breeds have to be professionally groomed. Groomers can provide further information on which breeds possess which traits.
Purebred vs. Mixed Breed
Over the years, my job with Purina Pet Foods has given me the opportunity to talk with a wide variety of dog owners and those who are eager to be dog owners. One of the most commonly asked questions is "Which dog makes a better pet, the mixed breed or the purebred?" My opinion is that any puppy or dog can make a great pet if the prospective owners take the time to properly socialize and train it.
The Purebred Puppy
Each breed of puppy was bred with a specific purpose in mind. Knowing as much as you can about that breed will help you in making the right selection. Your local library or the book department of your favorite pet specialty store have books on breeds of puppies. I usually suggest to people that do not have a specific breed in mind to start this way. Investigate the breeds of puppies you are the most interested in to find out if this is the breed that will fit best into your family's lifestyle, or use our breed selector to help find the breed that's right for you.
The Mixed Breed
What about the most popular in America — the mixed breed? Well, they come in all shapes and sizes, short- and long-coated, many colors and they, too, can make wonderful companions. As suggested earlier, your local shelter is an excellent source for obtaining a mixed breed puppy. If you are simply looking for a loving companion, you need look no further than your local humane shelter to begin enjoying the life-enriching benefits of pet ownership.
Feeding Your New Companion
Good nutrition is critical in helping a puppy grow and develop into a healthy dog. During a puppy's growth period, it requires up to twice the nutrition per pound of body weight as when it is an adult. A diet of premium food formulated just for puppies (like Purina® Puppy Chow® brand dog food), plenty of fresh water and regular visits to your veterinarian will help ensure your new puppy gets off to a healthy start.