| Deciding to bring a puppy into your family is a | | | | shed. If your family is laid back and easy going you |
| commitment that should not be taken lightly. Most | | | | may not want to get a lively and rambunctious little |
| dog breeds live between 10 to 15 years. Your puppy | | | | terrier. |
| will be with you for a long time to come and getting | | | | Go to your local pet store or visit your veterinarian |
| a purebred or any type of puppy is not a decision | | | | and find out their opinions of the breed and if they |
| that should be taken lightly. | | | | are familiar with any consistent health problems that |
| Finding a reputable and well-respected puppy breeder | | | | show up in that breed. If there are any concerns |
| is the first critical step to choosing a family pet. Good | | | | that you should be aware of it is nice to know |
| breeders are committed to breeding healthy and | | | | before you visit the breeder and see the cute |
| wonderful pets from their chosen breed and they | | | | puppies. |
| make an effort to make sure that health problems | | | | You will also need to do some research into breed |
| and other issues are avoided. | | | | specific ailments. Certain breeds are prone to various |
| Your puppy will grow up to be an adult dog so as | | | | genetic problems such as cleft palate, hip dysplasia or |
| you choose a breed make sure that you spend some | | | | in the case of the lovable little Cavalier King Charles |
| time with some adult dogs from that breed. Talk to | | | | Spaniels, heart mitral valve disease. |
| people who own that breed or are familiar with the | | | | If you want some really invaluable and unbiased |
| breed such as breeders at dog shows and local dog | | | | information talk with one or more dog obedience |
| obedience trainers. If possible spend some time with | | | | instructors. They usually have a wealth of great |
| some adult dogs of the breed. | | | | information that they can give you on the various |
| Different breeds have different characteristics that | | | | breeds and what to look for when choosing a puppy. |
| you will need to take into consideration. Some dogs | | | | A puppy will be a valued and beloved member of |
| shed and some dogs make a big noise called "baying". | | | | your family for many years to come and you should |
| Make sure that the breed you choose has qualities | | | | make the decision based on sound information. Falling |
| that you can live with. If you cannot stand dog hair | | | | in love at first sight is easy with a cute puppy but |
| on your furniture or you or a family member is | | | | you will be living with your adult dog for the many |
| allergic you will want to consider a dog that will not | | | | years to come. |