The reality is not always as expected.
I have bittersweet memories of our family’s first puppy.
My parents arrived home with the cutest little bundle of fluff, and, as I was in primary school at the time, this felt like Christmas had come early. I was certain this was going to be the start of an exciting journey with my new best friend.
Accompanying my mother to the vets for our puppy’s routine checkup and vaccinations, we were informed that his large overbite would mean problems with his teeth as he matures into adolescence. Other than that, everything else seemed to be fine, and so we returned home in no state of worry.
With the holidays just around the corner, I was longing for the school term to end so that I could spend the summer with our (my!) new puppy. It was a long, hot summer, and so I spent most days roving the beach and the hills with my companion. Adventures and training rolled into one.
Once the summer came to end and school resumed, I reluctantly returned to school, willing the time to pass each day until the school bell would ring and I could race home to see my boy. That is until a few weeks into term when I arrived home one day to my teary mother in a state of upset.
She sat me down to tell me that our precious boy had endured a succession of seizures and, bless him, did not come round and so was now in doggy heaven. My heart was in pieces as I struggled to contend with the catastrophe of how my boy was no longer with me. The loss imprinted my brain as well as my heart.
Cut to age fourteen, and I began begging my parents for a German shepherd. My father, especially, was not comfortable around, and therefore not keen on, this breed, though he relented on the proviso that I would have to save for the purchase of puppy number two myself.
I started saving without question; this was a huge incentive for me.
At the same time, I started a subscription to Dog World newspaper, which was the start of my learning and research into the breed as well as the dog show world. My mum and I attended several shows, perusing lines of puppies and meeting breeders. This was a necessary way of comparing temperament as, through lineage, this can vary dramatically.
I had been looking at two particular breeders that ‘hip scored’ (that is, radiographic screening to detect hip dysplasia) the parents of the puppies they bred. Their dogs had pleasing conformations (that is, physical structure and shape) alongside deep-red colourings and markings.
A year later, having saved diligently, I was excited to be accompanying mum to view a litter of puppies that were ready to take home. We spent an hour with the breeder, observing and playing with the puppies, before returning home with a big solid boy I had named Milo.
Mischievous and full of energy, Milo passed his vet checks with flying colours. I was ecstatic this was a fresh start with a new little shadow.
What follows are my three primary tips for prospective new puppy owners on how to avoid the stress and heartache I endured as a child. Bringing a puppy into your home is exciting, but comes with significant commitment. With countless breeds available, making the right choice for your family and the puppy is crucial.
• Think about family dynamics. If you have young children, it’s vital to choose a breed known for good temperament and patience. Breeds such as Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are often praised for their gentle nature and adaptability to family life. On the other hand, if you have older children or teenagers, you might prefer breeds that are more energetic and assertive.
• Take a moment to assess your lifestyle, and consider your living situation and work schedule. If you live in a small apartment and have a busy work life, then look at breeds that require less space and exercise, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Alternatively, if you are an active family that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or running, Labrador Retrievers or Border Collies can be a great fit, as they thrive in such environments.
• Every breed comes with its own health concerns, and it’s essential to stay informed. Some breeds are prone to specific health issues, respiratory or skeletal. Choose a reputable breeder who conducts health testing on their puppies, which can reduce the likelihood of inheriting genetic conditions.
Purchasing a puppy is a significant commitment that should not be taken lightly. By evaluating your family’s lifestyle, dynamics, grooming preferences, training capabilities, and health considerations, you can make an informed decision about the breed that’s best for you. Purchasing a puppy brings joy into your home but also demands responsibility.
Take your time, do your research.
