Before choosing to add a dog to your family, take the time to consider your surroundings and what you are really looking for. Many people fall in love with the first dog they see. Sometimes that may work but in reality a lot goes into selecting a dog. Do your homework on the breeds of dogs that will be suitable for you and your family. Some factors to consider are the ages of the children in the home, and who will be the primary care giver of the dog. Does anyone in the home have allergies? Are there elderly people living in the home?

Falling in love with the very first dog you see is probably not an uncommon thing. Weigh the pros and cons about each dog you are possibly deciding upon taking home. Remember that this is a major decision. The life span of dogs is roughly 10-12 years or more. Shelters are full of animals that were not “a good fit for the family”. Having a dog is not all happiness and fun. It takes patience and a willingness to train on a consistent level. Your dog will have a personality of his own and that might conflict with what you are looking for.

You may fall in love with the adorable golden retriever, but if he is still young, how big will he actually grow to be? Large dogs obviously need more space. Small dogs are more delicate so if you have very young children, take that into consideration. Smaller dogs also tend to be bark more and are quicker to bite than their larger counterparts.

You must spend some time with any dog you are considering adopting. Visit the dog a few times and don’t be in a hurry to take him home. Learn about the background of the dog. Look for signs of his temperament, energy level and possible attitude towards family members. Know that it will be an adjustment for all concerned – even your new dog.If you like what you see, keep going: Unknown painting of what appear to be two golden retrievers and a bulldog