So you have decided to get a dog. Now is the time you should decide what is the right dog for you and your family. Do you want a Purebred, Designer, or a Mutt? Do I use a Breeder, Pet Store, Pound/Rescue Shelter? There are so many things to take into consideration when making your choice. Do you have children? Do you have your own home with a nice yard, or do you live in an apartment in the city? Do you have any experience with dogs? These are important questions you should be considering before you make your decision.
If you are looking for a Purebred dog, please investigate the breed you are interested in. Each breed has unique qualities that may or may not be a good fit for you. Lets take a Jack Russell Terrier for example. They are a very intelligent and hyper breed dog that needs a lot of interaction with its owner. This is not the type of dog you would want to leave alone all day long in an apartment. If you have children a great breed would be a Golden Retriever. They have a wonderful deposition, are gentle, and make a great family dog. Another thing to take into consideration is health issues. Many purebred dogs have a predisposition to certain medical conditions and illnesses. So please investigate the breed you are interested in to make sure it is a good fit for your family. The last thing we need is another dog at the shelter looking for a home.
If you decide you want a Purebred, PLEASE use a reputable Breeder. There are many websites today where you can get that information. When you have selected a breeder, go and visit the dog kennels and meet the breeder. See what the kennel conditions are like. Meet the dogs and take notice of their appearance, temperament, and behavior. Ask questions of the breeder about his/her experience. The last thing you want to do is go to a Pet Store to purchase a puppy. Most (but not all) of these poor animals come from Puppy Mills. I am sure you have either read or heard what the conditions of most of these places are like. Why they are aloud to exist is beyond me. (sorry just my opinion)
Lets look at getting a dog from the pound/rescue shelter. Believe it or not, there are thousands of poor dogs looking for good homes. You would be surprised at the Purebred dogs at shelters. With hard economic times the way they are, many people have had to give their beloved pet to a shelter because they could not afford to care for it anymore. Some have lost their homes and could not bring their pet to their new apartment. Others have gone and purchase a Purebred dog that was the wrong fit for their family and decided they did not want it anymore. What I am trying to get at is there are thousands of great homeless dogs available for adoption that would be a perfect dog for your family. There is nothing wrong with most of these dogs. So please make sure you take what I have said into consideration when deciding which is the right dog for you.
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