A doggo is a gal’s best friend. There’s a reason that people choose canine when it comes to picking their pet companions. Loyal, full of love, and a great reason for getting out of the house every day, dogs make for awesome additions to your life as long as you have the capacity. As troopers that can last until the ripe age of thirteen, picking your pooch isn’t something to be taken lightly. From energy level to size, there are a few factors that need to be considered prior to choosing your new fur friend. Here are ten things to definitely consider before picking the perfect pooch…

Commitment

The golden rule before bringing any dog home is to check, check and check again that you are willing to commit. Adopting a dog shouldn’t be taken with a pinch of salt, there are tons of dogs in kennels because once willing owners couldn’t fully commit the time or patience to keeping a pup. If you are on the fence then hop off and get a fish.

Size

Dogs, just like people, come in all different shapes and sizes and while a puppy may be adorably small, they probably won’t stay that way forever. Before picking your lively companion, make sure that you have considered the fact that size matters. Big dogs are gorgeous slobbering hunks but take up lots of space and can be strong enough to pull you over. Small dogs work well in smaller homes but remember - tiny dogs don’t always mean tiny tempers.

Age

To puppy or not to puppy, that is the question. Puppies are super cute and funny, but they are also really hard work. You need to toilet train, they cry a lot, and they need around the clock care in those early weeks. If a puppy sounds too much like tough work, why not consider an older dog? While an older dog may be trickier to train to match your lifestyle, they can be just as rewarding as a pup.

Energy Level

Some breeds of dogs need more exercise than others, so even if you are adopting a cross breed you may want to check what kind of cross you are dealing with. Collies, in particular, need lots of walks as they are used to herding sheep all day. Big dogs may require more exercise to tire them out, so if you know you will be at work most the day it may mean you need to hire a dog walker or get a different dog.

Temperament

Different breeds also have different temperaments. For example, Alsatians and those that are commonly used for guard dogs may be more territorial whereas Labradors may work better as family dogs due to their near horizontal vibes. Always do a little research on the breed of dog you are considering. Remember that dogs are also individuals and won’t necessarily follow the same blueprint.

Cost

Dogs cost money. Not only will you need to buy food and potentially fork out for vet bills, but they will also need vaccinations, insurance and a whole host of other costs that can quickly add up. Make sure that you have the money set aside to keep your dog in kibble. This is another factor where size matters as big dogs need to eat more. Don’t forget that dogs love to get in all kinds of scrapes and chaos, it’s always worth getting comprehensive insurance in case of a medical emergency for your pet.

What essential factors did you overlook before picking your pooch? Share your fur friend stories with us in the comments.