they will mat. Many longhaired dogs, such as the Samoyed, possess double coats. Dead hair will simply collect in the undercoat, creating mats and secondary skin irritations from the dirt and moisture that become trapped next to the skin. Professional groomers charge hefty fees for special services such as dematting. Worst case scenario, the mats may need to be shaved off, which can permanently alter the hair’s natural texture.
A standard poodle shares the warmth of its thick curly coat with a hairless sphynx cat. Some authorities claim that poodles are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction than other dogs may, but there’s no guarantee this will be the case.
Hypoallergenic Coats
HYPOALLERGENIC AND NONSHEDDING CAN BE misleading terms. Every dog—even hairless breeds—will shed to some extent. No breed can be guaranteed not to provoke an allergic reaction. Firsthand research is indispensable if you plan to acquire a puppy because of his purported hypoallergenic quality. Spending time with a dog is the only way to be sure about this. Don’t base your decision on a quick trip to the breeder; he or she usually will have several dogs (possibly of different breeds) and even other pets on the premises, which may stimulate your allergic reaction and make it difficult for you to evaluate your potential reaction to allergens from just one dog. Instead, visit the home of a friend who owns only the breed you want; stay long enough (which varies from person to person) to possibly trigger an allergic reaction.
Curly coats, often considered nonallergenic and non-shedding, can actually require substantial grooming and are not guaranteed to prevent allergic reactions. They must be brushed every other day to remove dead hair and prevent mats and need to be trimmed every six weeks to three months in order to maintain a tidy appearance.
Whether your puppy has a wire-haired coat, like this fox terrier’s, or a smooth coat, a long coat, or a short one—or not much coat at all—you need to keep her well groomed.
Boxers appeal to people wanting playful, highly energetic pets.
EVEN THE MOST SENSIBLE CHOICE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE will never work if the puppy’s personality does not appeal to you. Research and advice can only steer you in the right direction. After that, you need to get some experience interacting with individual dogs and puppies.
Interview Owners
Once you have an idea of the type of puppy you want, get out and meet some dogs and, more important, talk to their owners. These conversations can provide a lot of insight into the realities of daily life with a particular breed. Most dog owners are proud to show off their pets. This may be as simple as stopping to chat with someone walking his or her dog on your street or in the park. Pet shops are also good places to find owners and their dogs. In some towns, owners of certain breeds organize regular get-togethers at local dog parks. Following are some topics to discuss.
Health Issues
Are there any particular health issues associated with this breed? This factor may be overplayed or underplayed, depending on the source. But you may want to rethink your breed choice if you hear the same problems described by many owners. Owning a dog requires some outlay for veterinary expenses, but huge vet bills and chronic illness should never be a typical aspect.
Training Challenges
Are there any special behavioral problems associated with the breed? Is the breed you’re considering notorious for chewing up furniture, barking when left alone, or hurling herself over the fence and disappearing? House-training is always a major question, and some breeds are definitely more challenging in this respect. Find out what other owners have to say. Do most owners favor one particular training method? Expert dog trainers and average pet owners can vary in these assessments.
Grooming Demands
Do most owners of certain breeds opt for professional grooming? What does this usually cost? Grooming demands may be more complicated than you think. You are better off knowing the truth about unpleasant topics such as shedding, matting, doggy odor, and drooling ahead of time. Flat-faced dogs may need to have their faces washed regularly to prevent food and debris from accumulating in wrinkles. Short-legged dogs require more frequent bathing simply because they are closer to the ground. Some puppies who appear low maintenance may in reality be nothing of the sort.
A groomer attends to a bichon frise puppy, whose thick, light-colored coat requires regular care.
Social Quirks
How does the breed you’re considering get along with children or other pets? Some breeds may be too large or aggressive to be kept in a home with small children; others may be too fragile to be added to a household with rough-housing teenagers or other large-breed dogs. Neither situation is necessarily obvious at first glance. Most puppies can be socialized to other animals as long as they are introduced when the puppy is still young and curious about new experiences. Some enjoy the company of other dogs, and others are naturally aloof or have potential to be territorial or dog aggressive. They may not be the best choice for an inexperienced dog owner. If you have other pets in the house—cats or birds, for instance—be aware that some dog breeds have a strong predatory instinct, so do careful research.
Puppy Sources
Once you’ve decided on the breed you want, you need to find a reputable source. For random breds and crossbreds, you may want to check with your local shelters and rescue groups. For a purebred, the AKC, national breed clubs, and local dog clubs all provide referral services for breeders and rescue groups. Veterinarians, groomers, and trainers are usually acquainted with local breeders and animal shelters. Dog magazines and Internet research can help, but do not select a breeder based on a classified ad or a Web site; some are merely a means of marketing poorly bred, mill-raised puppies.
Dog breeders invariably gather in droves at local weekend dog shows. This is a great place to find breeders and to look at hundreds of dogs in one place. Most breeders will provide a business card if you request it. Although they may not have puppies available, they are usually willing to answer questions and will not hesitate to mention both the good and the bad points of the breed. Their foremost priority is finding the right homes for their dogs.
Ask about basic terms of sale such as health guarantees and return policies. Most breeders and adoption services provide some form of sales contract, but this should never include excessive demands. If you are not interested in co-owning a puppy with the breeder, purchasing an expensive show dog, breeding, or showing a puppy, don’t feel obligated to agree to such things to get a puppy. (A breeder may present co-ownership as a purchasing option, offering to sell the puppy at a reduced price in return for specific commitments from the buyer. This arrangement should never be entered into casually. In the long run, it can work out to be far more expensive than purchasing the puppy outright.)
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