Considerations When Getting a Dog

What should you consider before choosing a dog?

Dogs can be wonderful family members and can greatly enrich your life. However, adding a dog to the family is a serious commitment. A dog is a living being that will require your care and devotion for many years. This handout outlines some important factors to consider as you make this important decision.

Do you want a puppy or an adult dog?

A dog’s activity level and behavior both depend on age. Do you want an energetic puppy, a mature adult, or a calm senior dog? 

Consider the time it takes for a puppy to mature. Most dogs reach social maturity at around two years of age. Puppies go through many stages of development as they grow. They start as young puppies who need to learn house training and basic manners. Next, they become adolescents with a lot of energy and a strong desire to explore. Finally, they reach adulthood.

Dogs are always learning. Every interaction they have with a person, another animal, or the environment teaches them something. Be ready to provide gentle, positive, and consistent guidance for your dog at any age, but know that younger dogs need more guidance. Family manners classes are recommended for every puppy or new dog.

Older dogs may have health issues that affect how long they live. It is not possible to predict exactly how long any dog will live, but a puppy can reasonably be expected to outlive a 10-year-old dog. Will your family be able to cope with the death of a pet within a few years?

Is everyone in your household ready for a new dog?

Before adding a dog to your family, talk with all current household members. Does every person in the household agree to getting a dog? If other adults or older children in your home can share pet care responsibilities, this may affect your decision. They may be able to help with daily care and exercise.

If you have young children, or plan to have children or grandchildren within the next 15 years, consider choosing a dog known to be very patient and calm with children. If older adults live in the home, consider the dog’s activity level. An energetic dog, such as a terrier, may accidentally trip a person with limited mobility. A calmer dog may be a better choice.

Which physical traits do you like most?

Appearance is not the most important factor, but it is still important to consider before choosing a dog. Do you prefer fluffy dogs or sleek, muscular dogs? Do you want a long-haired or short-haired dog? Do you prefer upright ears or floppy ears? Dogs, including mixed-breed dogs, come in many varieties. Before you decide, consider how appearance affects grooming needs and health. Research the physical traits of the breed or mix you are considering.

• Dogs with long hair need more grooming. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy by preventing mats (tangled clumps of fur) and spreading natural oils. All dogs shed, but long-haired dogs tend to shed less. Brushing reduces the amount of hair shed in the home, which helps people with allergies. 
• Dogs with short hair need regular brushing to remove loose hair and spread oils, but their coats do not tangle as easily. 
• Dogs with a thick double coat for cold weather, such as Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds, may have difficulty in hot climates. 
• Dogs with very little fur, or no fur, need extra protection in cold weather.
• Dogs with floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds, are more likely to develop ear infections than dogs with upright ears. 
• Dogs with many skin folds, such as Shar-Peis, have more skin problems. 
• Dogs with short noses, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, often have narrow nostrils and airways. They may need surgery to breathe well, and they need a temperature-controlled environment to avoid overheating. They also often need extra dental care. 
• Dogs with bulging eyes, such as Shih Tzus and Boxers, have more eye problems.

How will your dog fit in with your lifestyle?

Try to match the dog’s activity level with your own. Do you want a dog that will go running or hiking with you and play for long periods, or a dog that is content to rest quietly at home? Consider the physical abilities of the dog you are thinking of getting, and be honest about your own physical limits. Are you physically able to exercise an energetic dog every day? Do you become tired after a short walk?

Many breeds were developed for specific tasks, such as herding animals, guarding people or property, hunting, or racing. These genetic traits also affect a dog’s behavior in the home. Research the original purpose of the breed or mix, and consider whether the dog’s natural behaviors will suit your family’s needs and routine. 

• Working breeds in general tend to be high energy and need a lot more exercise. 
• Herding breeds may chase moving objects. 
• Guarding breeds may patrol fences or doorways and treat visitors or neighbors as intruders. 
• Hunting breeds may follow scents, even over or under fences. 
• Racing breeds need frequent opportunities to run fast in safe areas. 

What size of dog is right for your home?

Size is an important factor when choosing a dog. Your new dog should be a good fit for your home and family. How big is your home? Will a large dog have enough room to move around during the day and sleep comfortably at night? If you live in a small space, a small or medium-sized dog may be a better choice.

Also consider outdoor space. Do you have a large fenced yard or only a small area of grass? Do you live in an apartment building with no grass at all? Some breeds are very active and benefit from a large yard, while others are content with occasional time outdoors. All dogs need to urinate and defecate outside, so you will need a convenient green space where you can walk and exercise your dog.

Are you prepared for the cost of care?

All dogs need regular veterinary care. Expenses for checkups, vaccinations, parasite control, spaying or neutering, and dental care are predictable, but be prepared for unexpected health issues and emergencies, too.

The cost of feeding a dog will vary with their size, age, and health. Many dogs do well on regular commercial food. However, some dogs may need a special, more expensive diet due to food allergies or health problems, such as heart or kidney disease.

You should also plan for the cost of training, boarding, and grooming, if these services are needed. Dogs with coats that grow continuously, such as Poodles, Havanese, Maltese, and others, need professional haircuts every three to six weeks. Include this grooming cost in your budget.

What are the key points to remember?

Before choosing a dog, consider the long-term commitment, the cost of care, your home environment, your lifestyle, and the age, size, temperament, and physical traits of the dog. Also consider their training, exercise, environmental enrichment, and grooming needs. Take time to learn about dogs before you decide. Careful planning will help you choose a dog that is a good match for your family.