9 things you should consider when buying a dog

Sophia Buettner
Updated: 2024-02-05

Absolutely, dreaming about adding a furry friend to your life is exciting, but it's also a big step, especially if it's your first time. Like many others in your shoes, you might be wondering what to look out for.

Let's dive into 9 essential points to consider before getting a dog. Approaching these with honesty and commitment will set you up for a successful and fulfilling life with your new companion. Ready to get started?

1. Housing Situation

Your living situation is a crucial factor to think about before welcoming a dog into your home. If you're renting, it's essential to have a chat with your landlord to confirm whether dogs are permitted on the property. This step not only ensures you're adhering to your lease agreements but also helps avoid any potential heartache or complications down the line. Making sure your living arrangements are pet-friendly from the get-go can pave the way for a smoother transition for both you and your future furry friend.

Also remember that moving with a dog is often more difficult. Many landlords do not allow pets in their apartments.

Depending on the size of your furry friend, you will also need to adjust the number of square feet. If you want a big dog, you need a big home.

What kind of area do you live in? A beautiful area with meadows and lots of nature is more inviting for a walk than a city center location with lots of concrete and roads.
Do other pets, such as cats, already live in your home? Then they should get along with the dog and vice versa.

2. Own Health

A dog needs a lot of exercise, and you need to walk it several times a day. Are you fit enough to give your dog the exercise he needs? This is an important factor to consider when making your decision.

Another health concern is allergies. Make sure you and your family members can live together with a four-legged friend. It would be tragic if your pet had to leave the family.

You can learn more about health in our extensive Health category.

3. Financial Situation

Keeping a furry friend costs money. First, there is the cost of acquisition. If you get your dog from a shelter, you only pay a nominal fee. This is usually between 150 and 300 Euros. Prices from breeders are usually much higher, ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more.

Of course, there is the initial equipment such as food bowl, lead, basket and so on. However, the initial costs are low compared to the running costs. You have to expect these expenses:

Dog Tax

Dog owners have to pay dog license fees almost everywhere in Germany. It ranges from 5 euros to 185 euros per year. Check in advance with your local public order office or municipality.

Dog Liability Insurance

As a dog owner, you are fully liable for all damages caused by your pet. This can amount to thousands or even millions of dollars. Therefore, you should not rely on a Dog Liability Insurance do without. Some states even require it by law.

Veterinary Expenses

Whether it is once a year for preventative care or in an emergency, you will be seeing the vet on a regular basis. Vet visits can be expensive, so be prepared financially. Many dog owners have medical and surgical insurance to help cover the cost.

Dog Food

The cost of food varies depending on the size of your pet and the type of food. In general, you should budget at least $50 for your dog's monthly food needs. To make sure your dog is getting the right food, read our dog food review.

Dog School

Especially with a young dog, you will probably also visit the Dog School. The average price of a 10-trip ticket here is between 110 and 150 euros.

Dog Care

If you are away from home for more than 8 hours a day, you should arrange for dog care. This can cost up to 100 euros per day.
Can you afford these costs? Be honest with yourself and calculate your finances beforehand. You should also always have enough money on the high side for medical emergencies and the like.

You can read more about the financial situation in the article "How much does a dog“.

4. Time

Do you have enough time to take care of your dog? This depends on a number of factors: What is your work schedule? Do you spend up to 8 hours a day on the road or do you work from home? The latter is definitely the more dog-friendly option, as your dog won't be alone.

Ask yourself the same question: What do I like to do in my spare time? What hobbies do I have? How do I spend my days? Can a four-legged friend accompany me? Or will it be difficult to combine work, free time and a dog?

Think about whether you can imagine organizing your life around your four-legged friend. Also realize that you will have to brave the elements and go for walks several times a day. Make sure you have enough time in your schedule to do this.

5. Vacation Planning

Summer, sun, beach and sea - or would you prefer the mountains? You're probably going on vacation or on a long trip. Before you get a dog, you should think about whether he can come with you. One alternative is a "dog hotel".

Of course, you can take your pet on vacation with you. But check first to see if your accommodation allows pets. Some resorts have specific rules about bringing pets. Of course, a vacation in the countryside with plenty of exercise is ideal. Learn more Vacation with dog you can find here.

6. Long-Term Decision

Are you ready to commit to a dog not just for a few months, but for years? To organize your life and your free time around it? You should ask yourself these questions seriously, because in the best case, your dog will be with you for several years.

You should be prepared to commit to the animal for several years. Even if the dog is older and less fit, you should decide in the best interest of the animal. A dog always loves you unconditionally, can you do the same?

7. Which Breed of Dog Suits Me?

Like people, dogs have different character traits. These often depend on the breed of dog. Therefore, it is important that you think about what kind of dog you want. If it is your first dog, it is a good idea to get a dog that is Dog breed for beginners gets the spotlight.

If you have a family, it is important that your dog loves children and has a calm nature. In this case, offer Family dogs for you. Some breeds of dogs are very hairy. Don't like the constant vacuuming and dog hair everywhere? Fortunately, there are Dogs that do not shed much.

Energy levels also vary: For example, breeds such as the English Bulldog tend to have low energy levels. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has a high energy level and requires a great deal of exercise and activity. Active dogs are better suited to rural areas where they have plenty of exercise and space to run around.

