Choosing a dog is like choosing your new best friend. You want to make sure you do everything to make your closest companion feel comfortable and at home, so they can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Dog ownership is a privilege. Give your best friend the love and attention he deserves, and you will be repaid with devotion and loyalty many times over.

Start By Asking Yourself Why You Want A Dog In The First Place As This Will Really Help Narrow Down The Sorts Of Decisions You Need To Make.

You may want a companion or playmate for your children, perhaps a strong dog with good guarding instincts. You may harbour ambitions to show or compete with your dog, perhaps you want a couch potato to keep you company or an active exercise buddy for your morning run. Any one of these reasons will invariably involve choosing a very different type of dog. Make the wrong decision and you are likely to store up a whole lot of angst for all concerned.

There Are Many Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Dog For Your Lifestyle, Here Are Just Some Of Them:

Do you want a pure-breed, and are you aware of the breed's specific needs or problems?
Are you just as happy with a mutt or mixed-breed?
How easy will your dog be to train?
How active is your preferred dog, can you give it the right exercise?
Do you want a big or small dog? are there any size related issues?
Do you really want the hard work of a puppy?
Will you accept an older or senior dog?
Would you consider adopting a dog?
Do you have children?
If so do you have very young children?
Can you afford to keep and maintain a dog to a healthy standard?
Do you, or anyone close to you suffer from allergies and may benefit from a hypo-allergenic dog?

Choosing the right dog ultimately boils down to making sensible informed choices. Lead with your head rather than your heart, and try to find a dog that on balance is likely to be the most compatible with your own lifestyle. Know what you can and cannot provide for your dog and stick to those boundaries. As long as you love your dog and give him the care and attention he deserves, you really will have the best friend anyone could ask for.