Maybe that's why we all think "puppy" when thinking about adding a pet to our household. Certainly, with our pending move to CO has Tom and I thinking "new dog", which could be a puppy or an adult dog. Over at the Pet Health Library, I found an article that I'm finding helpful in making my final decision not only on the age of the dog we adopt, but the type.
For instance, the article says, "A particular breed or the predominant lineage in a mixed-breed can reveal a lot about the likely personality of a dog." We have always had Lab/Shepard or Collie/Shepard mixed-breed dogs. I love them. They carry the intelligence and loyalty of both breeds, and they're the right "size" for us.
Size is important, by the way. While big dogs can do well in apartments, and small dogs don't necessarily need long walks twice a day, the size of the dog may influence how you and your family interact with it. My Mom's little Chihuahua was very attached to my step-father, but no one else, and she was pretty ferocious at times, in guarding him. Whereas, all the big dogs in my family have been happy-go-lucky dogs, loyal to the family as a whole (while preferring one member more than another; Carmie just doted on Tom!)
Grooming is another thing to consider. Long-haired dogs need regular combing. And they need more frequent bathing. Some pet parents neglect this and end up shaving their dogs...which isn't a bad thing, but can sometimes be traumatic to the dog. Keeping your long-haired dog trimmed and combed, is best.
In the opening paragraph of the Pet Health Library article they say, "It is also important to decide who in the family will be primarily responsible for the feeding, exercise, grooming, and health care of the pet." It's a lifetime commitment. The person in charge should be loving and caring. He or she should be able to approach the "breadwinner" whenever the dog needs medical care or a yearly vet visit, or worming, or any of the many healthcare tasks that come with bringing a living, breathing creature into your home.
So, consider all of these things, as well as the rest of the advice in the article. I would also add this thought: consider pet health insurance. It can be a lifesaver, as well as helping you maintain the health and happiness of your dog by covering specific vet bills, as noted in whatever policy you buy. Check it out, it's worth a look, anyway.
I'm set to consider both puppies and adult dogs. But, I have to admit, I'm leaning towards an adult dog. Not just because she or he might be house-broken already, but because my research shows that adult dogs are not adopted as readily as puppies. I'd like to give a forever home to a deserving, grown-up dog.
