by Trisha Burke

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2010

You've waited and waited for the perfect time and now it's here: time to add a dog to your home life!

So the question becomes, "Do I adopt a dog from a shelter, look for one online via Craigslist or other community resource, or contact a breeder for a purebred?".

Before you do any of these it's absolutely critical to decide which breed or mix of breeds is suitable to your lifestyle. You may have dreamed of having a Border Collie but would a working dog with this kind of energy really be happy in your apartment with you gone at work all day? Or perhaps a Chihuahua has been on your mind. If you have small children in your home a tiny breed dog may not be the best choice. Things to consider are: what kind of home do you have? Apartment? Single-family house in a suburb? A home with acreage? And, how often are you at home? Some breeds are much more condusive to longer periods of time alone than others. Does your desired breed have high exercise requirements? Or is it a more low-energy, laid-back breed that you would really prefer. Does anyone in your home have allergies? Does a feline reside in your home?

Resist the temptation to be swayed by looks and you are more likely to be satisfied with what you bring home. And remember, even if you get a "mixed" breed, breed-specific tendencies may show up in your dog so consider them. Lastly, dogs can live into their teens, so consider, too, the cost associated with ownership.

Once you've narrowed your list you have abundant resources for finding your perfect pooch. Craigslist has become a popular venue for buying/selling pets (among other things!). Adoption fees are generally lower than other sources, an application process is rarely necessary, and you have an opportunity to see the dog in its home environment and talk candidly with the current owner about the dog's history.

Ocassionally, current owners ask to see the home you will be providing or ask for a period of "visiting rights" until everyone is satisfied that the new placement is a good one. One possible downside to adopting from Craigslist is that there are reportedly many "backyard breeders" who sell here and it may not be something you want to encourage. However, adopting a dog from an individual may mean that you have saved a dog from being sent to a shelter.

Another resource for adopting is an animal shelter (County, Humane Societies, etc.). There is an application process (often lengthy), an adoption fee to help defray costs of running the shelter, an interview

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>