Choosing a new dog might seem to be a very simple and one way task, but there are indeed a lot a factors to consider. And when one embarks on it, it could be quite confusing and exhausting. With proper information at hand, choosing a dog can be a lot of fun. The main point to consider is finding the kind of dog that would fit and complement you, the owner.

Among the things that will have to be considered and discussed before getting a new dog are:

1. Who will have the primary responsibility of caring for and training the dog?

2. The expenses to be incurred for food, dog care, and the rest of the dog's needs like supplies, bed, crate, among other things.

3. The veterinarian that you will choose for your new dog.

Different breeds of dogs fit different people's lifestyle. There are dogs that are suited for the elderly, dogs for people with active lifestyles, and dogs for families with children.

Would you get a puppy or a grown up dog? Taking care of a puppy would require more attention and more trips to the vet, while getting an older dog will mean extra effort in establishing a bond between master and pet.

The breed of the dog is also a very important factor to consider. Temperment, activities, and other needs of a dog are sometimes influenced by its breed.

If its a pure breed dog that you want, your local kennel club is the best source of information. It should have access to reputable area breeders. A veterinarian can also provide reliable information where to find breeders for your dog of choice.

If its a hunting dog that you want, I would suggest the sporting breeds like the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Breeds of these nature are easy to train and are good with children, but they require an active lifestyle.

For experienced owners, recommended dogs are those from the AKC's working group like the Siberian Husky, the Rottweiler, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Hip dysplasia is common among these breeds, to be sure to get this type of dog from a reputable breeder.

Small dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers and people with older children. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise. These small dogs are very popular today.

People who have a farm and work livestock may want to consider dogs from the herding group like the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

Adoption is also a very good option, since there is such a huge dog population. Assistance in this area can be obtained from your local humane society or dog rescue organization.

When choosing a dog, do take your time. It could be a very enlightening and enjoyable adventure. Do some research, or better yet, talk to dog owners, groomers, breeders, and veterinarians. They have first hand information and they can give you sound advice from their experience. This will help ensure that the dog of your choice will fit into your lifestyle and you'll have the chance to enjoy your dog more.

About the Author:

Donnis Barron is the author and webmaster of Dogs and More! and other niche websites. For more information, please visit

http://www.wizchamp.com or send email to donnis@wizchamp.com

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