How do you pick the dog right for you?

Answer 1

This is the best question I have seen on this site!
It is rare to find someone who thinks before grabbing a dog and taking it home. If everyone were like this, there would be a lot less homeless dogs.
You should sit down and make a list of things like what you like to do for hobbies, how often you go out of town, where you go on vacation, how big your yard is, whether you are going to have, or have children, how long you are gone at work, how much spare time you have to play, groom, train, etc.
It is so important to get a pet that will fit in with your lifestyle.
For instance, if you are a couch potato and like to fall into the recliner when you get home from work, a Border Collie or a Jack Russell would not be the dog for you. If you have very small children, minpins would not be a good choice.
Once you have your list of requirements to fit into your family lifestyle, buy a breed description book at the bookstore (they are pretty cheap), and flip through to look for breeds that fit what you have decided you need. After you do the research, you could either contact breeders to find the right temperament for your needs, or contact a rescue group for that breed. There are also shelters that work with the dogs and can gauge personalities and traits, as well as best guesses on what breeds the dogs are.
I have rarely known anyone who has not had a successful addition to the family when the research is done first.
Good luck in your search and I know you will find that exact right dog for you!

Answer 2

Ask yourself a bunch of questions....If your already certain that you can make the financial and time commitment for the life of the dog...then consider how much time you have to devote to it's exercise, whether you want a small dog or a big dog, are there considerations regarding length of fur, temperment, etc... then go to the American Kennel Club website and research differnet breeds. Or better yet go to the local shelter and adopt an adult dog. But do your research because different breeds have inherant personality traits. And some dogs require a ton of exercise.

Answer 3

Complicated question, really. Make a check list. How much space you have, how much time you can devote to walks, or runs, do you want a dog that responds(and needs) serious training(I think not, or you wouldn't be asking) or general household and obedience with socialization(which is the minimum any well adjusted dog will NEED.???? What activities, do you want your dog to be able to join in with you.?? Can you even afford the vet bills and decent quality food involved.??

Keep the answers to all those Qs in mind and go to several different shelters. Throw it all out the window when you meet eyes with THE dog.

Answer 4

I have always suggested letting the pup pick me. the one that comes first and wants my attension.

Answer 5

tRY TO GET ONE THAT MATCHES YOU AND YOUR PERSONALITY IF YOU HAVE BLACK FRIZZY HAIR GET A BLACK POODLE. IF YOU LIKE HUNTING GET A RETREVIER