If you have decided that you want to get a dog, you should put some thought into what type of dog you want. Your new four-legged friend will be sharing your life for a long time, so it makes sense to do a little research on the various types of dogs. Different breeds have been bred for different purposes and learning a little bit about the history of the breed can help you avoid dogs with characteristics that are undesirable in your household. Even if you are considering a mixed breed, you can make a better decision if you know something about the breeds that make up the mutt. The library and shelters often have a number of books you can look through to learn more about dog breeds. If you have access to the Internet, numerous dog sites also have vast amounts of breed information.
When you start researching dog breeds, the first consideration is size. If you live in an apartment, are elderly, or small, you probably should avoid giant or high-energy breeds. Your personality also comes into play. If you hate grooming, you should avoid long-haired and double-coated breeds, such as Collies or Huskies. Along the same lines, if you are compulsively neat, you may want to get a short-haired breed that won’t leave as many tufts of hair around your house. Active people may want an energetic breed that they can take jogging or hiking, such as a Border Collies or Retrievers. But if you don’t exercise now, don’t expect a dog to change you. If your idea of recreation is reading in your recliner, you may want to look at smaller and more sedate breeds such as Corgis or Basset Hounds.
Your dog will be with you for years to come, so take the time to figure out what type of dog fits you and your lifestyle. Both you and your new friend will be better for it.