• July 26, 2023
  • By Madee Pfeiffer

Buy a dog

The dog is very popular as a pet. A dog can be an ideal companion that you can take with you to many places. They can also learn a lot and thus adapt to certain situations. Also, people often bond with their dog and they are seen as a member of the family or household. However, to reap these benefits, one must exercise caution when considering buying a dog. Choosing the right dog and the right purchase address can prevent many problems.

Dog grooming time?
Before you decide on a dog breed, you should consider whether you have enough time for a dog. After all, a dog needs a lot of time.

The dog needs regular exercise, including a longer walk, at least twice a day. How much exercise the dog needs also depends on the breed. For example, one breed needs a lot more exercise than the other.

In addition, the dog must be fed at least twice a day. Depending on the breed, the dogs also need to be brushed. Also, most dogs like it when there is time to play or cuddle.

It is not intended for the animal to sit at home alone all day after getting a dog. A dog is a social animal and likes attention or people around it.

Which dog is right for me?
First of all, you need to think about what you want from a dog. It is also important to consider what you can and cannot do for the dog. This has to do with the living environment, the family situation and the state of health of the owner, among other things. For example, if you are not good at walking, it is not advisable to choose an active dog breed.

Having considered the above criteria, it is up to you to decide which look you prefer. Appearance is often seen as a major stumbling block when buying a dog. However, you must consider the consequences that a certain look will bring. For example, many people fall in love with the cuddly looks of a long-haired dog, but this dog needs careful grooming. For example, he needs to be brushed several times a week, and the dog also needs regular grooming.

There are over 300 different dog breeds worldwide, and each breed has its own characteristics. It is important to choose a breed that suits the owner's lifestyle and family situation.

In addition to a purebred dog, you can also opt for a mongrel or mongrel. It is often possible to predict which characteristics a crossbreed will have and which not. However, this is not a guarantee and features may still differ.

When deciding for or against a purebred dog, you should also consider the health aspect. Purebred dogs are often prone to certain health issues. For example, some breeds are more prone to hip or knee problems. Hereditary problems can also shorten the life expectancy of the dog. The breed organizations can often tell you more about the diseases specific to a particular breed. It is advisable to contact them if you are considering buying a specific breed.

It is also important that you know whether you want a male or a female. For some people this is not a stumbling block, but there are still some considerations that can play a role in the choice. A male is often slightly larger, stronger and heavier than a female. This is often noticeable when going for a walk. Male dogs can also often be more aggressive toward other dogs, which is often seen as dominant behavior. Male dogs can also sometimes suffer from their hormones when a bitch comes by in heat, which can cause them to become difficult listeners and run away. In the house, however, male dogs are more affectionate than female dogs.

A bitch, on the other hand, can be in heat or have a false pregnancy. Bitches tend to be less regular in nature. When out for a walk, the bitch will want to show off her status to another bitch, however, they are generally quieter than males outside.

Finally, it is important to briefly consider the age of the dog. Most people fall for the cute looks of a puppy, but puppies take a lot of energy and time. In the first year of life you cannot leave a puppy alone for a long time. In addition, they still have a lot to learn and can certainly break something. Also, the education of a puppy is very important as it will affect his future life.

An adult dog, on the other hand, is often already trained and has already learned a lot. A few things are often already known about its character, so that you can better assess whether the dog is suitable or not. But it can also be that the dog has learned too little or the wrong thing. This can lead to problematic behavior that is often very difficult to resolve.

Where can I buy my dog?
There are several addresses where you can buy a dog. However, these addresses are not all equally good. Therefore, it is important that you find out where you want to buy your dog.

If you want a pedigree dog, you can go to a breeder. You can contact a breed association. These have a breeding code with requirements that the breeder and the parent animals must meet. Tests are also often carried out for hereditary diseases in the parent animals. These breeders have to meet a lot of requirements before they are allowed to breed a litter, and the parents have to meet certain requirements as well. The chance that you are buying a healthy puppy that won't get any nasty diseases later in life is much better. However, there is never a 100% guarantee.

You have to beware of puppy dealers and bread breeders. The puppies you buy from these people are often a lot cheaper, but you will run into a lot of problems later in life. These problems, in turn, cause a lot of costs.

You can also often buy puppies from private individuals. Many of these people take good care of their puppies and it is safe to assume that the puppies will come from a good address. Unfortunately, there are also people who do not know what they are doing. It's sometimes hard to tell apart if you don't know what to look for. However, if you do not trust it, it is advisable not to make a purchase. However, it is important not to be seduced by a cute puppy.

You can also buy a dog in a shelter, and it happens that you can buy puppies. It is important that you do your research to see if anything is known about the puppy or dog's history.

How much does it cost to get a dog?
Buying a dog is a one-time expense. The amounts you pay for a dog can range from 400 euros to dogs over 1,000 euros. This depends on the breed and its purity. You will pay a lot more for a true purebred dog than for a crossbreed dog. If you get a dog from the animal shelter, you will pay between 100 and 150 euros, which often depends on the age of the dog.

After purchasing the dog, there are still some one-time costs. There are various products to buy that you need to take care of the dog on a daily basis. This includes:

  • Basket,

  • bench,

  • drinking and feeding bowl,

  • Collar,

  • Rope,

  • brushes or combs,

  • Toy.

The dog may need to be treated for fleas and lice after purchase. Sometimes the dog will also be neutered after purchase if this has not already been done.

After the one-time costs come the fixed costs that you have to pay monthly. For example, the dog must have enough food available. The price of this food depends on what brand you feed and where you buy it. However, it is important that you pay close attention to the dog's needs and the ingredients in the food. Because the quality of the food has an impact on the health of the dog.

In addition to food, there are often recurring medical costs. For example, the dog must be regularly vaccinated and treated for fleas or lice.

A number of municipalities require you to pay an annual dog tax. However, the amount of this tax varies from municipality to municipality. Registering the dog in a database also costs money, although the amount of this fee varies from database to database.

Additional costs can arise from membership in a dog sports club, participation in a dog training course, a dog walk service, holiday care, unexpected medical expenses or the trimming of the dog.

Is there enough space for the dog?
How much space a dog needs in the house depends on its size. A large dog needs a lot more space than a small dog. The behavior of the dog also plays a role. If you have an agile dog, it is desirable that it has enough space to move freely. With a calm dog, this is less important.

However, it is important that the dog has enough space outside. This can be in the backyard, but also an exercise area. The dog can run freely on these fields for a while.

Once you have considered the above criteria and made a choice, you can start buying. Don't make a hasty decision, just take your time. If you make the right choice, you can enjoy it for years and find a real sidekick in the dog.

This text was translated with a translation machine