So it’s time to make good on that promise to the kids and get a dog.  While it’s easy to scour the paper, look online, or go to the local animal shelter to find your dog, before making a heart-driven, cute-faced decision you’d be smart to stop and do some research.  Finding a pup that will be a good, long-time family member means taking the time to think about your clan’s individual lifestyle, pet wants and needs.  Do you want a breed that is good with children? Are there family members with allergies living in the house? Do you want an active dog to jog with or an affectionate, snuggly couch potato?

Today there’s no reason to leave this big decision (12-15 years!) to chance. More than a dozen companies offer free online surveys to help you narrow down the breed for you based on a number of important variables.  These variables include things like; appearance, behavior(s), care level (exercise, grooming, training), activities (hunting, guarding, agility), and environment (house, condo, big yard, no yard, small children, elderly).  Many dog food manufacturers (like Purina, Pedigree, Eukanuba and Iams) offer a ‘select a breed’ service as does the American Kennel Club (AKC) and even Animal Planet.

Do they work?  My personal research indicates these surveys are remarkably accurate.  While each yielded a different breed as my ‘top dog’, the canine I currently own, a tri-colored, black-masked, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was a close runner-up. 

Once you’ve found the breed you want, find a reputable breeder and start researching pet insurance (spoken from one with experience). Now go enjoy your new best friend!