How to choose the right puppy for your family

There are several different factors to consider when choosing which breed of dog to bring into your family.

Size: Dogs can range in size from tiny to humongous. You need to consider the space you have available to utilize, and also whether or not the dog will be able to spend a large amount of time outdoors. A small house without a yard probably doesn’t have the room for a Newfoundland, while a large house with plenty of space to run outside can entertain more options.

Features: Many dogs, especially newer breeds, are known for the differences in how they look. Some dogs are wrinkly, have pushed in faces, or can be smaller than a cat or big as a pony. Be careful - while these dogs are fun to look at, they often have more health problems than a dog of average size and features. Very large and very small dogs often have much shorter life spans than dogs of average size. Dogs with wrinkly folded skin often have skin problems, and dogs whose faces appear to be pushed in can develop nose/breathing issues.

Purebred or Mixed Breed:

While purebreds may be born from regal bloodlines, it is commonly known there are certain breeds that often have specific health problems. Some have issues with eyes, others with hips, and others with lungs and heart. Buying a purebred is not a guarantee that the dog will have these health problems, but some dog owners choose to go with a mixed breed, feeling their chances of having these health issues are much smaller. Mixed breed pups are generally also much cheaper and easier to find than a purebred puppy. Unfortunately, just as much attention needs to be paid to the parents of a mixed breed puppy as that of a purebred—either can inherit the health problems of past generations, and both need to come from a breeder who is responsible about only breeding dogs free of genetic defects.

Grooming:

Before choosing a type of dog to look for, educate yourself on what their adult coat will be like and what kind of commitment y