The desire to buy a dog often arises impulsively, after seeing a favorite animal on the street or in the house of friends. But whatever the motivation, first of all, you need to first think about why you need a dog: for protection, hunting, or as a companion? Will you be able to devote enough time to your pet, are you able to provide quality nutrition and comfortable maintenance? If you and your family members can responsibly answer “yes” to all these questions, then it is time to buy a dog. But how to choose?
Should I choose a purebred pet or a Mixed-breed Dog?
If there are children in the family, then the decision should be made collectively and deliberately: learn as much as possible about the nature and characteristics of the candidate, its size and the ability to socialize.
If you buy a purebred pet, then the task is simplified – such dogs have the appearance and character established by the breed standard. The disadvantages of this choice include the high cost of a puppy (several times more expensive than the cost of mixed-breed dogs), as well as the need for careful compliance with the conditions of detention.
With pets of the hybrid breed, it is a little more difficult. One way or another, they inherit the pedigree qualities of their parents, but which ones are almost impossible to predict. When choosing a mixed breed puppy, you should be prepared for the fact that its physical and emotional development will go according to its scenario. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the best breed qualities will appear in the character and appearance of the animal. Nevertheless, these dogs are chosen by most dog breeders – because of their good health and unpretentious care.
Mixed-breed dogs successfully adapt to life in private homes. They are excellent guards, they selflessly defend the territory and, with the right upbringing, can socialize without problems. They often show tremendous love and devotion to their owners, but more often than pets with a proven pedigree, behavioral changes occur in them.
What Breeds are best for keeping in an Apartment
Residents of apartments are often advised to choose small and medium-sized dogs, known as decorative. Pay attention to animals with a calm character and not too active temperament – they will not spoil furniture and make noise, trying to throw out excess energy. It is better to choose a dog with thin hair so that it sheds less and feels comfortable in the microclimate of the apartment.
Dog Breeds that are best kept in a private home
Dog breeders living in a private house should be more selective in choosing a pet. First of all, decide whether the dog will be kept in the house or on the street. It happens that the owners, who have not managed to accustom the animal to the elementary rules of behavior, simply send it to live in the yard – in an aviary or on a chain. This is fundamentally wrong, especially when the breed is not adapted for such conditions.
There are no prohibitions on settling a decorative dog in a private house. For them, the possibility of daily independent walks in the air will be another reason for realizing the best qualities: sociability, the ability to perform various tricks, and entertain children.
Puppy or adult Dog?
Novice dog breeders are strongly discouraged from buying a pet over the age of 2 years. When adult dogs are taken into the house, they need to provide the same living conditions in which they were kept by the previous owners. It is also very difficult to re-educate a pet in adulthood. To teach him to obey, you will have to spend a lot of time and patience. The rejection of change can be so strong that the animal can get sick. To avoid this, you should provide constant friendly communication with the dog. If it feels the sincere care and love of a person, then sooner or later she will accept a new owner.
The optimal age of a dog to get to know the owner is 2.5-3 months. Small breed pets mature earlier, so they are weaned from their mother as early as 8 weeks.
It is customary to take purebred puppies from the breeder no earlier than six months after birth. At this age, breed characteristics are more evident.
The younger the puppy, the easier and faster it will adapt to new housing. At this age, even without experience, you can independently educate your pet in the skills of correct behavior in various life situations: on a walk, in communication with loved ones and strangers. According to ThePets.net, a balanced diet especially if the dog has an allergy, from the first months of life allows you to lay the foundation for good health and the long life of the animal. Novice dog breeders should consult with a veterinarian when choosing food.
Adult dogs with an already formed character and physical data will require more attention and strength. However, any difficulties can be overcome if the new owner is determined and, to make friends with the pet, is ready to sacrifice personal comfort for a while.
Boy or girl?
You made the decision to take a four-legged friend into the house, chose the breed, but you cannot decide on the gender. Who is better: a boy or a girl? There is no single answer to this question. Both of them have behavioral characteristics that differ depending on gender.
Girls-dogs are more diligent in training because, by nature, males are calmer and more agreeable. The breed matters: for example, the Maltese lapdog does not tolerate rudeness, therefore, to achieve obedience from her, you will have to engage in upbringing delicately, without haste.
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Outwardly, a female dog looks neater than a male: as a rule, female pets are smaller and more graceful, even if they belong to large breeds. In relationships with people, and especially with children, they show maximum affection and care. But when in heat, which occurs twice a year, their behavior can change dramatically, up to aggression.
Males, unlike females, experience sexual attraction much brighter, therefore, the owner needs to accustom them to strict obedience from the first days of the puppy’s appearance in the house. Only in this way, as well as long-term physical activity, it will be possible to control the behavior.
If you manage to raise the dog correctly, then he will show his best qualities: loyalty, readiness at any time to stand up for his owner and his family.
With age, males become wiser and calmer, demonstrating the ability to feel the mood of the owner. If you are planning to make a show winner out of your pet, it is better to choose a male dog. Individuals of the male sex are valued by dog handlers higher since by nature they have more spectacular external data.
How to choose a Pet?
You should buy only healthy puppies, but how to do it, for example, for novice dog breeders? Once in a room where animals are kept, pay attention not only to their appearance but also to the conditions in which they lived. Conscientious breeders keep their pets clean and warm. If such an atmosphere is not observed, it is better to leave immediately. Even if the puppies look neat on the outside, they have likely hidden diseases. Unfortunately, if the breeder himself does not report possible health problems in the puppies, the new owner will have to treat the pet on his own.
To avoid being deceived, pay attention to the following signs:
- clean skin, eyes, ears, nose (no inflammation, pus, peeling);
- shiny coat;
- lively look;
- calm reaction to stroking or extraneous noise.
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Breeder or Dog shelter?
There is no doubt that you should take your pet from a breeder, preferably with a proven track record. In this case, there is the confidence that the dog or male chosen by you will be healthy and vaccinated on time. If you are not planning to buy a purebred dog, then breeders will select a pet that may not meet the standards of this breed or belongs to mixed breeds.
If you want to find a faithful friend and do a good deed, take a dog from a shelter. Even though most of the pets are outbreeds, they are not inferior to purebred brothers in loyalty and devotion. The shelter monitors their health, teaches some basic commands, so when they get into a new home, they quickly get used to home life. Give them time to adapt, show attention more often, provide quality food and care, and the dog will turn out to be a kind and sympathetic pet.
More important points
- The puppy should be active, curious, and generally create the feeling of a healthy, cheerful animal.
- It is desirable to see the parents of the future pet. Aggression, too restless behavior should be alerted since in purebred dogs these qualities are a sign of marriage.
- Be sure to look at the vaccination passport. At the time of moving to a new home, the pet must have the first vaccination.