Since owning a dog is a big responsibility, you should make sure you are ready for this rewarding job. Once you have considered the expense and responsibility of owning a dog and made the decision to adopt, you and your family will be very excited.

You will need to decide on what kind of dog you want to adopt. You will want to consider this carefully as there are many types - mixed breeds, toy breeds, working breeds, large breeds and everythign in between.

Before you choose the breed, here are a few things to think about:

In just the United States there are over 70 million dogs. Choosing the right breed or mix can be quite difficult. It you are interested in adopting a full breed dog, then you will need to do a little research on the different types of breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club.

To make sure you find the right breed of dog, you need to find what characteristics you want in the dog. Would a small, cuddly lap dog be a satisfactory addition to your family? Are you looking for a dog that will help you to feel secure by watching out for you and your family? You may want a short haired dog that would be easier to groom. Should it's hair be long? Although all breeds are capable of providing the love, devotion and companionship desired by most humans, before pursuing adoption, you should also be aware of the fact that every breed possesses characteristic inclinations, as well.


Another thing you should think about is where you live. A large dog, such as a Newfoundland, is probably not your best choice if your house or apartment is a small one due to obvious reasons.

Can you devote sufficient time to the requirements of your newly acquired friend? Since long haired or fluffy dogs require regular baths and grooming, you may not want to choose this type of dog if you don't have a lot of extra time on your hands. You should also realize that some breeds of dogs will require extra attention to their ears, eyes, or nails depending on which type of breed you choose. If you are insistent on calling a fluffy little dog such as a Pomeranian your own, make certain that your financial status will allow sufficient funds for visits to the groomer, unless you are capable of grooming the dog.

By carefully weighing your options and realizing that your new dog will be a member of the family for a long time to come, you will carefully choose the right dog for you and your family.