Selecting a Dog

Student Learning Objective

• List factors to consider when selecting a dog.

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog?

AGE• A puppy should be taken from the

mother between 8 and 12 weeks of age.• Puppies are cute and cuddly, but

require more work than older dogs.• Older dogs may be less expensive in

the long run if they are already spayed or neutered.

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog?

PUREBRED VS. MIXED BREED• If you want a dog for breeding purposes, you

will want a purebred.• If you own a purebred dog, you will know what size dog will be at maturity.• Mixed breeds will be less expensive, but mature size is a guess.

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog?

HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU HAVE?• Do you have enough space for dog at maturity?• Do you have Indoor and/or outdoor space that is

needed?• Do you live in areas

of harsh heat or

cold, you must

provide proper

protection?

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog?

LENGTH OF HAIR• Long-haired dogs

have more hair to shed and are more susceptible to diseases and parasites because of the long hair.

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog?

GENDER• If you don’t want to use dog for reproduction and

don’t want unexpected pregnancies, you need to be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered.

• If you have your male dog neutered, it will be less likely run away searching for females.

• Having your female dog spayed will take away heat cycles and its symptoms.