Who can ignore the appeal of holding a healthy and energetic pup in their arms? You feel like petting it or hugging it. If a child is holding the puppy, then you can expect squeals of joy with leaps of delight.

So, should you just go out and buy the first puppy that appeals to you? Here is a list of factors you should consider before making this important decision.

Things to consider before you get a puppy

Where do you live?

Consider the size of your house. Is it small? Then look for small dogs. If your house has a fenced-in area where your pet can get some exercise, you may consider a larger breed. Always be mindful of the space requirements of your pet.

Can you afford a pet?

The cost of getting and keeping a puppy does not end with the price or adoption fees. You have to buy food, bedding, treats, toys, collars, leashes, etc. You will also have to give the puppy vaccination shots, booster shots, and take it to the vet for regular medical checkups. The first year in a pup’s life involves many vet visits and medical expenses.

Even after the first year, you have to follow up with annual vaccinations, annual checkups, deworming, anti-tick, anti-flea, and other medications. Any illness or injury will involve additional expenses. A pet can be nearly as big a commitment as a child. Know if you are ready for it before considering buying a puppy.

Do you have the time?

Once you buy a pet you will have to make time to play and bond with it. If you live alone and travel a lot, getting a puppy may not be such a good idea right now. However, if other members of your family can spare the time, then you can get a puppy.

The breed of the  puppy

Some breeds require a lot more commitment than others. If you or other members of your family can’t spare the time for long walks and frequent play sessions with your pet, do not buy a breed such as Huskies, Labradors, or Golden Retrievers. Even small dogs such as Terriers need a lot of exercises to work off their energy. So look for a breed that is easily managed such as the Spaniels.

What about purebreds?

If you want a particular breed, look for reputed breeders who are particular about creating and maintaining a pedigree. You can also get puppies from breed specific rescues. These organizations will also be as careful as professional breeders about the health and behavior of their dogs.

You can know more about purebreds and select one that you would want to make a part of your family. You can even check for purebreds among the local puppies for sale.

Get a mutt

If you are not going to show your dog or create a pedigree, you can go to your local animal shelter and adopt a puppy you like. It is a great idea to adopt puppies from shelters, as you will be saving lives and getting great animal companions for a lot lesser cost than buying purebreds.

If the adoption charges seem high to you, remember these shelters are not-for-profit organizations. They depend on donations to meet their expenses. The lively puppy you are getting would have cost the shelter a lot in vaccination shots, medical checkups, food, spaying or neutering, bedding, treats, and toys. The adoption charges enable them to pay the bills for another puppy they have in their facility.

While choosing a puppy

Whether at the breeder’s facility or at a shelter, observe how the puppies play with each other. If you are looking at purebreds, you can also ask to see the dam or sire to observe the health and behavior of one of the parents.

Even if you are looking at puppies in a shelter, the way they play with other puppies can give you an idea of their temperament and attitude. Look for puppies that are confident but not overly aggressive. Overly shy puppies are also not good choices if you don’t have the time to work with a puppy with fear or aggression issues. Choose a puppy that approaches you, runs towards you, and plays with you if it likes you.

Getting a pet is a wonderful idea. Puppies are delightful to play with, and because they are so young, it is easier to bond with them. If you decide you are ready to care for an animal companion for several years, then buying or adopting a puppy is one of the best decisions that you can make.