Most people add a pet to the family on impulse. Either a dog wanders into their lives or they see a cute face they can't resist. However, there are many adoptable dogs at shelters who need homes. If you have the opportunity to select a puppy, here are considerations in choosing the best pet for your family.

General Considerations

Big? = Better for protection and long runs. Hugs are more people sized. (Big puppy paws mean big adult dog!)

Small? = Can go anywhere easier, often more childlike personality. Less food expense and poop pick-up.

Short Haired? = Better in warm climates, quicker to bathe and dry. May shed more.

Long Haired? = (> 1 inch) Warmer, and nice to hug. More grooming investment, but also more options. Some breeds, such as poodles and maltese don't shed.

Sleep Indoors? = Better bonding, more stimulus to intelligence. Better guarding.

Sleep Outdoors? = Provide shelter, fresh food and water. More problems with excessive barking and digging. May be more hyperactive and less bonded to people.

The best age to bring a pup home is around seven to nine weeks of age. This allows the pup some socialization experience with siblings, and still encourages primary bonding with the new human owner.

Health Considerations

• Don't adopt a puppy who is ill at the time of adoption - it is more likely to be sick later also. Be aware that 50% of pets adopted from shelters get sick due to exposure, stress, and minimal vaccinations.
• Look for: Eye or nose thick discharge; under or overbite; harelip; lump at the belly button.
• Avoid droopy eyelids or mouths, especially if either is discharging anything.
• Ask about the pup's parents' health and behavior.
• Observe parent dog's behavior for guarding, obedience, hyperactivity.
• Personality is partially inherited - would you want to own the parent dog?
• Ask about frequency of vet visits for the parents; any allergies (excessive scratching or skin lesions), repeated ear infections? Checked for Hip Dysplasia? Watch the adult dog get up from laying. (Slow or painful getting up?)

Puppy Personality Testing

Some studies have concluded these tests are not reliable. Others feel the puppy's basic personality traits are measurable by eight weeks of age. These tests are intended to give a general indication of what personality to expect from the adult dog. If possible, test several pups at the same time to get perspective on differences. Try to test the same pup multiple times before adoption. Only extreme variations count.

Take each puppy into a room away from the mother and other pups. Write down the test scores for each pup. Identify each one by number, or by its marking. ("Brown spot on left rear foot")

Personality Test: In this neutral setting, gently roll the pup onto its back and hold it "chest up" for about 30 seconds. Don't talk. Act calm and neutral and observe for struggling.

Following Test: Carry the pup to the center of the room. Put it down facing you and walk away. (Watch to see if the pup follows you without encouragement.)

If itdoes any of the first three choices initially, then call in a happy voice, clap and slap the floor to try to get the pup to come. If it still will not come and be friendly, do not adopt.

Activity Test: Observe the pup by itself and with the litter for general activity level.

Retrieving Test: A dog who retrieves is fun to play with and much easier to exercise. Take a small ball or improvise with crumpled paper and rubber band. Bounce it in front of the pup, then roll it away. Observe the puppy's face closely without distracting it.

Intelligence: Intelligence is measured by duration of eye focus, explorative sniffing, ability to learn, and tendency to explore new areas.