A dog quickly becomes a family member and as such it must be able to fit in with the family’s lifestyle. If it is the wrong breed of dog, brought home for the wrong reason, and/or one that fails to meet your expectations, then instead of the animal becoming a beloved member of the family, it could become a burden and an outcast. With careful consideration about the needs and requirements of different breeds and thought as to how this pertains to your own lifestyle, the end result will be four-legged loving companion that will bring you much joy and happiness for years to come.

There are 147 different AKC recognized breeds of dogs. They come in many shapes and sizes. Some breeds have long hair, others are short-haired; some need lots of room to run, others just a small yard; some require laps to sit in, others are more independent. Before bringing a dog home to become a part of your family, you should ask yourself the following questions and write down the answers. Then seek a dog that best meets your responses.

• o you know how big it will grow? D
• do you have enough room, both inside and outside, to meet its exercise needs?
• do you know how active it will be?
• will its temperament and personality fit your own?
• will it constantly need attention?
• do you have the time to train the puppy?
• is it easy to housebreak?
• are you prepared to forego other activities in order to tend to the pup’s needs?
• can you afford the necessary vaccinations and visits to the veterinarian?

• can you provide sufficient daily exercise routines for the dog?
• do you have time to spend taking care of the dog’s emotional needs?
• are there special dietary needs?
• are there any health problems that you should consider and be aware of?
• do you have a safe place to keep the dog when you are not at home?
• will its coat require special care and professional grooming?

• spend quality time with the dog.
• make personal sacrifices in order to see to the dog’s needs.
• feed, groom and house it properly.
• be forgiving if it goes to the bathroom where it should not.
• deal with dog hair.
• take it to training classes, if necessary.
• treat the dog as a four-legged member of your family.
• accept the responsibilities of dog ownership.

• a companion who asks no questions, makes no judgments.
• someone who loves you regardless of who you are, what you do or how much money you have in the bank.
• to come home to a presence that immediately fills the room with love and devotion when you walk through the door.
• To live a life that is mindful while being minded, loving while being loved, and caring while being cared for.

In short, dogs are man’s best friends and most faithful companions, but they do bring with them responsibilities and obligations that must be considered by anyone thinking about getting a dog.