Does your heart skip a beat when seeing a “Puppies for Sale” sign? While it’s tempting to take home the first cute puppy you see, it’s best to wait. Do your research on the breed, size, hair type, and potential health problems of the puppies you are interested in. Following are some tips on finding the best puppy for you from the veterinary professionals at Doggie Dude Ranch in Ames, IA.

The Right Breed

Ask yourself about how active you are and how much time you have to devote to your new best friend. If you have kids, some breeds will be better than others. Are you a first-time dog owner? Some breeds, like Akitas, need a more experienced owner. Some breeds, like Labrador retriever puppies, are easy to train and have easygoing personalities. Other breeds, like greyhounds, are surprisingly lazy after their daily walk.

Size

Although some puppies will grow larger or smaller than their breed standards, you have a good idea how large a puppy will get when you bring home a purebred puppy or a mixed-breed puppy where both parents’ sizes are known. You have to be aware of how to transport a fully-grown dog should he or she have a medical emergency.

Potential Health Problems

All dog breeds are prone to getting sick. However, many purebreds are more susceptible to certain health problems. You should be aware of these and have a plan in place to deal with these potential maladies. For example, many dachshunds become paralyzed in their hind legs. Would you be willing and able to care for such a dog?

Hair Type

If you do not have much time to groom a dog, then a short-haired dog breed is great. Wirehaired breeds like miniature schnauzers need their coats stripped by hand regularly. Popular breeds, like Australian shepherd puppies, are easy to find good groomers for since groomers will be familiar with how the coats should be treated.

Contact Us for More Information on Puppies for Sale in Ames

If you still have questions about choosing the best puppy for you that have not been answered here and live in the Ames, IA area, contact Doggie Dude Ranch today. We offer veterinary and boarding services and often have Australian Shepherd and Labrador retriever puppies for sale. Call us at (515) 382-1444 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.