by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: November 12, 2009

If you are considering getting a dog for a pet, there are many things that you should consider and learn about prior to making your final decision. A dog is much more than just a dog. There are many different breeds that tend to share similarities. Not every dog of a single breed will be identical in temperament, health, or energy levels, of course, but there are things that certain breeds are more prone to than others. Knowing what those things are will be very useful to you and help ensure that you select a dog that is a good match for you and that you will be an ideal owner for.

*Purpose of Breed-When a breed is created, it is usually created with a purpose in mind. That might be as a hunting companion, a herding dog on the farm, or a guard dog. Whatever it is, it will help you to understand what the dog's natural instincts are going to lean towards.

*Food Needs-Most dogs will eat plain old dog food, but there are some that have food allergies, just like some people do, and for those dogs, you will need to be prepared to furnish a diet that they can be healthy and thrive on. There are also some dogs that are prone towards obesity and may need food that keeps them from putting on too much weight.

*Exercise Needs-Not every dog needs a long run every day, but there are some that do. If you get a very active breed and try to incorporate it into your very sedate lifestyle, you will probably end up with a dog that is bored and develops some undesirable habits. This can include tearing up your things, barking obsessively, or even becoming aggressive.

*Temperament-If you are getting a dog as a puppy, you will have a slightly better chance at determining temperament prior to getting him or her home, but if you are one of those angels that are adopting an adult dog, it is very important that you find out as much as possible about their past and how that has affected their temperament.

*Grooming Needs-Some dogs are more utilitarian, while others are more "foo foo". If you hate the thought of grooming a dog or paying a groomer to do it, then you aren't ideal for a poodle. On the other hand, if you love to sit down with your pet on your lap and just brush away, you may do far better with a Lhasa Apso than you would a Jack Russell Terrier.

*Housing Needs-Where do you live? What kind of a yard do you have? Some breeds are fine in apartments while others really need to have a large yard to run about in. Some dogs prefer to be inside while others prefer to be outside. These are things to consider if you are to come up with a good match.

*Ideal Climate-Remember that your dog is going to come equipped with their own clothing and it is one that he or she is stuck wearing year round. When considering a dog, first consider your climate and this will narrow down the options significantly for you.

A dog is a wonderful friend to have, but in order to be a friend right back, you should always make sure that you are getting the dog that you can do the best for. Taking the above things into consideration will give you both the best chance of success together.

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