Dogs have a universal appeal. No matter your background or age, most everyone likes a good dog. But owning a dog is a big responsibility that must be considered carefully. There are many things to consider and take into account before deciding on whether or not a dog is right for you or what kind of dog is right for you. Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to start the process, but lets discuss some important points to be sure you get off on the right foot.

Dogs will vary in size from a few pounds to over 100.  This should be your starting place for searching for the right dog for you. If you have small children in your home you need to consider the size of your dog.  A full grown dog that weighs 200 pounds could accidentally knock your child down. Safety is key when it comes to children, thus with a baby in the family you may decide a smaller dog is imperative. If you are looking for a dog that provides protection then a larger dog will certainly be more effective.

To help point you in the right direction a few breeds are explained below:

I can not stress the point enough, owning a dog requires a fair measure of commitment. Like a young son or daughter you can be sure there will be expenses regarding food, medical checkups, and the need for attention that all dogs have. Do you take lots of vacations or 3 day trips. You will need to alter your customary plans as your new family member will need to come along with you or arrangements will need to be made for their care while you are out. One thing you can do is get a dog with characteristics that match your lifestyle. If you like to lounge around and stay at home a less hyper pup would probably be to your liking. If you are a ‘clean freak’ then a long hair dog will not be a good choice for you. If you are the outdoors type then a high energy canine will give you hours of companionship out on the trail.

New dog owners often do not research the characteristics of the dog they might be interested in. It can be a big shock to learn that your breed has traits that are in serious conflict with your expectations. Case in point, do you want a digger? If you have lots of plants and garden areas, probably not. A Terrier would not be a good choice in this case as they often have the need to dig! Remember, a responsible owner will start training their dog right away to help temper these undesirable traits. This requires discipline and will take time to accomplish. As a dog owner you need to keep up the program for the sake of your dog. Doing so will create a happy calm home and not regretful feelings. I have used this dog training information which has been a life saver for me. I recommend you take a look. Another thought to consider is size. Do you want an overly friendly dog or one that will scare the pants off of anyone walking in your directions. But don’t make the BIG mistake of getting a dog thats too BIG if you are in a small apartment with no yard. Some dogs need room to run and expend their energy. It is not fair to you or your dog to be put in such a situation.

Do you have children? Is the breed known for biting? Certain breeds are much more prone to snap at little fingers, while larger dogs can knock toddlers over. This is why it’s important to find the right breed that will fit in your puzzle perfectly. One of the most loveable dogs is the German Shepherd. Besides being guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs, they are just plain great pets. A well known trait of the Shepherd is their ability to be trained to a high level. Great tips on training German Shepherds can be found at this link. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder will help assure that you avoid health problems that may be prevalent in a particular breed. Use the AKC or other breeders’ association to find a good match for a breeder for your puppy.

While there are over 300 different dog breeds you can begin to see what you need to look for in an adoption. Any dog you adopt will need you to care for them. Dogs do have health issues, which require you to take them to the vet. In fact before adoption you must be willing to take care of the expenses a dog can have. Dog sickness problems can cause stressful times that will require your time, money and patience. The sacrifice will be worth the effort. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to make good decisions up front and be prepart to reap the rewards of owning your own dog.