Selecting a Dog

Dogs come in many sizes and shapes, and they have different personalities. Different breeds of dogs were bred for specific jobs and behaviors. When choosing a dog, think about its size, activity level, temperament, and coat type. Picking the wrong dog can cause stress for both your family and the dog and might lead to behavior issues.

Larger dogs, like retrievers, and very active dogs, like Jack Russell Terriers, need space to run and play. These dogs are better suited to homes with a fenced yard and might not do well in apartments. Working dogs, like Border Collies, need to have a job to do, or they can get bored and act out. Remember, size doesn’t always tell you how active a dog will be. Some small dogs need a lot of exercise, while some big dogs, like Great Danes, can be pretty lazy when they grow up. If you have limited mobility, very active breeds might not be the best choice. Keep in mind, too, that sometimes it's hard to predict how big and active a mixed-breed puppy will be when it grows up.

Some dog breeds tend to be better with kids than others, but most dogs raised with children see them as part of the family. It’s important to train any dog to behave well around everyone in the family. Adult dogs that are used to a child-free home might not react well to a new child and might develop problems like aggression or accidents in the house. Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children. Smaller, active dogs, like small poodles or chihuahuas, might not handle rough play from young kids well. Never leave children or infants alone with a dog.

When picking a dog, consider the climate where you live. Dogs with thick coats can struggle in hot areas, while short-haired dogs might have trouble in the cold. Small dogs that stay indoors usually do fine in any climate, as long as their outdoor time is short during bad weather. Some heavy-coated dogs might need to be shaved in the summer.

Both puppies and adult dogs have their pros and cons. Puppies usually fit well into families and create strong bonds with their owners. However, they have a lot of energy and need a lot of attention, training, and supervision, especially when they're being housetrained and when they're teething. Puppies also need more veterinary care initially. On the other hand, adult dogs might take some time to adjust to a new home and sometimes need extra attention to settle in. Learning about a dog's medical and behavior history from the previous owner or shelter can help you decide if a particular dog is right for you.

You can get dogs from many places. If you want a purebred dog, look for registered breeders nearby. It’s a good idea to visit the breeder and see the parent dogs. Shelters and rescue organizations often have both mixed-breed puppies and purebred dogs available. Some pet stores get puppies from responsible breeders, but others may get them from “puppy mills,” which often raise dogs in poor conditions. To choose a good pet, research the source, ask questions, and observe the dog in its environment. If you have other family members or pets in your household, arrange a meeting with your family members, existing pets, and any dog you're considering.

Before getting a dog, it’s important to check where it comes from. If you’re getting a dog from a friend, neighbor, or local ad, ask to see the dog’s parents, if possible. Ask about the dog’s health history, including any illnesses, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and whether it's been spayed or neutered. Make sure to get these records for future vet visits. Before choosing a dog, ask for references from breeders and pet shops. Find out why the dog is up for adoption and if it has any known health or behavior issues. If you’re getting a purebred dog, ask if the parents have been tested for breed-specific diseases, like hip dysplasia in larger breeds.

When visiting a kennel, pet shop, or shelter, pay attention to the environment. It’s a good idea to visit before you’re ready to choose a dog so you can look around without getting distracted by wanting to adopt a pet. Check if the facility is clean and organized. Do the dogs seem happy or scared? Are they healthy and clean, or do they look sickly? Is the building comfortable, with fresh water available for all the animals? A clean kennel should smell slightly of disinfectant, not strongly of urine or feces. Puppies also should not smell like urine or feces.