Super Puppy Dog

So, you’ve decided that you want a pet. That pet will be a dog - a puppy to be more exact. Now it’s time for the bigger decision that needs to be made. What breed of dog should your puppy be?

The “breed” decision comes with many considerations. First of all, a new dog owner needs to think about their own personality as well as the personality of their new best friend. Puppies and their owners should be compatible.

If you’re an active, outgoing person, you’ll want a puppy who is the same way. Choosing a breed of dog that is, for lack of a better word, lazy or that likes to stay in the house would be an incompatible decision. A few good choices for an active person are breeds like Terriers, Retrievers and Collies. These dog breeds are loyal, like to play or run, and they’re friendly around other people.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly puppy, you may not want to start out with a large breed puppy if you have small children. Large dogs can accidentally injure children and the elderly during play. If the dog is territorial, like an Akita or a German Shepherd, they may make good guard dogs for your family, but will more than likely not be the best playmates for younger children.

Small breed puppies are more compatible with children and small living spaces. They remain indoor dogs for the most part and as long as they get lots of love, attention and exercise, these smaller puppies do well. Choose a breed like Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Beagle, or Pekingese. They love the attention they get from people and are overall friendly companions.

One quick note about Beagles, as cute as these puppies are, they grow up to be “howlers.” So, if your yard is close to your neighbors’ windows or if you live in an apartment, you should probably consider a different breed to avoid any problems.

Many people want a puppy companion, but don’t have the time or don’t want a puppy that will shed a lot. If you or someone in your house has allergies to pet dander a long haired dog is probably out of the question as well. The puppy for you will have short or smooth body hair that only sheds on occasion which will leave your home cleaner. If you want a long-haired breed of puppy, be prepared for vacuuming often, maybe even every day in order to keep the hair under control. Breeds like Weimaraner, Greyhound, Great Dane, Pug, and Dachshund have coats that are sleek and resist constant shedding and are probably the best choice for someone who wants a short haired breed of dog.

You’ll also want to determine the sex of your new puppy. While in most breeds, the male is more aggressive, this is not true of all breeds. Males are thought to be more protective of the home and females as well as children, but both genders can have these characteristics. The gender of your puppy is a choice that is up to you.

To get an idea of what breeds of puppy other owners have chosen, here is a list that may come in handy. Some of the most popular breeds on this list may be one or two that you have considered already, yourself.

Ten of the most popular dog breeds:

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Beagle
• Akita Inu
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Brittany Spaniel
• Boxer
• Boston Terrier

The puppy breed you choose is something you should think about awhile before jumping on the cutest breed or the biggest. Don’t make a hasty decision when it comes to choosing your new best friend. An incompatible pup could spell disaster for you and the puppy, so choose carefully.

Click here for more information about choosing the right dog for your family.