A Complete Guide on How to Choose the Perfect Puppy for Your Family

November 30, 2020

The 2020 holiday season is finally underway, and with it comes the chance to give gifts to those you love. What better way is there to bring your family together after this trying year than by bringing home a brand new puppy?

The Chicago Area puppy experts at Furry Babies Inc. are dedicated to helping you find the perfect puppy to add to your loving family. That’s why we put together this guide on the most important things to consider.

Read on to learn which breeds are best for you and how to choose between multiple puppies.

Making Sure You’re Ready for a Puppy

The first and most important decision to make when getting a new puppy is whether the timing is right.

You could be an excellent pet parent, but if you don’t have the time or money to dedicate to raising a dog for the next 8-14 years, it may be best to wait for a bit. Getting a puppy should be a well-thought-out decision, not an impulse buy.

Considerations When Picking a Puppy Breed

Once you’ve made sure that you’re ready to bring a dog into your life, it’s time to select a breed. Along with local breed restrictions (like those prohibiting Pitbulls or Dobermans) and rental restrictions (such as weight limits), there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few of the most important.

Allergies

Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs or other animals? If so, you’ll want to look for a puppy that doesn’t shed, as this reduces the amount of dander that builds up in the house. There’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, but those with a curly or silky coat are safest for allergy sufferers.

Allergy-friendly breeds: Afghan Hound, American Hairless Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Water Spaniel, Maltese, Poodle, and Poodle mixes

How Often You’re Home

Is everyone in your house gone during the day, or will there almost always be someone around? This can make a huge difference in the type of dog you get. Some need constant stimulation and supervision, while others are content to sleep in a sunny spot until you get back.

Breeds that are okay alone: Basset Hound, Boston Terrier, Dachshund, Labradoodle, Miniature Schnauzer

Breeds that need constant supervision: Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, Italian Greyhounds, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian

If You Have Small Children

Do you have a baby, toddler, or pre-schooler? Are you hoping to have a child soon? If so, make sure to choose a family puppy with a gentle and patient temperament.

Breeds that are great with kids: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Collie, Beagle, Bulldog, Pug, Boxer

Breeds that need an older family: Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Akita, Husky, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Pekingese

If You Have Other Pets

Some dogs love being part of an already established pack. Others prefer to be the only dog in the house. If you have other pets, want to get more in the future, or hope to take your pup to the dog park, choose a puppy breed that’s known to be more social.

Social breeds: Golden Retriever, Collie, Basset Hound, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Poodle Mixes, Great Dane