Things You'll Need
- Internet
- Book on dog breeds
Instructions
Think about the different breeds of dog you have seen and favor. You will have many dogs from which to choose, including purebred or mixed breed dogs. You will find wonderful dogs in shelters or at private homes. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 25 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebred dogs. You can find any size, shape or color and dogs of all ages and types in the shelter. However, since many dogs from pounds have come from abused backgrounds, they may need a little more socializing. Always be sure to ask many questions regarding the background of the dog, particularly any health conditions he might have. This is necessary no matter what breed of dog you get, or where you get him from.
Go through all the different types of breeds that you think you'd be interested in, keeping your own personality in mind. Make a list of your own personality traits to use as a barometer by which to measure the dog breed personalities. It's much easier to find a dog match if you know exactly what type of person YOU are. If you don't like to exercise, for example, a Weimeraner is not for you. If you don't know where to start in terms of breeds, visit a dog park and ask dog owners questions. They will be happy to share insight into their dogs.
Research how much time the breeds need devoted to them (are they lap dogs that need your constant attention but not a lot of exercise, or retriever-type dogs that need lots of exercise but not as much constant attention), how often you need to walk them, if they have any known medical conditions (Labrador Retrievers, for example, are prime candidates for hip dysplasia) and the cost associated with owning the dog (ie., how much food do they consume, do they need a special diet). Dogs are expensive animals, not just in purchase price, but also in upkeep. They need regular check-ups and have medical bills, just like people. If you are never home, or will be leaving the animal locked in your apartment from 6:30am to 9:00 pm, you shouldn't get a dog.
Think about the differences between a puppy and an older dog. Puppies take a little more work, as they need more training and will be teething (which means they may chew everything). Dogs that are two years or older are typically already house-broken, past the teething stage, and overall a little mellower.
Go to the breeder's house if you decide on a purebred dog. Never purchase a puppy from a pet store (unless the dog is there as part of a rescue organization's adoption efforts) and always visit the home of anyone who is selling a dog. It is much wiser and less costly to get a purebred dog from a breed rescue organization such as "Golden Retriever Rescue" or "Poodle Rescue of North Dakota" or where ever you live. Every breed has a rescue organization where you can find dogs of all ages. Petfinder (Petfinder.org) is an excellent resource for learning about dogs and finding the perfect fit for you.