| Simply seeing that furry little bundle in front of a | | | | Some breeds are protective, while others are |
| grocery store for free doesn't mean that is the | | | | overly friendly. Make sure you can deal with the |
| puppy you need to take home. Adopting a dog is | | | | habits of the dog. Some dogs have inherent |
| an important decision, and you need to do your | | | | health issues. Dog health is very important and |
| research to make sure that you are finding the | | | | you will need to brush up on how to care for |
| right breed and tempered dog for your family. | | | | your dog. |
| Understanding the differences in the breeds will | | | | Size matters when selecting a dog. Do you have |
| help you make a good choice so that your new | | | | the room for a giant dog, or would you rather |
| family member can give you joy for years to | | | | have a lap dog? German shepherds, labs, and |
| come. | | | | other dogs require more space. If living in small |
| The first thing to be aware of is that the | | | | quarters, a large dog may get underfoot. Small |
| American Kennel Club classes dogs by group. | | | | dogs frequently love to jump up on you and |
| There are seven different categories of dogs: | | | | cuddle. |
| sporting, non-sporting, toy, terrier, hound, working | | | | Do you have children? Is the breed known for |
| and a miscellaneous class. Matching your family | | | | biting? Certain breeds are much more prone to |
| with the right group will give you a good | | | | snap at little fingers, while larger dogs can knock |
| foundation to work from. Read up on each group | | | | toddlers over. This is why it's important to find |
| and find out what makes it special. | | | | the right breed that will fit in your puzzle perfectly. |
| Some things to keep in mind when deciding to | | | | Getting your dog from a reputable breeder will |
| adopt a new dog or puppy: | | | | help assure that you avoid health problems that |
| There is a commitment involved in dog ownership. | | | | may be prevalent in a particular breed. Use the |
| They truly become like a child, incurring food and | | | | AKC or other breeders' association to find a good |
| medical expenses. Be prepared to take your dog | | | | match for a breeder for your puppy. |
| with you on trips, or make suitable arrangements | | | | You don't have to go the puppy route. You can |
| when you are gone. | | | | also rescue an older dog. Many pure-breed dogs |
| Match your lifestyle to the type of dog you want. | | | | and mixes are available through shelters. Research |
| Clean conscious people may need to steer away | | | | to find a rescue group near you; many of these |
| from the long hair, high shedding dogs, while those | | | | can give you a history of the dog and an idea of |
| who want a dog to participate in hikes and | | | | temperament (and potential issues if they exist). |
| outdoor adventures will want a high-energy dog. If | | | | Taking your time and to find the right pet will give |
| you are in an apartment, you may want a lower | | | | you and your family unending joy and kisses from |
| energy dog that is content to stay inside. | | | | your furry friend. Nothing beats hearing those |
| Read up on habits of certain breeds before | | | | footsteps running to greet you at the door and |
| making a decision - terriers, for example, are | | | | the happy tail wagging when mom or dad gets |
| notorious for digging. Some varieties are "yippy". | | | | home. |