Then you can look at dog breeds, and you will know how large a puppy may become. With mixed breeds, you may be in for some surprises.
When deciding on a dog vs puppy, the argument of predictability usually wins out. When you bring a puppy into your home you have no idea how big it is going to be in a year, or what kind of changes it will go through. You might end up with a dog that looks completely different from how it looked as a puppy.
With a dog that has reached the end of its growth, you'll know exactly what kind of dog you'll be getting. The appearance of a dog can be an important factor in determining if it's a bad or good dog choice for some, and so it is useful to know what you'll be getting.
The dog vs puppy decision is the first main one that you need to make if you want to be a good dog owner. A puppy is cute, but you may not know how large it will become or what mix of breeds it is.
Not all breeds are good around children, so if you are unsure, then maybe a trip to your local dog shelter would be a good idea. Many popular dog breeds are now being put into shelters because the family can't keep up with the dog's level of energy.
As well, with so many dogs in shelters or having been abandoned because of the sluggish economy, it might be a better choice to select a dog from your local pound. This not only helps the dog, but your community also, and rescued dogs make wonderful, devoted companions.
To read more Making A Decision On A Dog Vs Puppy
