By: V.Brown
If you know that you won't have the time to maintain/groom a dog that requires it, don't select a dog that will need constant attention unless you have the ability to take it to a dog groomers etc. If you have small children make sure you choose a dog that can both grow with them and has the temperament to handle a bit of rough treatment. Some dogs are not suitable for small children, they can be snappy, while others, often the medium to large breeds, are well suited to the roughhousing they will endure.
For the elderly, often a smaller dog is great for companionship, and they don't require anywhere near as much exercise as the larger dogs.
Once you've narrowed that list down, do some more research. Talk with breeders, your vet, local animal welfare, canine association etc. and get all the information you can on the breeds you're choosing from. If you're not fussed on whether it's a purebred or not and are happy to rescue one from the pound/welfare ask as many questions about it as you can to try and determine whether the pup will fit into your lifestyle.
Now that you've chosen your breed do some more research. Ask around and find out who are the reputable breeders of your chosen breed, follow up by making sure they will allow you to see the parent(s) of the puppy, and will let you visit their kennels. Check with the vet to see if they have any knowledge of the breeder and can help you ascertain whether they get their regular checkups, puppy vaccinations etc.
After all that comes the hardest part of all: waiting. Once you've chosen your breed, selected the breeder and picked out your puppy you'll find yourself having to wait until the pup is at least eight weeks old until you can bring it home. To help make the time go quicker, use it to prepare your house for the new arrival.
