| Adding a dog to your life can be one of the best | | | | Which breed is right for you and your family? |
| experiences ever – or an absolute | | | | Here's a quick, easy-to-do quiz that might help |
| nightmare – depending on how much | | | | you narrow down the choices: |
| thought and planning you've put into this decision. | | | | www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm |
| You need to consider your lifestyle and | | | | For many of us, a key factor that drives our |
| surroundings, the time and energy you have, as | | | | choice of breeds is cost. Mixed breed dogs are |
| well as how much money you want to spend. | | | | almost always more affordable than a purebred, |
| So before you commit to those big brown eyes | | | | though they make take more time and legwork |
| and wagging tail, be sure you know (or have at | | | | to find. You might want to start with your local |
| least thought about) the answers to some pretty | | | | animal shelter where dogs are brought in for a |
| basic questions. | | | | variety of different reasons and are examined by |
| QUESTION #1 Puppy or adult dog? | | | | a vet and cared for until they can be adopted |
| It's the first thing you really need to think about. | | | | – some shelters even screen dogs for |
| Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they don't stay | | | | behavior issues. |
| that way for very long – you'll spend a lot | | | | To adopt a dog (puppy or adult) from the shelter |
| more time with the adult dog than you do the | | | | you'll typically be asked to pay a small fee to |
| adorable puppy. | | | | cover the exams and cost of neutering. |
| You should also know that it's very hard to get a | | | | Rescue groups are another source for a potential |
| good read on the future personality (not to | | | | best friend. Here dogs are placed in foster care |
| mention size, coat and activity level) of the adult | | | | with an experienced and loving host family, so |
| dog from the puppy. Those adorable balls of fluff | | | | you'll know a lot about each animal's temperament |
| can also be mischievous, defiant and destructive | | | | and level of training. If you do go this route, you |
| and go through a stage of rebellious adolescence | | | | should expect to complete some type of |
| where they need almost constant supervision. | | | | application process, as well as submit to possible |
| You should also consider the cost and time | | | | home visits and a somewhat lengthy screening |
| commitment of vet visits, house training, behavior | | | | process. |
| training and socialization. | | | | If all this seems too involved for you, consider |
| In contrast, adult dogs have passed through all | | | | making a regular check your local paper's classified |
| this – so what you see is what you get. | | | | section. You should also get the word out to |
| You may have little information on the puppyhood | | | | family, friends and co-workers. The more people |
| and early life, but you'll more than make up for | | | | who know you are looking, the better. |
| this with an adult dog's better attention span | | | | QUESTION #3: Large or Small? |
| (making training easier), as well as a more | | | | As you have for the age and breed, you need to |
| accurate read on size and the amount of | | | | put some serious thought into the size of the dog |
| shedding. | | | | you plan to bring into your home. Common sense |
| Your vet will also be better able to diagnose | | | | might suggest that a large dog in a small |
| health problems in an adult – ones that | | | | apartment isn't the best choice, but these |
| cannot be foreseen in a puppy. What's more, | | | | arrangements can be quite successful, if handled |
| choosing an adult dog is a valuable service to | | | | properly. Often it isn't so much about the size of |
| good animals that need a loving home. You'll find | | | | the animal (or yours for that matter) but rather |
| some wonderful dogs at your local animal shelter | | | | your ability to be in command and control at all |
| or online at Other good sources are your local | | | | times that really counts. |
| classified pet column for lots of good, loving dogs | | | | Beyond this, larger breeds tend to cost more |
| that are "free to good home". | | | | – you'll need to buy more food, bigger |
| QUESTION #2: Purebred or Mixed Breed? | | | | crates, beds and toys, not to mention a sturdier |
| If you've got your heart set on a particular look | | | | collar and leash. Vet bills for surgery or |
| or breed, need to consider allergies or other | | | | medications will be higher, and grooming will also |
| health issues, or have a specific purpose (a | | | | cost more. |
| hunting companion or guard dog) in mind, then a | | | | Smaller breeds are more affordable, but have a |
| pure breed is probably the right choice. The | | | | reputation (not deserved, but popular) for being |
| American Kennel Club (online at akc.org/) | | | | high-strung and nippy, and can easily get |
| recognizes over 150 different breeds and offers a | | | | underfoot, be hurt unintentionally or slip off |
| good deal of information on each one. | | | | unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of a busy home. |
| Purebreds come with generations of breeding to | | | | Answer, or at least think about, these questions |
| strengthen and refine special skills – so | | | | and you'll have a much better idea of what you're |
| that tracking or retrieving abilities become far | | | | getting into. Not that you still can't be swept away |
| superior to those of the general population of | | | | by a pair of wide, trusting eyes or an adorable |
| dogs. The down side is that this can unknowingly | | | | little face, but when that moment comes you'll |
| pass on other, less desirable traits or serious | | | | have a far better chance of making this new |
| health problems as well. | | | | addition to your life a lasting one. |