Getting a New Dog

Many people do not realize that adopting or purchasing a new dog requires a good deal of forethought. Though you may be tempted to pick the first cute furry face that catches your attention there are a few things you should consider beforehand. Taking on a dog is a huge responsibility and most dogs will live at least ten years if not longer so it is also a long term commitment therefore you do not want to make a rash decision.

Your Home

The first thing you want to consider is the size of your home and yard. Do you have a large house with a nice fenced yard? If you have ample room, you will not be limited to the size of dog you get. Large breeds need a great deal more room than say a Chihuahua, they will be better off with plenty of room to run and stretch out. They cannot really do that in an apartment or a home with a postage stamp yard. It is possible of course but you will need to take them for walks or romps in the park if you truly want them to be happy.

Your Family

Do you have small children or an elderly person living with you? Rambunctious breeds may not be the best choice. Labradors, setters and terriers tend to be high-energy dogs and you run the risk of children or elderly people being injured by their jumping and moving about. A more sedate breed such as a basset hound or Shih Tzu might be more appropriate.

Lifestyle

Do you like to travel or spend a great deal of time outdoors? Do you need to purchase things like airline dog carriers or other travel accessories for your dog? If you are on the road quite a bit and want a traveling companion the dachshund or bulldog is a good choice. They are quite laid back and do not mind riding great distances. For the family that hikes or spends a good deal of time outdoors a more energetic breed might be more in line with your lifestyle. Dalmatians, German short hairs and boxers are all good options for this type of dog.

Rescue

Some people are determined to have a purebred dog and while there is nothing wrong with this idea, some of the best choices are mutts and a great place to find one is at your local animal shelter. Humane societies across the country are filled to overflowing with animals that have been abandoned by their owners and it is a great feeling to give one of these animals a second chance at a good life.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the things you should consider before getting a new dog. Other things you might want to keep in mind are your schedule, future plans and finances. There is much more to owning a dog than feeding, watering and patting them on the head every now and again. Vet bills and preventative care can become quite expensive and you want to think about this before you are in the situation and you are faced with surrendering an animal you cannot afford nor have time to care for.