Searching for a New Puppy

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

Making the decision to get a puppy the first time is super exciting. Often the first thing we think about is what kind of dog we want to get. There are simply hundreds of breeds and breed mixes out there and when you are looking at your first dog or puppy, it’s hard to know where to start. At the end of this post I’ll include some resources.

Size Matters

Size is where a lot of people start their search, and it’s a good place to start, but like so many things in life, it’s not that simple.

Believe it or not, there are small dogs with a TON of energy and large dogs who prefer to chill in the sunny spot on the floor.

Energy

Now we’re getting somewhere. You need to think about how energetic a DOG you want. All puppies have a ton of energy. We’re talking about energy from one year old and beyond.

After your pup celebrates their first birthday, how much time do you anticipate spending with your dog? Think in terms of hours per week, remembering that an hour’s walk daily already equals 7 hours per week. I won’t get into the weeds on this, so just have a think about it.

Purpose

Knowing why a particular breed was developed will give you an idea about the behavioral tendencies of that breed and what they need to be happy and (mentally) healthy. For example, some shepherd-type dogs were originally bred to herd animals. Because of this, they (mostly) have a lot of energy to run all day, and they tend to like order in their lives more than some other breeds.

Other shepherd-types were meant to guard the herds and don’t have the same exercise requirements or need to manage the herd. They relax all day and are “on duty” all night. These dogs require more early socialization to prevent suspicion towards strangers.

Knowing the original purpose of your dog’s breed can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Grooming

This is another one that’s a bigger deal than you may realize.

For example, doodles have become really popular due to their nearly non-shedding coat, but please know that these dogs are basically velcro. Everything sticks to them: leaves, branches, burrs (oh, the burrs!). These dogs need a lot of grooming and that means you’re going to pay for a full groom every 6-8 weeks in addition to daily brushing to avoid matting.

Many short coat dogs actually do shed a lot, and there’s variation with the individual—and the season, and the activities you engage in with your dog.

And if you decide you want a dog with a thick or a long coat, be prepared to do a lot of grooming between those full grooms. Depending on the dog, you might need to brush them out only a couple times a week, or it might be required daily.

Lifespan

There are, of course, a lot of factors that go into how long a dog will live. Genetics being one of the most important (but not the only factor). Basically, the bigger the dog, the shorter the lifespan: little dogs live longer than big dogs.

So if you think a Bernese Mountain Dogs might be right for you, just be aware they may not see double digit age numbers.

On the other hand, make sure that if you decide on a small breed dog, you’re ready to be in it for the long haul: some dogs live easily past 14 years.

Due Diligence

Okay, so maybe by now you have a sense of the energy level you’d like, grooming requirements and size. You’re looking at a couple of different breed types, too. Now, it’s time to go find out if your short list needs editing.

For this you’ll want to go and talk to people who have dogs like the one you’re thinking about getting. Pick a breed and there’s a dedicated Facebook group (or multiple) for that breed.

Better than this is to go to places where dogs of your shortlisted breeds may go. Think: dog shows, dog sports trials, etc. Doing this, you can also sometimes meet breeders themselves, if they’re in attendance.

Cost

A purebred dog can cost from a few hundred dollars to many thousands.

Of course, getting a dog from a shelter or rescue won’t be as expensive—maybe—but with an unknown and unknowable past, health or behaviour issues down the line could add to the cost of your beloved pet.

Availability

It’s just not as easy to get a dog as it used to be. Many breeders screen potential puppy buyers and don’t necessarily accept any person who wants a puppy. Many top breeders have waitlists of over a year, so it’s important to be prepared to wait.

Some rescues have a lengthy screening process as well. I filled out a 6-page application when I adopted Jabu, had a phone screening and then underwent a home visit before I was approved to adopt from Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc. and this is not unusual.

Resources

Canadian Kennel Club - https://www.ckc.ca/en/Choosing-a-Dog

American Kennel Club - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/

Your Purebred Puppy, An Honest Guide to Purebred Dogs & Dog Breeds - https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com