Getting a dog is one of the easiest ways to bring joy to your household. However, before looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale, you must choose your dog breed properly.
Of course, there’s no right or wrong pup — it only matters that the doggie is right for you and your home. So, carefully consider your living accommodations and general lifestyle before picking a specific breed; it can make or break your new doggo’s chances at a happy life!
And we’re not just talking about choosing the right dog for you — it’s also important that you’re an equally great fit for the dog too. With that in mind, we’ll explore some of the most important factors when choosing the right puppy for you!
Living Space
The first thing you should consider is how much living space you have. Depending on whether you live in a spacious house or a small apartment, you’ll probably want to pick a different dog breed. Naturally, a large dog will require a suitable amount of space, and if your living area is a little cramped, consider opting for a smaller breed.
On the other hand, a backyard means that your doggo will have a place to exercise and “take care of business.” Also, remember that Great Danes and other similarly large breeds have a proclivity towards physical issues — like torn ACLs or hip injuries. Conversely, smaller breeds are more vulnerable to cold temperatures and accidents; Chihuahuas are a fine example of that.
Scheduling
Picking the right dog means more than finding a breed whose size suits your living space. Remember, dogs are a full-time commitment. With that in mind, picking one perfectly compatible with your lifestyle and schedule is wise. Just like a baby or a child, your dog will require a certain level of attention to grow and develop properly.
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Ask yourself whether you’ve got the time and energy to train a puppy. Also, consider whether you’d be better suited for a high-energy young doggie—will you be able to give them all the activities and frequent long walks they need?
People who don’t have the time for this usually opt for a senior dog—those are more independent and usually don’t mind being alone for a while during the day.
Energy Levels
Dogs usually follow their owner’s routine—after all, they don’t have much choice in the matter. That’s why you need to pick a dog that runs in a similar rhythm to your lifestyle. In other words, you need a puppy that’s suitable for your general energy levels.
Many low-energy owners realize they’ve mistakenly picked a high-intensity doggo and frequently feel exhausted. And it goes the other way; low-energy pooches that aren’t very mobile can frustrate dog owners who are used to being “on the go.”
So, before picking a puppy, try to look at your lifestyle for a moment objectively. Do you consider yourself a homebody or an adventurer who’s always looking for the next fun thing to do? Are you a fan of leisurely walks or more high-powered activities—such as running, camping, hiking, and trips?
When you’ve answered questions like these, consider how different dogs would fit into your usual activities. Also, do you have a dog park nearby? Would you be willing to go to the nearest one frequently? If not, don’t worry; you can find plenty of couch potatoes that don’t mind lazily hanging around the house. It’s all a matter of picking dogs that match your energy.
Breeds
Finally, we’ve arrived at one of the most critical aspects of picking a puppy — its breed.
Various dog breeds come with different genetic traits, and it’s essential to know which ones your doggie will have — allowing you to prepare accordingly. Generally, canine aficionados make the distinction between these breed groups:
- Terrier
- Toy
- Non-Sporting
- Sporting
- Hound
- Herding
- Working
Every one of these breeds has its common personality traits. And while we could never list them all here, you should familiarize yourself with some before choosing a puppy. That way, you’ll know if the doggie is compatible with you and your lifestyle.
The devil’s in the details here. For example, some dog breeds are hypoallergenic — which would be perfect for you if you’ve got an animal fur allergy. Plus, some mixed breeds come with the perfect combo of traits you’d want in a puppy, though, of course, that’s never a 100% guarantee.
Remember — some pugs and purebred bulldogs have naturally tiny nasal cavities. This results in breathing difficulties, particularly when they’re overheated. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one of those; every dog breed has its pros and cons. You just need to make sure you know all of the traits of a breed before you choose it. That’s the only way you’ll be adequately prepared to take care of the puppy once it’s in your home!
