Tips for Deciding on the Breed of Your New Puppy

Have you and your family chosen to add a new puppy to the household?

The first step will be deciding on the breed of your new puppy. You may have a dog breed in mind. But before you make a final decision, it is a good idea to research the breed.

Too often puppy buyers decide on a dog breed based on the appearance of the breed only. Don't choose a breed just because you like what they look like. Although this is an important consideration, all of the breeds' traits and characteristics should be taken into account when deciding on the breed of your new puppy.

It is important to research the potential health issues of your dog breed. Find out if your breed is predisposed to any illnesses, such hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas. In addition, some breeds live longer than others; larger breeds tend to have shorter average life spans than smaller dogs.

Although all dogs need training, some breeds are more intelligent and have a higher degree of trainability than others, whereas some dog breeds are notoriously stubborn. It is best to determine beforehand if your breed is one of the more difficult breeds to train. If so, are you prepared to spend the extra time that may be needed to train such a breed?

An important factor in deciding on the breed of your new puppy is the energy level of the breed. Some dog breeds, such as the Parson Russell Terrier, have a high energy level and some, such as the Mastiff, are more of a couch potato dog breed. Which is a better fit for the lifestyle of you and your family?

Many dog breeds have been bred for specific activities. An example of this is the Shetland Sheepdog, which has been bred to herd sheep. Since the drive and instinct for this activity still exists in today's Shetland Sheepdogs, this breed may be prone to chasing people or other animals. What activity has your dog been bred for and will it suit your family?

Some breeds do not do well with children. If your family includes small children, you should determine beforehand if the dog breed is advisable for families with children.

Some breeds require more grooming than others. Find out if your breed has a coat that needs daily brushing or other maintenance. Will you or other family members have the extra time for this daily upkeep?

After researching and deciding on the breed of your new puppy, you and your family will be better prepared to select the new addition to the family. However, although the majority of the puppies within your breed will exhibit the characteristics of the breed, all puppies are individuals within the breed and some may not display all the features of the breed.