How much time can you spend with it?
Dogs are social creatures. They will not be happy left out in the back yard alone. You
must be committed to spending several hours a day with it.
What space can you provide for it?
If you live in a small apartment, you must take this into consideration: many dogs will
not do
well unless you spend a good deal of effort in meeting their needs. Don't be fooled by
size into thinking a dog will be OK in a small apartment.
How much money can you set aside for it?
Even if you get a dog from the shelter or otherwise inexpensively, you will have to buy
food, pay for veterinary checkups, vaccinations and routine medical care over the lifetime
of the dog. Not to mention replacing anything the dog may damage or destroy, or money for
medical emergencies. Do you have the financial resources for this?
How much exercise can you give it?
If your time is limited, you should look for smaller or less active dogs that can obtain
enough exercise in your home or from short walks. Note that not all small dogs are less
active, or larger dogs more active.
How much training can you do?
Regardless of the dog you get, training will make your dog much more compatible with you
and what you want to do. A trained dog can go to more places with you without disruption,
and can be more easily a part of your life.
How much grooming can you do? How much hair are you prepared to have in your home?
You should give serious consideration to these factors: some dogs shed little and require
no grooming (clipping, stripping, etc); others shed little but require more grooming;
others shed but do not require grooming; and still others both shed and require grooming.
Do note that just about all dogs will require some nail clipping regardless of conditions.
If you get a dog that requires regular grooming, are you prepared to pay for its grooming
or learn to do it yourself and to do either regularly?
Which sex do you want, male or female?
There are pros and cons to either sex, all of which are generalities and may or
may not
apply to a specific dog. By all means, if you have a preference, get the sex you want. If
you are not sure, it really doesn't matter.
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