There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with. You are going to have to deal with your dogs hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. Its a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your familys time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St....