Before you decide to buy a small dog...

There are a few things to concider before you buy a dog. Even if it's a small cute little dog there are som issues that you should think about:

1. Is everyone in the family interested in having a dog?

It is important that the whole family likes animals and that you all are willing to share the responsibility of a dog. If the one who first wanted the dog is sick for a week there must be someone who takes care of the dog in the meantime. The dog needs to be walked and fed several times a day.


2. Can we afford to have a dog?

First you need the money to make the purchase of a dog. After you've bought a dog you have to vaccinate the dog. You need to go to the vet when the dog is sick, your need to deworm the dog, you need to get a fur cut or the claws cut and so on.... It is not cheap to own a dog. Everyting costs money!

When you get a small dog the cost of the food is less than for a big dog. Small dogs eat less than a big one - but on the other side they need food of a goog quality. And... very often a small dog is more fussy about the food. So, the difference isn't that big.

The dog could get sick and the vet costs could be very high if your dog gets any problem that needs surgery. In some countries the human health care is subsidized but the animal health care isn't. You have to pay for it all. It is important to ge a dog insurance as soon as possible when you buy your dog. But - even if you have an insurance you have to pay a part of the cost yourself.

If you are working you might need a dog walker or a day care home for your dog. This is not for free!

So before you buy a dog - write down what you need, check the costs and make a budget to see what the real cost is.


3. Do we have time for a dog?

Who takes care of the dog during the days? It is impossible to leave a dog alone for 8 hours. Do you have friends or relatives who could help you during your working days?

Are you travelling a lot? Who takes care of the dog when you go abroad? 

Who stays at home if the dog gets sick? 

4. Are we prepared to be tied up for the nex 10-15 years?

A small dog lives longer than a big one. It is important to offer a life-long home. The dog needs a stable home and should not be sold to a new owner after a couple of years when you get tired of being a dog-owner.

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If you honestly can answer yes on the questions above - then it's time to start the exciting work in choosing the right breed and the right dog. It is important to think through the decision carefully. Get some books about dogs and talk to friends who have dogs in order to understand the dog-owner-life.