Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog

Your parents got your first dog when you were seven years old, and you feel your 6-year-old is now ready. There are several things to consider prior to adopting any new pet.

While all puppies are fun-loving, not all will stay small. Nor will every dog carry their love of life to maturity. Circumstances can, and will most likely, change throughout the life of your dog. Therefore, careful planning should be involved, taking into account the estimated lifespan of the dog breed you would like to adopt.

Ask yourself the following questions when considering the best dog breed for your family:

* How much money do we have to spend on the dog?

This should include money for food, a good size crate, food and water bowls, toys, and of course veterinary care (this should also include emergency veterinary care, or pet insurance). Do not think that you can worry about these things AFTER adopting your puppy, all of these supplies and services will be immediately necessary.
If you are adopting a young puppy, please remember that the first year is the most expensive. All puppies require a series of shots that must be done in a timely manner to avoid sickness and possible death.

* How much space do we have for a dog to run and play?

This is vitally important for large breed dogs and puppies. All dogs need room to run and play freely. Whether this be a fenced in yard, or daily walks and visits to dog parks, you will have a much calmer puppy if it can expend energy in the correct manner.

You should also have ample room inside the home for your dog to move comfortably. Remember this when adopting a small puppy, especially if you are not sure of the breed or mix. Large breed puppies will double or triple in size in a very short period. A puppy weighing only two pounds at eight weeks old, may very well weigh sixteen to twenty pounds at sixteen weeks old.

Extremely large breeds such as Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bull Mastiff, and Newfoundland, will be very big dogs by the age of six months and will continue to grow until they are approximately two years old. These dogs can also have very long tails that can whip children (accidentally), and knock things off of tables.

* How many children are going to be interacting with the new dog?

This is important because herding breeds can be more of a nuisance to children than a playmate. Herding dogs cannot help what is in their genes, they will likely herd your children instead of playing. This may be fun for the puppy, but it may also involve nipping as this is an effective way for herding dogs to get livestock to go where they should go.

* What is the approximate lifespan of the dog breed?

While no one can say how long any dog will live, some breeds are prone to long or short life spans. The general rule is the larger the dog (or the more "barrel chest" the breed), the shorter the life span. Smaller dogs can easily live fifteen years or more, while large breed dogs are closer to ten years. This is important because you may have to explain the death of a dog to a still young child, or teen that has grown up with the dog. A dog with a typically longer life span may pose a problem as the children move on with life and leave the adults with geriatric veterinary care.

The most important factor when considering adopting a dog, is to look at as many as possible. Never buy or adopt any animal on a whim. Try to look without children first; if you think you have a good match, introduce your child or children in a calm setting PRIOR to adoption.