I went through this a few years ago and a dog breeder wisely suggested that I thoroughly research certain breeds to decide on which would be the best. Some dogs are suited to certain life styles so you need to find out something about their background and characteristics before deciding.

1) The cost. eg collars, food, toys, etc 2) space. Have you space to keep a dog? will it have its own space and room/freedom to roam. consider both inside and out. 3) Time. Have you time to walk the dog at least 3 times a day? Have you someone you can rely on to feed it, walk it, when you are away or at work? 4) Training. Do you have the patience and will to teach and train the dog. or to put up with its behaviour?! 5) misc. Is this a passing notion or a long-term thought? Given all your resources and time, can you honestly keep a dog with a safe and loving environment?

Remember that a dog could possibly live for almost 20 years... are you willing and able to have something COMPLETELY dependent on you for that long? You'll need to spend time with it EVERY DAY, walk it, feed it, play with it etc. If you can do this, then go for it. - Research dog breeds before you buy. Some dogs need more space, more exercise, and more mental stimulation than others. Some dogs are NOT good for first time dog owners. Keep this in mind. - And also, if possible, get your dog from the shelter rather than from a breeder. There are already countless dogs who need homes, and who will be put down if no one adopts them, so why pay a breeder to make more puppies for you when there are perfectly good dogs around already who need your love? - Good luck! I hope this all works out for you!

There are a few things to consider before getting a dog. You do have to remember that each breed was designed to do different things, and it is stll in their genes to do it. For example if you do get onw that has a terrier in it don't be suprised if it digs a lot or tends to have trouble staying in your yard because of what it as bred to do. Same as other breeds. Also consider the size of the dog, temperment - are there small children, and also remember that the dog is going to be around for many years. Please consider rescuing or adopting your dog, there are many dogs in need of homes. Most dogs from a pet store are from puppy mills, and not only could you have problems but that isn't something to support. If you do go to a breeeder you should do some research on it. Good luck!

Having a dog is a wonderful thing! It is much like having a child. It requires a lot of time, money and responsibility. They need space, walks everyday, they can be destructive, they need training, they will not be housebroken when they are puppies, and this requires a LOT of time. They need a doctor, this can be very expensive at times. Vacations or over night stays become a little bit more complex, you need a sitter. They need bathed, nail trimmings, ear cleanings, toys, treats, a good solid dog food. Training can be difficult, so it is best to take them to a class, to teach them and you. They need shots, tags, & permits. Each breed has a different need. Look into the breeds and if you decide to get one, pick one that fits your life style, do not pick one for the cute factor! We have a husky, and he requires so much space to run, he needs to dig, he loves to pull and work. He also sheds so much! He has a different temperment than our Golden Retriver. Our Golden Retriver is an attention whore..lol She also has ADHD I think. She LOVES water! While they do get along, they have such different needs. I hope this has helped. Getting a dog is not something to take lightly. It changes your whole life. For us they are a blessing. Good luck to you!=)

Don't even consider getting a dog if it will be left alone for hours at a time, ie when going to work. Dogs get extremely stressed when alone and it's incredibly cruel to shut them up for hours at a time five days a week.

A dog is a responsibility. Don't get one because you want a toy. They need lots of things. Including eating your shoes. And they poo and pee constantly. They'll require a lot of love and care. Are you prepared to change your lifestyle to accommodate one?

adopt from a shelter or rescue, but be careful. I adopted two dogs out of a lost and found. They'd been abused by previous owner and it took me awhile to convince them I was a "Nice HUman" and wouldn't hurt them. Problem was, they were VERY afraid of strangers and when they grew up, became VERY nasty to them (Big dogs) so I'd probably get a puppy first, but in any case, get the dog introduced to humans and let it see not all are bad. I went without for them a few times (Bad money management) so I took the brunt, they ate well and I was very happy. Like others have said, "Get a breed that fits YOU" I would go for morning walks and this was 3-5 miles walks, they got their exercise and had fun. BUt also beware that they (Unless nutered/spayed) WILL ROAM and do everything they can to escape and this includes "Actual Thought" I know it sounds silly, but my dogs worked at escaping and became quite good at it. Luckily, they didn't like fireworks, so I'd go to the porch when they took off and light off some firecrackers. In 5 min, they'd be home shaking :)

The only thing I can think to add to what has already been posted is to think of where you plan to be life wise in one year, 5 years, ten years, etc...Trust me, moving with pets is no joke, nor is trying to find a mate who will at least respects your pets, never mind loves and cares for them. Another thing to consider is will you have children as some breeds do not do well with children, especially if they are not socialized from an early age. My dog (pit bull) Chloe is an example. She is a great dog, but was not exposed to young children early in her life. Now I cannot trust her to behave well around young children. My mother brought my friend's young children (aged 3 and 2) over one time, and my dog got too rough with them.

Consider now how the dog will die. A large percent of the cost may be medical care at the end of life. You want a dog that will genetically be likely to die of a heart attack not something slow, and expensive.

THE most important factor is what type of dog rests with the battery they use ... I say a lithium ion due to it fast recharge and long cycle life...

Do not buy a border collie, unless you are an energetic person and have time to exercise your dog everyday. Border collies demand attention and play time. They will love and protect you for it.

Always expect the unexpected. You don't have money for them to be sick, they get sick. They MUST have medical treatment, flea prevention, hearworm, etc. For some dogs this may be once a year for some once a week. As they get older it will become very expensive. Some breeds need a lot of grooming. Chihuahuas I know are known to easily break bones because of their small bones. They need their nails cut a lot. This adds up. Do you plan to move? If you are renting you can bet that you will have a big challenge in finding a place that allows pets. Then if they do it will be a big deposit in most cases. If you travel a lot or work long hours please don't get a pet. You can't take them with you and they do not do well being left alone long hours. Do you have lots of time to exercise and play with them. They require it. Assume it's just like a child. Whatever that child needs a dog needs. House training, exercise, food, medical care, attention and lots of it. ALWAYS expect the unexpected.

Dogs require space. Discipline. Time. A place to poop. A sense of purpose. A place in the pack. . I'm a cat person. I kind of understand dogs. Which makes me more of a cat person. . There's an old joke; dogs have masters, cats have staff. . It's a clever joke but in a sense it is backwards. Dogs rely on human beings far more than cats do, they need meaning and structure. Cats only truly need food.