Advise on considerations on choosing the right kind of dog?

first find one that you particularly like, then read all about it, then get it... any dog can be a good dog with the right trainingAdvise on considerations on choosing the right kind of dog?
Choosing a dog breed should always be based on your dog experience, many breeds are not for an inexperienced owner and second your activity/energy level. Your energy level should always match that of your dogs. but if you do to the website www.dogbreedinfo,com they have a breed selector quiz there. It is actually pretty helpful. You put in your criteria and it gives you breeds that match you and your needs.Advise on considerations on choosing the right kind of dog?
honestly dont get so stuck on a specific breed.. go to your local shelter and look at the mixed breeds they have their... unless you require a purebred because you are planning on showing it.. a partbred dog can be a brilliant choice...





learn the traits of the more common breeds in your area.. eg Border Collies are common here but are NOT good house dogs for people with little time - they are intelligent and will be destructive if left too long without a ';JOB';.





do you have kids?? if young NEVER get a puppy..


do you have fenced yard ? and how high?


how much grooming are you willing to do?? (non-shedding dogs require daily brushing and monthly trips to dog groomer)


how much time do you have for a dog?


why do you want a dog?





NEVER NEVER get from a pet store - they will lie to you about the traits of a breed simply to get a sale - they are in it for PROFIT not for the best interest of you or the dog...





visit your local SPCA or shelter and learn first...
Depending on whether you like big dogs or little dogs, shedding or not. Where you live, what size of area you have to roam depends on the size, or if you have children. I have If they are long hair they require more attention, or if you have to clip them can range from 25-100 dollars. I have two Shih Tzu's which are very loving and affectionate. I do spend $60.00 every two months to clip their hair, frontline $50.00, but the love and companionship is priceless.
I think Wuuzle's right on the mark with their answer ;)
Not only do you need to evaluate your current lifestyle BUT your future plans in the next 12 years. If you plan on having kids choose a kid friendly dog and socialize him around kids of all ages. Way too many dogs are dumped by owners when they have kids, it is possible to have kids and dogs at the same time. Don't think a 3lb Chihuahuha will be safe around any kid, they break very easily. If you plan on having kids will you continue grooming your hairy breed or would a short haired breed be better? Or less likely to track in dirt or shed. Will you continue jogging with your high energy dog or get a more mellow one who would forgive a few days off from jogging and be satisfied with a 30 min ball playing session. You may be OK with a toy guarding dog but your kid will get bit. I have some dogs that would not live well with kids although they tolerate petting but even when I was younger never wanted kids myself. So a food aggressive dog would not harm anyone here but no kid would be safe.
Go to eukanuba.com and they have a puppy selecting tool there for you. You can also go to exoticpets.com and there is info there.


Basically, just be honest with yourself and figure out what you can handle schedule-wise and time committment-wise.


If you want something fairly low maintenance, you could get a fish tank.


Also, snakes and lizards are pretty cool if you don't mind feeding them whatever they require, live bugs or mice or whatever.


Good luck.
Questions to ask yourself:





1) how active are you? A high-energy dog like a Lab might not be for you if you are a low-energy person.


2) do you work away from home? A puppy needs more care than just seeing you in mornings and at night. If you are out of the house for most of the day, get an older dog.


3) how much shedding are you willing to put up with? ALL dogs (except hairless ones) shed. Dogs with longer, thicker fur shed more than dogs with short fur.


4) do you travel a lot? You can take smaller dogs on a plane as hand luggage.


5) do you have young kids? Smaller dogs can be more easily hurt by over-zealous children.





Here are some quizzes you can take:


http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm


http://pets.blogcarnival.com/archives/20鈥?/a>





Other links:


http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/a鈥?/a>


http://www.weeno.com/art/0499/35.html
Did you not just ask this question?!?