So, you have decided you want to get a dog. Now comes the hard part, which breed of dog do you choose? There are such a wide variety of dog breeds available that this can be something of a daunting task. The following will give a quick overview of some of the things you should keep in mind when choosing which breed of dog to get for your next pet.

To most people, cost is an important factor in selecting a breed of dog. Some dog breeds, like English Bulldogs, can cost well over a thousand dollars per dog. Also, some dogs are more prone to having medical problems than others. Medical conditions usually mean veterinary care, which usually means high medical bills. Keep this in mind before you set your heart on a certain breed.

Another factor to consider is your housing and home situation. If you have a small apartment with kids, you probably won’t want to get a high energy dog that isn’t tolerant of being poked and prodded by youngsters. Alternately, if you are looking for a dog to run with you on jogs or bike rids, you probably shouldn’t go out and buy a Yorkshire terrier or a Pug.

If you’re set on getting a pure bred dog from a breeder, that’s fine, but keep in mind you can often find pure bred or nearly pure bred dogs at your local animal shelter or pound. There are also always a multitude of mutts that can make for fantastic and grateful life-companions. By adopting from a pound, you not only will probably save money, but you will also save a dog’s life.

Keep these factors in mind before you go out to select which type of dog you want, and you will be on your way to making the right choice for getting an excellent and lifelong canine companion.