Most of my dogs that have wandered into my life were strays, so I have never given much thought to finding a dog that fit my lifestyle. I guess I've adapted my lifestyle to accommodate them. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, it is a good idea to research the different types of dog breeds and be familiar with their personality type, energy level, and care requirements. Doing the research up front will help you determine if the dog will be a good fit with your family and can prevent having to deal with behaviour problems or finding the dog another home.
Some breeds are high maintenance and require regular grooming or lots of exercise. If your schedule doesn't permit enough free time to properly care for a particular type of dog, you may want to consider a different breed. The Animal Planet web site has a fun, 10-question survey that will help you identify what breed may be best suited to your situation. It also has a Dog Breed Directory that lists characteristics for each breed.
Out of curiosity, I completed the survey and had a 99% match with a Canaan, which is a herding dog. Ironically, I've owned mostly large herding dogs, but lately the strays that have have been showing up on my doorstep are getting more diminutive with each addition. The latest is a Chihuahua/Boston Terrier mix. Even the cats are bigger than he is.
If you are considering a pure-bred dog, check out the rescue groups that place breed-specific animals that have been given up for adoption. A local veterinarian or animal shelter should be able to provide you with a list of the groups in your area. If you decide to use a breeder, be sure to verify that they are a reputable operation. Some breeders, who breed strictly for profit, may not keep the animals in a humane environment, or breed without any concern for latent medical problems which can result in expensive vet bills down the road.
So do yourself and the dog a favor and know what you are in for before you choose a new pet. And consider giving a rescued dog a second chance at a better life.
To use the Animal Planet Dog Breed Selector or to access its Dog Breed Directory, click on the following link: http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
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