There are many warnings and cautionary tales about getting a puppy for Christmas, but folks do it anyway. So here are some tips so that the dog and the person it has been "gifted" to have the best chance of success:
Do your research. The purchase price in no way reflects the quality of the animal. The best purebred puppy comes from a responsible breeder who has the friendly mother of the pups on-site, can show you at least a three-generation pedigree, has raised the puppies indoors, will not let a puppy leave the litter before eight weeks, and can show you health clearances for both parents, such as hips and elbows certified free of dysplasia. Physically and temperamentally sound puppies are not found over the Internet. Don't support the puppy mill industry by making one of these purchases.
Do your breed profiling carefully. Although Labradors are popular, the family pet type -- a mellow, relaxed, easygoing dog -- is not what you will get when purchasing a Lab bred to work in the field. The latter has high energy, which can make owning it as a pet a challenge. The same can be said for many working breeds, including the German shepherd. Anytime a dog is described as a working dog, it generally means the dog has a high level of energy and needs a job to be happy and to prevent you from going nuts. So stay away from dogs with working descendants and working titles in the pedigree, and look for the family-pet-bred dog instead.
Look at other venues. There are plenty of adoptable animals at shelters and plenty of pure-breed rescue groups with dogs looking for a home. Keep in mind that most older adoptable dogs often have a few behavior problems to overcome. This isn't a reason not to adopt, but be prepared to seek out professional advice when bringing an older rescued dog home.
Don't buy just any dog for an older person. In these ill-suited partnerships, the dog is nearly always lacking the basic attention and exercise any exuberant puppy needs, and the senior is usually overpowered, overwhelmed and frustrated. If you must surprise an older relative with a pet, consider an older, more sedate dog that will be thrilled to take slow strolls and enjoy cuddle time and relaxing at home.
Consider a mixed breed. Purebred dogs are in no way superior to mixed breeds, but it is a good idea to try to discern what a mixed breed's genetic makeup is so you have an idea of how large the dog will grow and to better predict its behavior. A border collie/beagle mix might take on the characteristics of either breed and might have a lot of herding instinct or have a loud baying bark and a superior nose.
Give the gift of education. Try training classes. Or instead of purchasing a dog, give the gift of a consultation with a knowledgeable dog professional to help guide your family member in the quest of preparing for and getting the perfect dog -- purebred or mixed breed, adult or puppy, from a breeder or the shelter -- that will best fit in with their lifestyle and expectations.
