Which dog breed is right for you?

There are literally hundreds of dog breeds out there, and choosing the wrong one can spell disaster for both you and the puppy. You need to make sure that the puppies for sale you bring home actually have the temperament and traits that fit your lifestyle and preferences. For example, Golden Retrievers are always a great choice if you want a friendly and loyal dog with you, but not so if you want a low-maintenance pet, since these shed a lot and will require regular grooming. Terriers are great for those who live in the city or in small apartments since these are tiny dogs, but they can be noisy and love to dig. Some factors that distinguish one dog from another include:

* Size. Puppies for sale may be tiny and adorable now, but they will grow quickly. Some may retain their tiny size, like the Chihuahua and the Scottish terrier, but others can grow a lot, and there are even giant breeds out there such as the Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard. Make sure that you actually have the capacity and the space to accommodate the full-sized version of one of the puppies for sale you’re eyeing.

* Grooming needs. Puppies for sale can also differ with regard to their grooming needs. Dogs that have short coats are usually low maintenance, since they need minimal grooming and don’t shed their coats frequently. Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, need to be groomed frequently and can leave stray hairs all over your home since they shed profusely.

* Temperament. Dog breeds also vary in terms of temperament. Some are sweet-natured, others active, still others aggressive. As such, it’s important to do prior research before heading to purchase one of the puppies for sale so you can be sure that the puppy’s temperament is compatible with your own personality and lifestyle.

* Health. Some breeds are prone to hereditary illnesses, such as hip problems, eye problems, and such. Make sure that you’re prepared to face these problems in case they crop up once the puppy is in your care.

Where to get a puppy

Breeders are the most ideal people to approach if you want to purchase pure-bred puppies for sale. Reputable breeders will even help you in choosing which ones the right puppy for you, and will also be able to give you proper advice and instructions when it comes to providing care for your new pet, from diet to the vaccinations needed. They will also be able to give you papers of the dogs so you can be sure of their breed. When looking for a breeder, make sure that the person you talk with is actually someone who takes good care of the dogs under his or her care and keeps them in clean and safe homes. Be wary of breeders who are out to make a quick buck, since they usually don’t care about the welfare of the dogs, which means you might just find yourself with an unhealthy puppy with an attitude problem. You can find usually find breeders in dog shows. You can also ask your family and friends for references, or check the phone book or the Internet to see who the reputable breeders in your area are.

If you want to do a good deed, you can always go to your local animal shelter to rescue one of the puppies under their care. You can usually find mixed-breeds in the local shelters. Talk with the shelter staff to find out more information about the background and temperament about the puppy you want to take home.

How to choose a puppy

Aside from considering the breed of the puppy, some of the factors you will want to look into when choosing which of the puppies for sale you will be bringing home include:

* Gender. Gender won’t be much of a problem if you’re planning on having your puppy spayed or neutered, however, this becomes an important factor to consider if you’re planning on breeding your dog. Female dogs are usually easier to train compared to male dogs.

* Personality. Neither go for the most aggressive puppy in the litter, nor for the shyest one, as they might have a temperament that can pose problems in the future. Instead, go for the one in the middle, the puppy who is confident but not to the point of aggression.

* Health and physical appearance. Make sure to do a physical examination of the puppies for sale as well. Check the coat, eyes, teeth, and rear. Examine the limbs for problems. A dirty coat, discolored gums and teeth, legs at a wrong angle and other such problems may be signs that the puppy has health problems. It’s also a good idea to conduct a hearing test when choosing a puppy. While the puppy is looking away from you, clap your hands. The puppy should turn to the source of the noise. A dog who doesn’t respond might be deaf.  

* Response to affection. If the puppy has been raised well so far, he or she should be able to respond well to affection. Pick up the puppy and cuddle it for a minute or so. If it struggles mightily, barks, or has a negative reaction, that’s a sign that it’s not the most well-adjusted puppy in the bunch. While it’s possible for them to struggle at first, good-natured puppies will usually calm down quite easily and relax in your arms.

Having a puppy at home is a huge commitment. Before looking into which of the puppies for sale you want to take home with you, you need to make sure that you actually have the capacity to look after one. That way, you really will be able to provide a good home for your new pet.