What You Need to Know Before Buying a Dog or Puppy Articles | Dog and Puppies

By: Jeremy C.W

So you’ve decided to buy a dog! Easy enough, you might think! Just look for one that appeals to you, whether it’s because he’s cute and cuddly, or has those poor puppy dog eyes. Then take him home. If you are buying a dog for life, it may not be as easy as this. Finding the right dog to fit your lifestyle will require some time and research.

Buying a dog or puppy requires responsibility. A well-informed, well-researched decision will lead to a happy dog, a happy owner, and a unique, close relationship with a loyal companion that you have dreamt of. There are a number of different items to consider when buying a dog, from where to buy it, to what kind of dog to buy. Remember, the more you know, the better buying decision you can use.

A prime consideration when buying a dog or puppy is exactly what type to buy. You must take into account the size of your home, yard, and the amount of time you can share with the animal. So, don’t just walk into a place and pick out the cutest little puppy, because he or she may just grow into a very large St. Bernard or Sheepdog. This choice might not be a bad one, but if you have a small apartment or house, your dog may very well outgrow you. Some breeds need more exercise than others, so consider yard size and the amount of time you have available in a day to walk him or her.

Time is another factor to think about when buying a dog. In addition to walking and exercising the dog, it will require grooming, training, and playtime with you. Do you have the time to fulfill your dog’s needs? Dogs are social animals by nature. They desire attention and need you to spend time with them making them feel a part of the family. In return your dog will care for you by loyalty and protection.

The AKC’s (American Kennel Club) Complete Dog Book lists pictures and descriptions of each recognized breed, and is a wonderful source of information when buying a dog. You can choose a breed whose characteristics fit your world. You can choose a pure bred or a mixed breed. When choosing a pure bred, you will know their size, coat, temperament, and what type of care they require. This will remove any of the guesswork when buying a dog.

Cost is also important when buying a dog or puppy. It may cost quite a bit to purchase a dog, and then there are training, feeding, and grooming costs as well as veterinarian bills. It can get costly and you should consider if you have the resources to adequately care for the animal.

A pet store is not the best place to look when buying a dog. These dogs can be diseased or come from puppy mills, which usually offer inhumane living conditions. A reputable breeder will not supply a pet store with his or her dogs. The SPCA and Humane Society adoption program is a good idea. You can obtain a purebred or mixed breed here. Another good place to look when buying a dog or puppy is directly from a breeder.

But, first investigate the breeder to make sure he or she is reputable. A reputable breeder is concerned for the betterment of the breed and will have conducted disease and genetic tests on their animals. Ask to see the dog’s papers. You can also ask to see the dog’s parents and the litter it came from. The breeder can offer you a wealth of information about the care and condition of the animal. The AKC Breeder Referral Website will list breeders you can contact when buying a dog.

Now you can see that the decision of buying a dog or puppy is not an easy or light one. Each dog breed was developed for a certain function, and this will determine if it is the right one for you. Each breed will require different attentions to grooming, exercise, training, and hereditary disease disorders. You should plan on buying a dog for life, and in order to make this a reality it requires a great deal of responsibility on your part.