Instructions
Consider the amount of room you have to offer a dog. Some mellow breeds, regardless of their size, do well in a limited amount of space, while more active breeds require more room to roam. The amount of exercise you give your dog will make a difference in how much floor space it needs.
Picture the type of personality you'd like your dog to have. Would you like one that loves everyone, or one that will be your protector? Do you want one that's easy to train or one that's independent? Many breeds are easygoing and would be great with kids, while others are temperamental and wouldn't do well with a lot of activity in the household. Some breeds are excellent with other animals, but others, such as some terriers, may kill other pets if you give them the chance. Do some research if you don't know for what purpose breeders originally developed the type of dog you're considering.
Do a self-appraisal. Are you an active person who'd love to have a dog accompany you on your daily run? Or are you content with a leisurely daily walk? It's important to match a dog's energy level to your own.
Determine the type of coat you'd like your dog to have. A short coat is easy to care for and requires little grooming. A long coat needs regular brushing to remove snarls and may require clipping four or more times a year. A longer coat also takes more effort to keep clean.
Think about who will be around your dog the most. If anyone in your family, or someone who visits frequently, is allergic to dog dander, you may need to limit your search to breeds that are the least likely to produce an allergic reaction.
Check your budget. A large dog's food, treats, toys, bed and most other supplies will cost more than those for a small one. Also consider professional grooming costs for breeds that need haircuts.
Keep in mind that some breeds tend to bark more than others. Breeds such as coon hounds and beagles bay instead of barking.
Ask yourself if dog drool would bother you. Breeds such as bulldogs and basset hounds tend to drool and slobber.
Decide if you're OK with having a dog with a short lifespan. Giant breeds such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Newfoundlands age faster because of their size, and their hearts and bodies tend to give out between the ages of 8 and 10. Small dogs usually live the longest, but there are exceptions.
How to Select a Dog Breed
Adding a dog to your family should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Puppies are difficult to resist, but it wouldn't be fair to bring a puppy home, only to find out later that it doesn't fit in with your lifestyle. You have many things to consider before choosing a breed of dog. Become familiar with the breeds you're interested in and talk to breeders if you can. Mixed-breed dogs will show traits of the various bloodlines in their background.