How to Choose a Puppy

It is important to know how to choose a puppy that is healthy, has a good temperament, and is most suitable for you and your family. This page discusses some of the important things you need to consider when choosing a puppy, such as the breed and gender. It also shows you how to choose a puppy that is healthy and has a nice "personality".

So you have decided to be a dog parent! Good for you! Your relationship with your future puppy will be one that lasts for a decade or more, and although a puppy can bring you and your family a lot of joy and laughter, it also requires a lot of your time, attention, commitment, love and care (not to mention money!). Are you willing to make such a big commitment?

If you answer is a big YES, then... No! Don't call the breeder yet! First, you need to decide on the type of dog you want. Spend some time thinking through the process of how to choose a puppy that is most suited to your lifestyle.

Don't know where to start? Feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps the following questions may be helpful:

Do you want a purebred or a mutt?
If you want a purebred, which breed?
Do you want a male or a female?

Once you can find answers to the above questions, then it comes down to actually choosing a puppy, either at a breeder's, or an animal shelter. Some people don't know how to choose a puppy that is healthy and has a good temperament - They just go for the "cutest one". Big mistake!

Before deciding on a particular puppy, observe and play with the puppies. Do it several times if possible. In particular, you need to:

Observe the behavior
Check for any potential health problems

Finally, you also have to decide on the age of the puppy to get. Many breeders and veterinarians say that getting a puppy around the age of 8 weeks old is the best. A puppy younger than 8 weeks needs to be with his mother and littermates to learn about socializing and other rules of behavior. Also, at about 8 weeks, a puppy will pretty much show his "true future self" - you can tell by his behavior and interactions with other puppies whether he is going to be aggressive or gentle, shy and withdraw or outgoing and friendly.

How to Choose a Puppy - Purebred or Mutt?

Just like other things in life, there are pros and cons in having a purebred or a mutt.

Some advantages of choosing a purebred are:

The appearance, size, and personality of a purebred are more predictable than a mixed-breed dog.
A purebred can meet your special needs easier, e.g. if you have allergies, you may want to choose a breed that does not shed too much.

However, a mixed-breed dog usually has the following advantages over a purebred:

A mixed-breed dog is generally healthier and is less prone to have heredictory diseases that are seen in some purebreds (e.g. hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers).
A mixed-breed dog is of course less costly than a purebred. Sometimes you can even get a mixed-breed dog for free!

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How to Choose a Puppy - Which Breed?

If you do decide to get a purebred, then the next thing to consider is: which breed?

Many people choose a particular breed because they like the looks of that breed. If that is the case with you, then the choice should be an easy one!

If appearance is not your major concern, you may base your choice upon considering these factors:

Grooming - If you get a dog with long hair, you need to spend more time brushing, grooming, and bathing the dog. You also need to spend more money as you have to get its hair professionally trimmed regularly.
Space - If you live in a one-room apartment, it would not be a good idea to choose a puppy that will grow into a 200-pound dog! As well, if you are not home most of the day and have to keep your dog indoor, it would be better to choose a dog with lower energy level.
Energy Level - If you do not have the energy to deal with a very active and energetic dog, then getting a dog that is always "hyper" is not a wise choice!
Special Needs - If you want to get a dog that can fulfill a special need of yours (e.g. a playmate for your kid, or a hunting companion), then you should look for a breed with the particular traits and abilities that can meet your need.

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How to Choose a Puppy - Which gender?

Once you have decided to choose a particular breed, the next thing to consider is whether to choose a female or a male. Female dogs are in general more gentle and have a better temperament. Male dogs, especially intact ones, are more likely to roam.

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How to Choose a Puppy - Observing Behavior

You don't need to be an animal behavorist to be able to pick out a "good" puppy from an overly aggressive one. One good way to observe puppy behavior is to watch them play. A puppy with a good temperament and outgoing personality usually can play well with others without being overly dominant, pushy, or aggressive. Nor will it be too shy or submissive.

If you call the puppies, the friendly ones will usually come to you. If you pick them up, they will not struggle to get down.

Friendly and "well-adjusted" puppies enjoy being and playing with other puppies as well as people and are not overly afraid of outside stimuli, such as sounds, sudden movement, etc.

Pick a puppy that likes to play, is eager for attention, and reacts positively to affection.

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How to Choose a Puppy - Checking for Health Problems

Once you have picked out a friendly gentle puppy that you may want to bring home, remember to check the puppy from head to toe for any potential health problems.

The Puppy's Overall Body Structure

The body should look well proportioned.
Being either overweight or underweight is undesirable.
The legs should be straight and well formed. The puppy should not be walking with a limp or an abnormal gait.
The toes should be well arched.

The Puppy's Head

The nose should be cool and damp, without any signs of a nasal discharge.
The eyes should be clear. White or cloudy spots on the surface of the eye, or any discharge from the eye can be problematic.
The teeth should be white and straight.
The gums should be pink. Pale gums may be due to anemia or worm infestation.
The ear canals should be clean and odorless. If you see wax and dirt in the ears, and if the puppy is constantly shaking its head, it may mean ear mites or ear infection.

The Puppy's Hair Coat

The hair should be clean, soft and fluffy, and free of mats.
Look for the presence of skin sores, itching, or deposits in the fur - it may mean the presence of fleas, mites, or other parasites.

The Puppy's Body

The stomach should not be distended or swollen. A swollen stomach may be due to poor diet or possible worm infestation.
Feel the heartbeat. It should be regular and strong.
The genitals and the anus should be clean. Constant licking of the areas may indicate worms, or infection.