Welcome to Part 3 of our series on finding the perfect puppy! In Part 1 and Part 2, we explored the importance of size, temperament, energy levels, grooming needs, and shedding.
Now, in Part 3, we’ll examine three final critical considerations: obedience, costs, and breed-specific health risks.
Understanding these factors will help you make a well-informed decision, making sure that you find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.
Obedience: Can You Manage a Stubborn Dog?
When deciding on what characteristic you want in your new dog, it’s important to consider how obedient it will be. After all, no one wants a pet that’s constantly getting into trouble.
But what makes a dog obedient? It’s actually a combination of factors, including intelligence, breed, and personality.
A dog that is eager to please is easier to train and less likely to misbehave. When people think about obedient dogs, breeds like the Golden or Labrador Retriever usually come to mind. These dogs have a reputation for being well-behaved and easy to train.
On the other hand, there are dog breeds that are notoriously difficult to train. Breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog are known for their independent streak and strong will – traits not uncommon in “working” breeds.
As a result, these dogs are often seen as stubborn when it comes to obeying commands, unless the owner really knows what they are doing when it comes to dog training.
In some cases, this behavior may be due to a lack of trust or respect for their owner. In other cases, it may simply be a matter of the dog feeling like it is in charge. Either way, large dogs in particular that not well controlled can be downright dangerous.
If you want a dog that is low-maintenance and laid back, then consider getting one of these types of breeds: the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or the Bichon Frise. They are all known for being friendly, intelligent, and relatively easy to train.
Cost of Dog Ownership
There are many costs to owning a dog, and the first is the initial cost of the pup itself.
Anybody who’s ever set foot in a pet store or done a quick internet search for “puppies for sale” knows that the cost of buying a new furry friend can vary widely.
Depending on the breed, size, and overall desirability, the price tag on a puppy can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
For would-be pet owners on a budget, it’s important to do some research in advance and set a firm upper limit on how much you’re willing to spend. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and end up spending far more than you intended.
Fortunately, there are plenty of adorable (and affordable) breeds out there, so with a little patience and persistence, you’re sure to find the perfect pup at the right price.
Purebred dogs
Getting a purebred puppy is the most expensive route, and the less common the breed is the higher the price tag will be.
Labrador Retrievers are a fairly common dog, and typically come in at the lower end of the scale. But even then, you will be paying $700 or more if you are buying from a reputable breeder.
Expect to pay $2000 or more for breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs, Afghan Hounds, and Salukis. And of course, no matter what the breed, pups from breeders with high reputation or of show-quality stock will fetch even higher prices.
Crossbred dogs
Some crossbred dogs can be equally expensive as purebreds, if they have been bred specifically to produce a particular type of dog.
Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise) Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle) and Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle), and Great Danoodle (Great Dane and Poodle) are examples of popular crosses.
However, many crosses are a result of “accidental” or unintentional mating or happen when pet owners think it would be nice to have a litter of puppies with no thought to parentage.
That doesn’t mean that these are not good dogs, it just means that it is a little harder to predict what traits the dog will have as an adult.
If all you see is that cute little ball of fluff, with no idea what the parents are like, you have next to no way to tell how big that dog is going to be or what its temperament will be.
Crossbreeds of unknown parentage are usually available at a fraction of the cost of purebred dogs, or sometimes can be obtained at no cost (we won’t say “free”, because there is no such thing as a “free” dog – they will all cost you in the long run!)
Rescue dogs
If you are considering adopting a dog, here are three reasons why you should consider getting a rescue dog:
Every year, millions of dogs are abandoned by their owners or put up for adoption. As a result, there is no shortage of rescue dogs in need of a good home.
1. Rescue dogs are typically cheaper than buying a dog from a breeder.
2. Adopting a rescue dog helps to give them a second chance at finding a loving home.
3. Rescue dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so you are sure to find one that is perfect for your family.
While the adoption of rescue dogs is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of unwanted pets in the system, you do need to approach this carefully.
When you adopt a rescue dog, you’re giving a home to a deserving animal who may have had a tough time in the past. But you also need to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with adopting a rescue dog, so that you can be prepared for anything that may come up.
One potential pitfall is that your dog may have some behavioral issues as a result of their previous experiences. This can include everything from anxiety and aggression to Separation Related Disorder, which is when a dog becomes excessively attached to their owner and experiences anxiety when separated from them.
Another potential issue is that your dog may have health problems due to neglect or abuse in their previous home. These can range from minor issues like dental problems to more serious problems like heartworm disease. You may also find yourself facing financial challenges due to unexpected veterinary bills.
So, while adopting a rescue dog can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems before making the commitment.
Breed Health Risks
To go into depth on specific breed health risks would require a textbook of its own. While we encourage all potential dog owners to do their own research to be sure they know the specifics relative to the breed or breeds they are considering, there are a few general things that are helpful to keep in mind.
For example, mixed breeds tend to have fewer health problems overall than purebreds; small dogs generally live longer than large dogs; and certain breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, allergies, and other conditions.
Of course, these are just generalities and there are always exceptions. The best way to know for sure what health risks your new pup may face is to consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed.
And don’t forget, even healthy dogs can have accidents or get sick, so make sure you have pet insurance in place to help cover unexpected veterinary costs.
Small dog breeds may be cute, but they can also come with some big health problems. For starters, small dogs are more prone to dental issues such as tooth overcrowding and gum disease.
They are also more likely to suffer from respiratory disorders such as tracheal collapse and chronic bronchitis. They are also at greater risk for injuries due to their size and weight; for example, jumping off furniture or being stepped on can easily result in bone fractures or other serious injuries in some of the small dainty breeds.
Many small breeds are also susceptible to a range of genetic health disorders such as patellar luxation, deafness, and blindness.
Large breed dogs are more prone to developing hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. This can cause a great deal of pain and mobility problems later in life requiring surgery to correct.
Another potential issue is bloat, a condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas. If not treated immediately, bloat can be fatal. Gastric torsion, or bloat, is particularly common in deep-chested breeds like Great Danes.
Additionally, large dogs are at higher risk for ACL injuries, due to the increased strain on their joints. While all dogs need plenty of exercise and a healthy diet, these factors are especially important for large breeds.
Keep in mind that while certain breeds have increased risk of specific health problems, this doesn’t mean that these breeds are bad or unhealthy. It’s simply important to be aware of the potential health risks and to take preventive measures, such as regular veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition, to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Ultimately, it is up to the pet owner to be responsible for their dog’s health and well-being. And proper research and education about breed-specific health risks can help pet owners make informed decisions when choosing a dog.
Wrapping Up
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding what type of puppy to get, but hopefully this series has helped narrow down the field a bit.
Size, temperament, energy level and exercise needs, shedding vs. non-shedding, groom needs, obedience, cost and breed health risks are all important factors to think about.
If buying from a breeder, make sure to ask questions about the pup’s parents relative to the characteristics you are looking for, as these traits are passed from parents to the offspring.
Ultimately, the best puppy for you is the one that fits into your lifestyle and personality the best. So, take your time, do your research, and find the perfect pup for you!
[All images used under license]
