So you want to get a dog. Where do you start? How do you choose? If you are interested in acquiring a purebred pup, with specific physical features and personality traits, your best bet is to search the internet for breeder. But if you aren't looking for a pristine pedigree, you need look no further than your local pound or Humane Society.

* Consider Adopting a Mutt *

The area shelter typically has a wide variety of dogs available for adoption, purebred and mixed breed, adults and puppies. A mutt can be a great choice for a prospective dog owner. Mixed breeds often have a more robust genetic makeup and fewer chronic health problems that do purebred dogs, that may have been the product of some degree of inbreeding.

* There's No Such Thing as a Free Dog *

But don't look to the pound with the idea that you can get a "free" dog. Shelters require that any dog adopted is, or will soon be, neutered or spayed. The adoption fee that you pay typically covers the cost of this surgery as well as all of the recommended vaccinations. Keep in mind that, no matter what you pay to acquire a dog, mutt or purebred, that cost is but a small drop in the bucket compared to the long-term expense of maintaining a healthy pet.

Regardless of the type or age of dog you consider adopting, here are some guidelines to help ensure that the pup you ultimately select is a good match for your lifestyle, personality and family.

* Shopping List for Adopting Puppy *

Head to the pound or breeder with a clear idea of the traits that you would like to have in a dog, both physical and behavioral. Do you want a pup or adult; large or small breed; sedate or energetic animal? It is easy to be swayed by an adorable dog that is entirely wrong you. So enter into your search with a flexible "shopping list".

* Ask the Right Questions *

Once have found a dog that interests you, do some investigating, a background check of sorts. You want to embark on this new relationship with your eyes wide open.

* If the dog is a mixed breed, what are the suspected or known breeds of the parents?

* If the dog is not full grown, how big do they suspect it will be when an adult?

* Does the dog appear to be healthy? Are its eyes bright and coat shiny? If not, ask the shelter employees what is wrong with the dog, and how the health problems can be addressed.

* If you have kids, particularly small children, ask if the dog is good with little ones. If the handlers assure you that the dog is good with children, bring

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