In some states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, dogs must pass a test. This applies to dogs that weigh at least 20 kilograms and/or have a shoulder height of at least 40 centimeters.

This certificate is also required for so-called "listed dogs". These are defined by each federal state. Listed dogs are considered dangerous breeds, so you must pass a test to determine if you are fit to own such an animal. Bull Terriers and Pit Bull Terriers fall into this category.

8. Puppy or Adult Dog?

Before getting a dog, you should consider whether you want a puppy or an adult dog.

Puppy

A puppy is like a human baby. It needs a lot of attention, has yet to learn all its commands, wants to play a lot, and is not yet house-trained. If you get a puppy, you should spend even more time with it than with an adult dog.

It's best to take a vacation first to take good care of him. Sometimes he has to go every hour, even at night, because his bladder isn't strong enough yet.

One of the great benefits of having a puppy is the strong bond you form with it from an early age. It becomes part of your family right from the start, and you can influence its behavior and upbringing.

Adult Dog

An adult dog's character is usually very strong and stable, which can have advantages and disadvantages. Training also plays a role here and you can make use of dog training schools.

An adult dog is often already house-trained and can be left alone for a few hours at most. However, you should still give an adult dog plenty of time to acclimate.

In general: It doesn't matter if you decide to get a puppy or an adult dog: As a beginner, you should familiarize yourself with all of the important issues related to dog ownership. This is the only way to meet the needs of your four-legged friend at any age. The Hundeo App accompanies and supports you on your way.

9. Breeder or Animal Shelter?

Like many people, you are probably wondering whether you should get your dog from a breeder or a shelter. Below you can learn more about these two types of adoption.

Breeder

When you pick up your four-legged family member from the breeder, it is usually a puppy. You have the opportunity to choose a breed that suits you and your lifestyle.

Choose your breeder carefully and find out if they focus on quality or quantity. Take time to discuss all your concerns, questions, and important information with the breeder. Once you have chosen a breeder, you can usually make appointments to visit them. This will allow you to get to know the puppy and decide if it is right for you.

Don't be rushed into making a decision, reputable breeders will take their time. If you feel pressured to buy, be sure to distance yourself from the seller. Also, make sure you sign an official sales contract. This is an important document that identifies the dog and protects you from scammers.

The decision to buy a dog should never be taken lightly. Make sure you choose a responsible breeder who puts the welfare of the animal first.

What should you look for in a breeder?

Seriousness and transparency: A reputable breeder will talk openly about the breed, give you an insight into the kennel and provide information about possible health risks.
Health certificatesA good breeder will be able to provide health certificates and test results of the parents that prove that they have been tested for hereditary diseases.
Socialization: Puppies should grow up in a clean and safe environment and be socialized at an early age.
Contracts and guarantees: Reputable breeders often offer a purchase contract with health guarantees.
Membership in breeding associations: Breeders who are members of recognized breeding associations often adhere to strict breeding standards and ethical guidelines.

Because there are more and more scammers and dubious sellers. Never buy a puppy in a parking lot or backyard. This is usually illegal puppy trafficking.

Beware of torture breeding

When buying a dog, it is important to find out about torture breeds. Qual breeding refers to breeds in which extreme breeding objectives have led to health and ethical problems. These include breathing problems in short-snouted breeds such as the pug or back problems in long-backed dogs such as the dachshund. These health problems can affect the animal for the rest of its life and result in high veterinary costs.

What you can do:

Inform yourself thoroughly about the specific health risks of the breed you are considering.
Think about whether you are prepared to take responsibility for possible health problems.
Choose responsibly: Prefer adoptions from shelters or rescue organizations so as not to inadvertently encourage the demand for torturous breeds.
Support change: Advocate for responsible breeding practices and animal welfare by choosing breeders who prioritize the physical and mental well-being of dogs.

By following these steps, you will help to raise awareness of the problems of torture breeding and make a contribution to animal welfare.

Animal Shelter Respectively Animal Protection

Thousands of dogs around the world are looking for homes. They have been abandoned by their families, born on the streets, or abused. They are often mongrels, not purebreds.

By adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, you are giving a furry nose a second chance and making abandoned paws happy. But again, do not rush your decision.

It is important that you find out as much as possible about the dog and get to know it beforehand. Unfortunately, these four-legged friends have often had bad experiences and sometimes have behavioral problems. At animal shelters, for example, you will have the opportunity to go for regular walks with the dog to see if you are a good match.

Dogs from animal welfare organizations often live in shelters abroad. As a result, you often don't have the opportunity to meet them beforehand. Make sure you are well informed about your potential pet.

Foster homes are a great idea. They take in dogs from abroad and integrate them into their families until they are adopted. This is where you can visit your four-legged friend and get to know him or her better.

In this case, make sure it is a reputable shelter or animal welfare organization and that you sign a formal contract. You will also need to obtain documentation such as your dog's vaccination record. Be sure to read our article Adopt a Dog From a Shelter? (This Is What You Should Consider) by.

Conclusion

As you have probably already realized, getting a dog is not a decision that should be rushed. It is important that you keep the above points in mind.

Think carefully about whether you will be able to take care of the animal for several years. If you can still see yourself having a four-legged friend after that, then you are ready for the dog adventure.