Episodes > 110 > Paws Button

Alex Boylan’s Tips for Picking the Right Puppy

Are you in the market for a new furry friend? Well, before you get
attached to a particular pooch just for their looks, here are a few
important things to consider.

One of the lessons we’ve learned when teaching people about getting a new dog is never get one simply because you are attracted to its looks. That’s easy to say but when that little adorable puppy is licking your face, you don’t want to think rationally about anything. Yet, there are so many other important factors when introducing a new dog into your home: Do you have kids?  Do you travel a lot? Do you have a back yard? Do you work long hours? These considerations are crucial but fret not, there is a perfect type of dog for everyone. The best thing you can do in preparation for getting a new dog is…do your homework!

The list below describes the seven categories or dogs and the traits that differentiate them…from this list you can compare their activity level and needs to your lifestyle to make the best possible match.

1. Sporting Group - They are high energy, need tons of exercise and require a lot of physical time and attention. Examples include Labs and retrievers. Like to run and be outdoors a lot? This group is for you.
   
   
2. Herding Group – They were bred to work with and for man. They constantly need something to do…a real job. Not simply bred as pets, they require a lot of attention and hours of physical activity. Examples include Border Collies, Shetland sheep dogs, Australian Shepherds. Couch potatoes need not apply.
   
   
3. Hound Group – They require long walks, yet not as much high-energy activity as the previous two groups. They were bred for endurance so they will be able to have fun all day long, and they are great with kids as they are generally quite docile. Examples include Beagles, Bassett Hounds, and Dachshunds.
   
   
4. Working Group – they were bred to guard and protect and have been doing so for centuries. If placed in the right home and situation can be a great pet…but of all the groups it is imperative that they receive the best training. Examples include Dobermans, Huskies, and St Bernard’s.
   
   
5. Terrier Group - These dogs were originally bred to protect farmland from harmful critters. They are high energy and eager to have fun with their owner, yet are not as big and demanding as the sporting or herding groups. Examples include Jack Russell, Rat Terrier, and Scottish Terrier.
   
   
6. Toy Group - these are the little dogs you see being toted around in purses and always on people's laps. They are great city and apartment dogs as they don't take up a lot of room and are not very physically needy. Examples include Pugs, Chihuahus, and Shih Tzus.
   
   
7. Non-Sporting Group - a catchall group of small and large dogs that were simply bred for companions. Examples include French bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Dalmatian.

The main thing is to do your homework and plan on getting a dog that matches your lifestyle.  As Alex says, “there are very few bad dogs, but there are many bad matches.”