Getting a new dog can provide you with a variety of benefits, such as improved mood and increased energy. If you have recently decided to bring a new puppy home, you are likely over the moon at the moment. There is nothing more exciting than getting ready to meet the newest member of your family. However, there are also a few key things to consider, such as choosing the right breed for your lifestyle and schedule. It’s crucial to take your time to research different breeds before you go for the one that will make the best addition to your home. Below you will find a handy guide, designed to help you choose the perfect dog breed for you.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Before you decide, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how your chosen breed might fit in with your day-to-day activities. Firstly, you may want to ask yourself a few questions to help you make a decision more easily. For example, if you have kids, you may want to look for dog breeds, which are good for families with children. Make sure that you have enough time on your hands to train your new dog and take them out for regular walks. Don’t forget to account for additional costs, such as vet visits and other expenses like dog supplies, food, and toys.
Consider Your Allergies
If you want to get a dog, but you have allergies, it can be a good idea to check that the dog you want to bring home is hypoallergenic. For example, you may want to google ‘are pugs hypoallergenic’ to find out if they are a suitable breed for you. Thanks to Native Pet, you can find answers to the questions ‘are pugs hypoallergenic’ and ‘will they trigger my symptoms’. As a result, you will be able to make the right choice by taking your allergies into consideration. Moreover, you will learn more about other options that you might not have thought about before.
Determine How Much Exercise You Can Provide
Another key thing to think about is how much exercise you can provide your dog. It’s essential to be realistic, so you should consider your current activity level. Also, if you are working from home but planning to return to the office, you should determine how much time you can dedicate to your new dog. Moreover, some dog breeds may feel anxiety and sadness, if you leave them alone for too long. Make sure you find out what you can expect from different breeds to decide if you can provide them with enough exercise and stimulation.
Get To Know Your Dog’s History
It’s advisable to get to know your new pet’s story to better understand their personality. If you are adopting a dog from an animal shelter, keep in mind that your new puppy might have been abandoned or hurt in the past. Therefore, this might have affected their personality and behavior. However, this doesn’t mean that this isn’t the right dog for you. It just means that you might need to have a bit more patience to help your new puppy adjust to their new home.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
Don’t forget to evaluate the size of your living space, as this can also help you make the right decision. The types of breeds that you want to consider may differ depending on where you live. Even if you would like to have a large dog breed, you might not have enough space for them at the moment. For example, you might want to look into the best dogs for small apartments. Also, if you have a backyard where your dog can go if they want, this can make it more comfortable for them.
Learn More About Your Chosen Breed
Once you have selected a suitable breed for your lifestyle and living space, it’s still important to learn as much as possible about it. This way, you will have a better idea of their temperament and personality. While each dog is different, this can still help you find out if this is the right breed for you. There are various ways to learn more about a particular breed, from reading online blogs to attending dog shows where you can ask more questions.
Research Medical Conditions And Illnesses
Last but not least, remember to find out if there are any medical conditions or illnesses that your chosen dog breed might be predisposed to. This will help you prepare for what you might need to deal with at some point. You can also learn how you can reduce the chance of them developing serious issues in the future. It can also help you determine the types of costs that you might expect.
You should do plenty of research before choosing the right breed for you to ensure that you can provide your pet with the best environment to have a happy and healthy life.