How to Choose the Right Dog for Your Family

Consult a veterinarian, who can provide useful advice on a breed's behavior and temperament as well as potential medical problems. A vet's opinion is apt to be less biased than that of a breeder, who is trying to sell a particular breed.

Consider your daily routine. Are you or someone else home often enough to care for a dog? If not, consider adopting a more independent pet, such as a cat.

Think about your family. Do you have young kids in the house? If so, be sure to choose a breed that generally gets along well with children.

Evaluate your living environment. Is it rural or urban, an apartment or a house? A Chihuahua or Yorkshire terrier may love your one-bedroom apartment, but larger breeds need more room to roam.

Supplement the information you receive from a veterinarian with further study about different breeds. For an overview of breed characteristics, search our site for eHows on specific breeds or check the pet section of your local library. Talking to dog owners can provide additional advice.

Decide whether you want a purebred or a mixed-breed dog. If you plan to show or breed your dog, then choose a purebred. If not, keep in mind that mixed-breed dogs can be just as loyal and lovable.

Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Many wonderful puppies and adult dogs have been abandoned or given up to animal shelters or breed rescue groups, and adopting a pet from one of these sources may mean saving a life.

Ask the seller to tell you about particular habits or personality traits the dog exhibits.

Ask the seller about the parents of the puppies when visiting a purebred litter. Be sure that each parent belongs to an entirely different family and has been screened for common genetic or inheritable diseases.