If you want to buy a dog, it is best not to rush into it. After all, there are various factors to consider, including your budget, housing, leisure activities, and experience with dogs, which you should think about before choosing a puppy from the kennel. These factors are also important to know which dog suits you. We will go over the main points with you.
Some factors to know which dog suits you:
What if you have little space?
If you want to buy a dog, you do not necessarily need a garden. There are also dogs that can perfectly adapt in a house without a garden or even in an apartment.
The most important characteristics to pay attention to are the instincts of the dog. The size of the dog is less important.
Take the Pinscher, for example. Although this dog remains quite small, it is a German hunting dog with tons of energy. They would typically have an ‘active mood’ for an average of 72.85 minutes a day. Pinschers are best kept where they can move around a lot.
On the other hand, a French Bulldog, which is larger, has a much calmer energy level.
Do you actually have a small space? Then it is best to avoid dogs with high hunting instincts like hounds and scent hounds or herding dogs and livestock herders. At our kennel, you will receive the right advice.
How much time ‘can’ you spend daily with your dog?
Of course, the above is indicative. When your dog hardly needs to be left alone and you are actively involved with it for several hours daily (walking, playing, …), a Pinscher can adapt to an apartment.
The time you can dedicate to your pet is thus a very important factor. Consider that when buying a dog at the kennel, the animal (depending on the breed) easily lives to be 10 years or even older. During that time, your life can change a lot.
If, for example, you are currently single, it is also likely that you may be in a relationship and possibly have children within 10 years. You might then spend less time with the dog.
How much time ‘must’ you spend daily with your dog?
Not every dog requires the same amount of exercise and challenges. Generally, smaller dogs need less exercise, provided they are not hunting dogs, hounds, or livestock herders. Hunting and working dogs require the most of your free time. For instance, the Border Collie, which is a true livestock herder, might only feel warmed up after 2 hours of exercise. The Newfoundland, which can easily be twice its size, prefers everything at a slower pace and is happy with a walk per day.
Some dogs also require more mental than physical challenges. At dog supplies in the pet store, you will find customized toys. Certain dog breeds also require a lot of grooming, such as the Chow Chow. Keep this in mind as well when you want to buy a dog.
What if you are buying a dog for the first time?
It certainly matters whether this is your first dog or not. Training your dog is a must, regardless of the breed, size, or age. Some dog breeds are, however, ‘not easy to handle’ and require a strong experienced leader. This is particularly true for livestock herders like the Border Collie, but also for many hunting dogs like the small Münsterländer who prefers to follow its nose rather than its owner.
Dogs that are suitable as first dogs include the Pomeranian, the Poodle, and the Golden Retriever. These breeds are easy to train and also easy to handle.
What budget should you set aside for a dog?
Buying a dog is not a one-time cost. In the kennel, you pay an average of between 600 and 2500 euros for your dog, but then you still have to account for the costs of food and care. Depending on the weight and size of the dog, you spend more or less on food. For a dog weighing about 35 kilos, budget around 570 euros for food annually. For the medical care of a dog, you pay approximately 206 euros a year.
If you also want to neuter or spay the dog, expect to spend an amount between 250 and 400 euros. Much depends on the necessary anesthesia, and the dose and price are higher for larger dogs.
The team at Woefkesranch is happy to give you additional advice to help you buy a dog that truly suits you. Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at +32 15 75 59 42 or fill out this handy contact form.
