Puppy Selection Tips
When getting ready to select a puppy, there are several things to take into consideration. Here are some of the most commonly addressed concerns.
Selecting a breed:
One of the first things that usually attracts someone to a particular breed is the appearance of it. The second is the personality of the breed. Spend time researching the many breeds available. Along with researching through the books or internet information you can find, talking with pet owners of the breeds you are considering is a helpful way to find out more about the qualities specific to a particular breed. Unlike mixed breeds, purebred dogs reproduce specific temperament. This is the reason that each individual breed is able to be categorized and described by the way they act. Some breeds are more active than others, some get along with children better than others and some need more attention or space than others. A few breeds, like the Bichon, are also more highly recommended for people that have allergies than others. By researching different breeds and speaking directly with people that have had first hand experience with the characteristics of those breeds, you will be able to better determine which breed will fit in best with your family’s life style.
Male or Female:
Once you have selected the breed that’s best for you, you’ll want to decide if you have a preference toward a male or a female puppy. In some breeds, there is a very big difference between males and females, in the way they “act” and in the way they “look”. In most large breeds for example, the males are usually much bigger than the females, with broader head structures which is often more attractive to many people. In the small breeds, there is usually no difference in their appearance or size that can be generalized by sex. The personality traits that may vary between males and females are specific to each breed. Again, it is a good idea to speak with some pet owners of the breed you are interested in to get more information about the differences that may be specific to that breed. Many people think that a male dog will mark their territory in the house. This is often not the case and can be completely avoided by early neutering before it becomes a habit. While some small breeds will have differences in personality between males and females, in the Bichon, there is very little noticeable personality difference specific to the sex. The only differences you may find are that male Bichons have been noted by many as being a little bit more playful. They also tend to be slightly larger than the female and have a more regal carriage. Outside of that, both male and female Bichons make wonderful family pets.
Age to acquire:
It is generally best to acquire a new puppy between the ages of 8-12 weeks. A puppy must be at least 8 weeks old in order to ship him.
Neuter or Spay:
Having your pet neutered or spayed does not change his or her personality. It is the healthiest thing you can do for them. It helps prevent cancers and discourages unwanted behaviors or habits in both sexes. Neutering a male dog will discourage him from running off to look for females in season. It will also discourage him from marking his territory to establish himself as the “mate” of a female in season. Spaying a female will prevent unplanned pregnancies, unwanted puppies and the mess of the heat cycle itself. It will also prevent females from going through the emotional changes involved with the cycle like those associated with false pregnancy. It is best to have your pet spayed before it reaches sexual maturity.
Show Dog or Pet:
Most people are looking for a good quality, healthy pet that can be loved as a member of their family. Whatever the wonderful qualities of a particular breed are, you should settle for nothing less, even as a pet. We produce wonderful, healthy pet quality puppies. However, we do not offer any claim as to their showing ability. If you are interested in the prospect of showing, it is a good idea to become familiar with the standards of the breed. It is also a good idea to select a puppy that comes from a line of show dogs. You can get acquainted with the procedures and people associated with the sport of dog shows by visiting some local competitions. You will be able to see some of the finest examples of each breed there, and you may even be able to find out more about an up coming litter of prospective show pups.