Eight Tips To Help You Choose The Best Puppy For Your Family

Are you looking for a puppy, but not sure what dog breeds are best for your family?   If you are looking for a new puppy to bring home to your family, there are some great websites that include plenty of useful information, like the AKC Rescue Network.  Their website helps you drill down to each individual breed, as well as learn how to find a responsible breeder, shelter or rescue group.   There are so many dog breeds out there, it’s important to do the right amount of research before running out and picking up a puppy to bring home.  

Eight Tips To Help You Choose The Best Puppy For Your Family

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best puppy for your family.

Why do you want a new puppy?

Spending time to consider why you want your new puppy will help you narrow down breeds.   For instance, if you are looking for a family pet that helps make your family feel safe there are several great breeds in the working dog class.  Write down all the reasons you want a new puppy.

Are you committed long-term?

It’s important to remember that dogs are much like children.  They need to be fed daily, played with, loved, attention, and time so you can teach them right from wrong.  Be sure you are fully prepared to offer your new companion a home for many years to come.  This page will come in handy in terms of grasping all the basics before jumping into action. Taking a pet home is not an easy decision, so if you feel hesitant at first, it is normal. Just relax and trust what your instinct is telling you.

Consider how much it will cost for your to care for your new puppy.

There is so much more to consider than the price of the puppy.  Be sure to find food, health care, and necessities before bringing home a puppy.

Will your new puppy do well in your home?

If you want a puppy, who will fit well in your home, be sure to spend some time, and research every breed’s activity levels.  If you live in a home with a small backyard or an apartment, choose a breed that will function well in that living environment.   Ensure the puppy you bring home to your family will do well in your home.  It will make a happier, healthier animal.

Does the breed you are considering fit into your family lifestyle?

Are you an active family, who is always going on walks, hikes, and spends most of their time outdoors?  If you are less active, you will want to choose a breed who that does well with less activity.  Be sure and pick a puppy that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Have you thought about grooming and care needs?

All dogs need grooming on a regular basis to keep their coats clean, and pretty, but some need more TLC in the grooming department.  Dogs with shorter coats require less grooming than a dog with a longer, thicker coat, and grooming can often be done in your home, which can save your family money.  Dogs with long, thick, and sometimes curly hair can require grooming several times a week and an occasional trip to the groomers.

Have you researched the different types of personalities dog breeds might have?

If you have ever owned a dog, you already know they have personalities!  Some breeds are known to have certain personality traits, and you are going to want to choose one that will fit your family.

Where will you be buying your new puppy from?

You can purchase your new puppy from a responsible breeder, a shelter or rescue group.  Regardless of where you are buying your new puppy, there are several things you should know to look for, and questions that should be asked.

Purchasing from a breeder?

If you have decided to get your new puppy from a breeder, it’s important to remember that not all breeders responsible, and it’s important you know the right questions to ask and things to look for while visiting their kennel or home.  Responsible breeders should be passionate about what they do and show they genially care about the puppies and other dogs.  They are an incredible resource for finding you a new companion, passionate educators about their breed, experts on the lineage and health of their puppies, and can be a huge recourse to owners for the life of each dog.

Planning on rescuing you a new companion?

In my opinion, a rescue group or shelter is the way to go.   Our Rottweiler, Noodles is a rescue dog, and she is one of the best puppies we have ever had.  She is now an adult, and one of the sweetest, well-tempered dogs I know.  Skittles and Trip are both rescue dogs, who have been nothing but fantastic companions for the entire family.  I have had Skittles for almost 10 years, and I try to make every year he is with me better than the last, and he does the same.  Piper, my Labrador, was not from a rescue group or shelter, but she too needed a home.  In return, all four of these dogs have offered us, unconditional love, every single day.  We love them very much and are blessed to have such amazing dogs.

If you are looking for a companion to rescue, the AKC Rescue Network is America’s largest network of rescue groups.  They can pair you with the breed of dog you looking to give a lasting, loving home to.  It’s often the responsible breeders who are the heart and soul of rescue groups.  A good breeder is valuable, became they can be a fantastic recourse the entire time you have your companion.

It’s sad, but not every breeder and rescue group or shelter is made equal to the next.  Which is why it’s important to be knowledgeable, know what to ask, and things to look for when looking for a responsible, compassionate breeder, rescue group, or shelter.  Be sure to check out the AKC Rescue Network, they have a wealth of information to help all potential owners ask the right questions, and know why.

Purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder is critical, and it’s important you know what to ask and things to look for while you are visiting a breeder, rescue group, or shelter.  Whether you are new or have purchased a puppy from a breeder before there is plenty to learn.  Be sure to head over to the American Kennel Club website to see all the tips to help you find a responsible reader.

If you are looking for tons of great information on purebred dogs, breeders, rescue groups and shelters, there are fabulous resources at American Kennel Club (AKC), that responsible breeder offer to dog owners, both in the planning stages and for the life of your new furry family member.

You will notice the website is filled with positive values of predictable, purebred dogs. If you are looking to become a responsible dog owner, you can utilize the AKC Rescue Network to help you make the best choice.