When looking at puppies for sale, it’s quite important to research what type of dog will suit your personality. Many sad tales of neglect result when people fall in love with a cute puppy. But they don’t realize that the breed is very energetic, sheds, or is not good with children.

Researching breeds will help you and your puppy make a perfect match. Here’s a little information on common types and their personalities.

Labrador Retrievers

These lovable puppies grow up to be amazing dogs. The breed is one of the most popular in many countries including the US, Canada, and the UK for their friendly intelligent nature. They are the most common breed used to help the blind, as therapy dogs, and as companions for disabled, originally hunting dogs they are used in many service and rescue applications. Retrievers are great swimmers and love exercise.

The Retrievers are available in the well known golden color, black, and chocolate brown.

Shih Tzu

Bred to be companion house dogs, Shih Tzus are adorable, very affectionate and well trained. The name Shih Tzu means little lion, definitely not by nature, but more likely by the cute long mane like fur on the puppies faces. A Shih Tzu makes a great lap dog, and is happy following its owner around, and is almost the teddy bear of small dog breeds.

Although they have long hair, their coat is also very fine, and they shed less, so the Shih Tsu is considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Shih Tzus grow to a maximum of around 7kgs or 15 lbs, usually, they are much smaller.

Spaniels

Spaniels are very affectionate friendly dogs. They make great pets, originally bred for hunting they are easily trained and intelligent dogs. Their friendly nature also makes them great dogs for children. There is a wide variety of spaniels, and their size varies considerably. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for example, is one of the smallest and most adorable of the spaniel breeds, roughly the same size as a Shih Tzu and also classified as a toy dog, while larger breeds are almost the same size as a retriever.

The affectionate and caring nature of Spaniels makes them great as companions for elderly and medical patients.

Maltese

Maltese are extremely lively dogs and love to play. They can be a little snappish, but if interacted early usually this is not a problem.

Unlike the Shih Tzu and spaniel’s passive affection, the Maltese like to let you know they are around and often run, jump, and bark a great deal.

One of the most popular small dog breeds, since they are happy in a small yard or apartment. Their outgoing personality and energetic nature mean they are a more hands-on dog, and owners should be aware of this.

Maltese need regular grooming, and their hair needs to be trimmed or regularly washed and brushed. Maltese are very small dogs, typically growing to not more than around 5kgs or 10lbs.

Pomeranians

Pomeranian-puppies-for-sale

The Pomeranian is a very cute long haired breed similar in size to the Maltese. Like the Maltese, it is fairly energetic and strong-willed and enjoys barking at stimuli.

They are rather extroverted energetic dogs, although only needing average exercise, they do need to be brushed and washed regularly and crave regular attention.

Remember when choosing a puppy, looks are not as important as temperament. Do you want an active or more passive dog? Do you prefer an attentive or extroverted personality? Young children may want a dog who will run, jump, and play, and may prefer the energy of a Pomeranian or Maltese. The elderly and sick however, will enjoy companionship from a dog who prefers to cuddle like a Spaniel or Shih Tzu.

If you are looking for puppies for sale, a dedicated puppy store will be able to help provide more advice. They can help you with choosing from the different types of personalities and special needs each breed is known for.