Buy or rescue?
If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog, your next step is finding THE one! You may fall in love with a certain breed due to their appearance, personality, athleticism, or all of the above. If you wish to buy a dog, then take the time to find a reputable breeder. You should be able to meet the parents to get an idea of size and temperament. Also, you should be able to see the facility where the dogs are kept.
Please be extremely cautious before buying a dog from a store or farm! Many of these situations are or directly support puppy mills where dogs are mistreated and health issues are far more likely. If you pay someone for a dog that came from a bad breeding facility that is still up and running then you are NOT rescuing that dog. Reputable breeders treat their dogs tremendously well and will have policies in place including the demand that you will bring a dog back to them if it is not a good fit.
Rescue:
Purebred dogs and puppies can both be found in the shelter! Also, science proves that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier due to more diverse genetics (hybrid vigor)! By definition, purebred dogs were created through inbreeding. As we became more knowledgable about the undesirable results of inbreeding, we now see that certain breeds have far higher rates of diseases. For example, the prevalence of heart disease (mitral valve disease) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 20 times higher than other breeds. Good breeders will track the prevalence of heritable diseases in their dog lines.
Benefits of rescuing including feeling responsible for saving a life, saving thousands of dollars to spend on dog food and medical bills, and not perpetuating the massive overpopulation of un-homed animals. Down sides of rescuing include a greater risk of anxiety and behavior issues from past trauma, unknown genetics, and usually an older pet (but a puppy is a lot more work than some people want to delve into!)
Grooming/ maintenance
Dogs with shaggy coats may require grooming to prevent them from getting matted fur, unpleasant odors, and skin infections. Other dogs will shed seasonally. Some breeds have fur that continues to grow just like human hair! And some dogs are bred to shed very little and be hypoallergenic.
Some breeds of dogs have a higher incidence of ear infections, skin allergies, dental disease, or even heat stroke! When picking a breed of dog, consider your environment and the activities you hope to enjoy together.
What age is best?
Puppy
Pros:
-You are responsible for her training and exposure to the world.
-She will be heckin' cute and tiny.
-You get to experience her entire life journey and document it all!
Cons:
-You are responsive for her training and exposure to the world. (Yes this was also a pro!) It can be a lot more work than you realize.
-She may develop behavior issues that require intervention at multiple life stages. Trainers and behaviorists can get expensive and time consuming.
Adult
After the age of 2 years (approximately), a dog's habits and temperament are well established. There is still room for learning and reshaping behaviors; however, it is more difficult to break undesirable behaviors and certainly to overcome fears.
Pros:
-There won't be a mystery as to what she will look like or how big she will get!
-You won't have to devote as much time to training or worry as much about accidents in the house.
-Her behavior is less likely to shift drastically.
Cons:
-It may be harder to train undesirable behaviors out and desirable behaviors in.
-She may have past trauma and phobias.
-You may not know how old she truly is or approximately how much longer she may live.
-She may develop age-related health concerns shortly after adoption or already have conditions needing treatment or management.
What activity level will this dog require?
Size does not matter when it comes to activity level of dogs. When researching the best dog breed for your family, look into the original purpose or job of the breed. While training can make a world of a difference, genetics certainly play a role in temperament and athleticism.
Jack Russel Terriers were bred to hunt fox. They run fast and are vocal with the goal of finding fox for huntsmen on horseback. They instinctively will see cats are prey and bark to protect the home from outsiders.
Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild boar; however, their role shifted at the end of the 19th century towards being more docile house dog. Most are happy with spending the majority of their day on the couch and going on a few leisurely walks each day! As intimidating as it may seem to be the size of a small horse, most are very friendly which will make them terrible guard dogs.
What breeds are best with babies and young children?
This is a trick question that EVERYONE will google or ask at some point. Our furchildren and biological offspring are both vulnerable and difficult to communicate with directly.
How can you ensure that your dog will never bite your toddler's hand when he pulls her tail, screams in her ear, and makes sudden unpredictable movements?? You cant. There is no magic "nanny" breed that will never defend itself or be frightened by a child. There is no guarantee ever.
But I also have some good news. With the proper training and direct supervision, most dogs can do great around kids! And child psychology and behavior science has shown that children who grow up around dogs are 50% less likely to develop allergies and asthma, are more physically active, and have lower rates of depression and loneliness than kids who grow up without a dog.
-Use baby gaits to restrict certain areas of the house.
-Keep your dog on a harness and leash at all times around the child in order to quickly pull them back, if needed.
-Never allow a child to hit or pull a dog's fur. Always supervise them when with the dog if they are too young to know "no."
How much will my pup cost over a lifetime?
Anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 or more. A single surgery and hospital stay can cost $3500-7500 depending on the procedure. Food, treats, and toys for a large dog can cost $200+ per month. Dog daycare, training, and boarding when you are away also add up quickly.
Consider pet insurance or creating a separate savings account for your furbaby. When a dog is hit by a car, or attacked by another dog at the park, or eats part of a toy that gets stuck in the intestines, you don't want money to be the deciding factor in your ability to save your pup.
In the end, dogs bring far more joy and love into the family than they will ever cost. I hope that you find the perfect companion for quarantine and the days beyond!
