Choosing the Right Puppy for Your Family
A puppy should be a well thought out decision and the right choice will be from a breed whose size and temperament make it a good fit for your family.
Purebred puppies may be perfect for some families and other families may prefer a mixed breed. When choosing a mixed breed puppy, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the breeds and temperaments of the puppy’s parents. If there were health problems with either parent, then it’s important for the puppy’s new family to know ahead of time.
Breeders may offer mixed breed puppies and often have very detailed records on the sire and dam of these puppies. When visiting the breeders, all of the puppies are likely to look too cute to resist. However, the family has likely already settled on a puppy size and narrowed down the breed selection. A St. Bernard in an apartment rarely does well, though it may start out as a tiny puppy.
On the other hand, a small teacup poodle may not be suitable for a family with very young children. Even well-behaved children can wear down and put a lot of stress on a puppy, and a medium-sized dog may be the best option. Certain breeds can be much more tolerant of young children than others and talking to the breeder can help a family select the right breed for them.
When visiting a breeder, the best ones will ask the family a lot of questions. This is not usually a nosy dog breeder, but to help a family choose the best breed of puppy for them. A lot of information about the lifestyle and habits of the family is required to unite the dog with the family so that both are happy with the partner.
Ideally, breeders are concerned that the puppies fit into the families they are paired with. That means that a concerned and conscientious puppy breeder will not only ask lots of questions to make good suggestions, but will encourage the family to visit the puppies, and not try to pressure them into making a decision.
A lifetime commitment to a new puppy is not something that is decided in a hurry. Good breeders often encourage a family to come, play with the puppies, go home, consider it, and come back again. Being sure that the correct puppy has been chosen means that neither the family nor the puppy will regret the decision and several trips may be necessary.
When you visit a breeder take a few moments to observe the puppies, clear eyes and a lustrous coat are important signs of good health. When picking up a healthy puppy, they won’t cringe or whine at gentle touches, so keep an eye out for signs of pain in a puppy when you visit. Timid puppies may just be shy, however it is important that puppies growling or showing signs of aggression are carefully considered, especially if there are children in the house.
One of the matches that a breeder can help make is that of family energy and available time versus the needs of the puppy. Some breeds require much more personal attention and interaction to stay healthy and happy. A family whose time is limited may find that a more needy pup is a bad match, while a more self-reliant breed of pup is perfect.
In almost all cases, a good breeder can help make this difficult decision easier and less rushed. Encouraging a family to make multiple trips to visit the puppies is not a means of securing a sale, but rather a method of ensuring an ideal match between the new puppy and the eager family. Beware of any breeder trying to rush you into making such an important decision as choosing the right puppy.
If you have any questions about the suitability of a particular breed or puppy for the family, ask the breeder. A good breeder is eager to place that puppy in a good home, and by definition that is one that meets the needs of both the puppy and the family. The best breeders often offer volunteer advice that can help with puppy selection or guide a family to several well-suited breeds.