| You've found puppies for sale that are just adorable, | | | | the people and other pets that live in your home? |
| and you've decided to purchase one. Before you | | | | For example, if you have small children, you will want |
| make that purchase, however, are you certain that | | | | to select a breed that is known for being good with |
| you are choosing the right puppy for your family? | | | | children specifically. If the puppy that you select will |
| There are still many, many things to consider once | | | | require special care, beyond that of most puppies, |
| you've decided that a puppy will make a wonderful | | | | how well prepared are other family members to help |
| addition to your family. Here are some things that | | | | out? If you have young children who tend to play |
| should not be overlooked. | | | | rough, a small delicate dog may not be advised. |
| Breed - Will your puppy just be a member of the | | | | Consider the needs of the puppy, as well as the |
| family, or might he or she also double as a show | | | | needs of your family, and try to visualize the puppy |
| dog? Will the puppy eventually be used for breeding | | | | being in your home, around your family members in |
| purposes? All of this plays a vital role in determining | | | | day-to-day life before making a decision. |
| which puppy you purchase. | | | | Although experts will say that dogs live to be an |
| Size - while puppies are typically small and cute, they | | | | average of fifteen years, you may want to select a |
| do grow. Some grow to be quite large and heavy. | | | | certain breed that is known to live longer, on |
| What is the appropriate size of the full grown dog | | | | average, or for a shorter period of time, on average. |
| that your puppy will eventually be, in terms of | | | | Remember that you are making a lifelong |
| available space? This must be considered whether | | | | commitment to the puppy - meaning that you are |
| the puppy will be an indoor or outdoor dog. | | | | committed to keeping and caring for the puppy for |
| Potential Illnesses and Conditions - Certain breeds of | | | | his or her entire life. Are you ready to invest fifteen |
| dogs are at a higher risk for potential illnesses and | | | | years? |
| conditions, and this can not only be costly, it can also | | | | Determine which family member the puppy will |
| be heartbreaking. Take the time to be aware of the | | | | actually belong to. This is the person that the dog will |
| potential health concerns of the breed of puppy that | | | | form the deepest bond with, and it is very important. |
| you are considering before making a final decision. | | | | For example, if your child will be leaving for college in |
| Personality - All dogs have their own unique | | | | four or five years, this can be very traumatic for the |
| personality, but some breeds have expected | | | | dog, which will be left behind. This may mean that |
| personalities. Do you want a watchdog? Do you want | | | | you don't want to get a puppy of a certain age, or |
| a puppy that will grow with your children and love | | | | that you want to get an older dog. |
| them? Do you want a lap dog? Do you want a highly | | | | Consider the puppy carefully before making a |
| social dog, or a dog that isn't quite so social? | | | | decision. There may be other considerations |
| Research the breed that you are considering to find | | | | pertaining to the selection of your puppy that are |
| out what you can expect - generally - concerning | | | | specific to you and your family. Never make a puppy |
| that breeds personality. | | | | purchase on the spot, without putting a great deal of |
| Your family - What type of puppy will be best for | | | | time and thought into the decision. |