by Jennifer Moore

Created on: March 04, 2009

One of the most important thing to consider when choosing your new best friend is selecting a dog breed. The decision to add a dog as a companion to your household is not one to be taken lightly. If you are unsure of whether you are ready for a dog or if you already have ideas in mind of what you can do with the dog if it doesn't work out, never mind the dog and get a plant. Careful selection of a dog breed will ensure that your new family member will fit into and adapt well to your household. Personality, physical needs and common health issues are three important things to consider when selecting a breed.

Just as with humans, personalities vary greatly among dogs. There are however characteristics that are common in breeds. Choose a breed with a personality to match your life style. For instance, if you frequently vacation, travel, camp or enjoy the outdoors, a breed that commonly wanders off wouldn't be the best choice for you. Alternatively, if your idea of relaxing is closer to quietly enjoying an ice cold beverage in the warm sun of your own backyard, you may not appreciate Rover's playful attempts to get your attention when he jumps on you and plops a slobbery squeaky toy in your lap. Therefore, a socially dependent and highly energetic breed wouldn't be your best choice. Other personality characteristics for your consideration are how much time you are willing and able to spend training and playing with your dog and how likely the breed is to get along with other pets, children and strangers.

Personality is not the only thing that determines a dog's behavior. Their physical needs also contribute greatly to the way a dog acts. Choose a breed that requires and prefers the same amount of physical activity you do. If you rarely spend time going for walks or visiting the park, selecting a breed that requires regular lengthy walks and plenty of vigorous outdoor activity may not be the breed for you. Also, be sure to consider the size of your yard, your climate and the amount of time you anticipate your dog will be outside. Different breeds tolerate various climates differently.

Common health issues is important to consider for two main reasons. Number one, you want to make sure that you are emotionally, financially and physically capable and willing to maintain your dog's health. If you are not capable or willing to spend the extra for expensive tests, select a breed that is not known for serious health conditions. Secondly, you'll want to keep an eye on and regularly monitor your dog's health for conditions common to his or her breed.

As with any other family member, the addition of a dog (or any other pet) is a decision that requires planning and serious consideration. Bringing a cute little puppy home and giving him or her a name and watching it grow and learn can be fun and enjoyable but a dog can live as long as 20 years (and maybe longer) so careful consideration is important in selecting the breed that will best suit your life style and household. One of the best resources for researching dog breeds (and other animal breeds) and their characteristics is Petfinder. Visit www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds
to find a wealth of information on dog breeds including all of the topics discussed in this article and much more. Remember too, that there are many dogs and even puppies that currently need to be adopted into loving homes. Some are already trained and just need a family to love them so consider checking your local kennel or humane society for your new best friend.

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