Adding a four-legged member to your family requires more than just a few moments of planning. Many people make the mistake of obtaining a puppy on a whim and find that the particular breed they've selected is just not suitable for their family and lifestyle. The fact is that while all dogs are different, breeds have evolved over time to carry certain traits. Take some time, do some research, plan well, and you will discover that the odds of a puppy fitting in well to your household will rise dramatically. Begin by asking yourself these important questions:

What Is My Lifestyle?

Are you an avid outdoors person? A hiker, biker or runner? Do you want a dog that can go right along with you? Or are you more of a stay-at-home type and think a lap dog might work out just fine? Seriously consider the amount of exercise you will be willing to provide to a dog. While all dogs need a modicum of exercise daily, some need much more than others.

What Do I Want in a Dog?

Are you looking for an independent thinker, a dog who is willing to be apart from you? Or would you prefer a "Velcro dog," one which wants nothing more than to be lying at your feet? Do you have allergies? Do you envision a house without hair? Can you handle drooling? How much time can you put into grooming? Consider all of these when choosing a breed.

How Much Room Do I Have?

Do you live in a house with a fenced yard, or an apartment with an elevator? Are your neighbors dog-friendly? Do you have the room needed for a large breed to lie in the middle of the floor? Try to envision that tiny puppy as a full-grown dog.

Who Else Do I Need to Consider?

Everyone in your household. Do you have small children? Babies? Planning to have a baby? Does your mother-in-law live with you? Have roommates? Any other pets? Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page when adding a dog to the mix, or hard feelings can erupt. Take allergies, fears and preferences into consideration and be sure it is a family decision with a 100% unanimous vote.

My Child Wants a Dog. Is He Ready for That?

For the most part, avoid assuming a child can take on the responsibility of a dog. It is far too critical to place that on a child's shoulders. Rather, tell the child you will be partners in taking care of the puppy together. You can assign chores, but be prepared to follow up on them. As small children tend to wane on the excitement of a new puppy once she has chewed up their favorite toys or piddled on a sweater, the adults will have to be the bottom-line caretakers.

Am I Financially Ready For a Dog?

Even a free puppy is expensive, and often the free ones are the costliest. There are regular veterinary visits, spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations. Grooming costs can be as simple as shampoo and brushing at home, but will rise if your dog requires professional grooming expenses. Flea and tick medication and other preventative measures are vitally important to your dog, as well as feeding a high-quality food to ensure optimum health. That doesn't even touch on emergencies that may occur, such as illness and accidents. You should have plan in place, such as a savings account, or consider insurance. Pet health care insurance is widely available and is highly recommended to avoid the often-heartbreaking situation pet owners may face in an emergency.

The Song Remains the Same.

Now that you have some of the basics out of the way, consider particular breeds. Some of the most popular breeds today aren't necessarily the best for everyone. As stated before, breeds have evolved over the years for certain traits, and while each dog will carry a different personality, you can bet some of the characteristics will remain the same. Have a beautiful garden you are a stickler for? Keep in mind that terriers dig. Can't stand dog hair? Golden Retrievers shed like crazy and they like to be right on top of you at all times. Sadly, Labradors have been so over bred they are overflowing at animal shelters. Chihuahuas may be all the rage in Hollywood but they are definitely not for everyone. That Border Collie that is so adorable and so intelligent? If you do not provide an outlet for that working energy he will soon be herding your children and cats. An adult male Great Dane can weigh upwards of 160 pounds so you may need to think about reinforcing that couch! The point here is each breed has pros, cons, and an ideal living arrangement. Read about them; ask people who have a particular breed what they like and dislike. Look at all factors and angles before deciding on a breed because those inherited traits, good or bad, will come out sooner or later. If you are aware of them, prepared for them, and ready for them, you are already ahead of the game. Still have a couple questions?

Where Do I Get My Dog?

"Reputable breeder" or "RB" is a term you may hear quite often in your quest for a pup. A reputable breeder is one who breeds for the sole purpose of bettering the breed. Usually, reputable breeders are heavily involved with a breed club, show their dogs, and breed to better the bloodlines. They test their dogs for inherited abnormalities such as eye or hip problems. An RB does not breed for money, for friends, to let their child experience the miracle of birth, or on accident. Also, a reputable breeder will NOT breed for a pet store or any other broker, as good breeders would never sell a dog without knowing who is buying the dog. RBs generally require a contract requiring spay/neuter procedures unless the dog is continuing the bloodlines under strict contract. An RB will always take back any puppy, even years later, if the buyer cannot keep it for any reason. Reputable breeders often have a pet quality puppy that will have the same health clearances and excellent bloodlines as their show pups, and simply need a pet home. So ask around. Go to dog shows, ask friends, check shelters, rescues, and veterinarian offices.

Stay Away from Advertising.

Stay away from newspaper ads, parking lots and pet stores. If you want to rescue, there are thousands of puppies at your local animal shelter desperate for a home and running out of time.

What Is Breed Rescue?

Breed rescue is a basic term for people who are in the business of re-homing purebred dogs. A reputable breeder should be able to get you in touch with a rescue of their breed. Consider rescue, especially if you feel you don't have the time, energy and availability to raise a puppy. Many, many wonderful dogs need a new home due to original owners needing to give them up for various reasons, including some of the reasons given above. Alternatively, animal shelters and humane societies often have purebred dogs waiting patiently for homes for an adoption fee. Please consider adopting a dog in need.

Famous Last Words.

Obtaining a puppy on a whim often leads to the dog needing to be re-homed later. Do your homework and make a smart choice in regard to a canine friend who may just be with you for thirteen, fourteen, even fifteen or more years! A dog is a serious responsibility; choosing the right breed may just save you from later heartache. Choose wisely; choose with your head. Your heart will do the rest.