Things to Know Before Getting a Dog

1 Timing: When Not to Get a Dog

A newborn puppy needs around-the-clock care, so some life moments are poor times to adopt because they disrupt your sleep and routine. Avoid getting a dog when you have just moved, at the start of a school term, right after a job change, or when there is a new baby at home.

The main reason is simple: too little time leads to neglect. Also, never give a puppy as a gift unless the recipient has fully weighed the money, time, and emotional commitment involved.

2 Purebred vs. Mixed-Breed Dogs

Purebred pros: you can predict adult size, color, coat, and even temperament from the start. Cons: certain breeds are prone to known conditions, for example Chihuahuas often face hydrocephalus and Goldens and Labradors commonly develop hip dysplasia.

Mixed-breed pros: they can still get the same diseases but usually at lower rates. Cons: you cannot predict adult size or looks, since the parents are often unknown, which can lead to disappointment.

3 Where to Get a Dog

Animal shelters and rescue groups take in strays and surrendered pets and work to rehome them; space is limited and government-run shelters may euthanize after a period, but many healthy purebreds are available, so adoption is worth considering.

Buying online or from ads is risky, so look at the parents’ looks, size, and temperament rather than judging a tiny puppy. Ask for veterinary records, and be wary of any pup that is thin with poor coat.

Pet-store dogs come from private homes or large kennels, so you rarely learn about the parents and the grown dog may differ from your expectation.

Reputable breeders offer healthier, more consistent dogs and usually let you meet the parents while standing behind the puppy’s health.