Before acquiring a puppy for your household here are a few things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself. First of all be certain that you and everyone in your household are ready to accept the responsibility and work of owning and caring for any pet. It would be advisable to study the attributes and drawbacks of several different breeds of dogs before deciding even which breed you think will be best suited to your household and lifestyle. Also, keep in mind the expenses you may incur including any special food (not to mention the time and work of possibly having to prepare such foods, which may depend upon the breed you choose. Then, there is immunizations that are required for any dog, which also involves time and energy of going to the vets office, not to mention this expense. Although all dogs benefit from some amount of activity, some breeds require alot more regular exercise than others. When it comes to grooming, some breeds only require a daily brushing while others require regular trips to the groomer, some needing clipped or other special care. For some, this is another regular expense, plus the effort of the trips to the groomer.
If you know someone who already has a breed of dog that you are considering this may be a very good way to help you decide which breed is for you. Since most people prefer to acquire a dog as a puppy, remember that it takes lots of patience and a good sence of humor to train a young dog. Please do not think that an older dog would not make a wonderful pet. Many, many abandoned and unwanted pets are waiting in shelters to be adopted to loving homes. A friend of mind adopted an eight year old female chihuahua a couple years ago whose owner had passed away. She loves her little companion and has provided a wonderful home to this dog's last few years. Of course, it depends upon your particular situation, but many wonderful pets could have been a long-time companion given the chance.
You must also, of course, consider the amount of room that you have available to share with your pet. But usually, be it a small, medium, or large dog, most can be kept in a small, medium or large home with just a little knowledge, ingenuity and patience. But, please!! Be very sure that you want and have the time, love, tolerance, money, energy and everything else which comes into play anytime you are keeping any animal in your home with you!
Remember this: A dog knows when someone loves them and when someone does not love them. Hopefully, everyone in your household accepts, wants, and loves the dog. Of course, probably the most important question to ask yourself before getting your dog is this: Am I and everyone in this household ready and willing to accept all the love and affection that your pet will surely give to you? You may just even notice that every once in a while you find yourself being a little more relaxed, patient and tolerant than usual.