How to Choose A Dog

Questions to Ask Your Family:
- Why do you want a dog? Why do your spouse and kids want one? Find out everyone's desires -- and then make sure to build a consensus as to why this dog is coming into your family.

- What does the family chore-board look like? Dogs don't just add the obvious household chores such as "walk dog" to the family schedule. Long-haired dogs require sweeping and vacuuming. Pet dander will increase the need to dust.

- Do we plan on having more kids soon? New babies and new dogs don't always mix. While some breeds of dog are known for being better with children than others, even gentle-mannered dogs can scare some toddlers. The dog's age will also factor into how well they get along with kids. Sometimes, it's not fair to the baby or the dog to bring both into a home at the same time -- and if the situation doesn't work out, the dog is the one who'll be kicked out.

Questions to Ask A Breeder, Pet Store or Shelter:
- Why do you breed/shelter/sell dogs? Asking "why?" will help you determine if they're just in it for the money or whether they truly love dogs. A dog that comes from a personally invested -- and not just financially invested -- breeder or store owner is much more likely to be well-adjusted, socialized and healthy. While almost all shelters are not-for-profit, some shower more attention and affection on their dogs than others.

- Can I see the facilities where you keep/raise your dogs? Always check out the physical space and amenities of any breeder, shelter or store. This will also tip you off as to whether the dog has been kept in clean environments, has had the chance to interact with humans and other dogs and how much exercise it's been getting.

- What documentation do you have for this dog? A paper trail that documents where your dog comes from is essential! A shelter should provide you with as many medical records as possible, as well as be able to tell you where the stray was found, how long ago it was taken in and the health of the dog when it was found. If a retailer can't tell you or show you on paper where the store's supply of dogs comes from, find another store.

Questions to Ask About A Dog:
- What commands and tricks does this dog know? Ask this to find out how much time you'll need to devote to training the dog . The answer will also tell you how quick-thinking the dog is -- which can also clue you in on how much stimulation your dog will need to feel content instead of restless.

- Has this dog lived at home with somebody before? You've heard that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. What this means is, if this dog slept on its owner's bed, ate off its owner's plate or chewed on its owner's tennis balls, even time in a shelter won't undo that habit. You also need to find out if the dog's been exposed to abuse, which could render it scared or extremely shy.

- How would you describe this dog's personality? People often overemphasize the importance of a dog's breed in determining its demeanor. Dogs are just like humans -- each dog is as much a product of nurture as nature. Find out as much as you can about the dog's individual personality, and use that information to decide if the particular dog is right for you.

Plus, check out our picks for the smartest dogs!

Tags: choosing a dog, choosing a dog breed, dog breeds, how to choose a dog