Pit Bull Terriers Staffordshire Terriers Rottweilers German Shepherds Presa Canarios Chows Chows Doberman Pinschers Akitas Wolf-hybrids Mastiffs Cane Corsos Great Danes Alaskan Malamutes Siberian Huskies

Are you able to give a dog enough exercise to keep it mentally and physically happy? Are you willing to wake up early to let the dog out to relieve itself? Does your work or lifestyle involve a lot of traveling that would take you way from the dog? If so, can you afford boarding costs? Do you have a friend or relative willing to watch your dog while you’re away?

The ASPCA estimates that in the first year of adopting a puppy, owners of small breeds will spend around $1,314, medium-breed owners around $1,580, and large-breed owners around $1,843. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source These costs include one-time initial veterinary care like vaccines and spaying/neutering, and the purchasing of equipment like crates, carrying bags, and leases, etc. After the first year, the price goes down. [10] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 5 June 2020. Since you’re only paying for regular vet visits, food, toys, and licensing, owners of small dogs will pay about $580 per year, medium dogs about $695, and large dogs about $875.

If you have an active lifestyle, you may want to choose an active breed to go on long jogs or hikes with you. If you prefer to curl up on the couch with a movie, choose a breed that will be content your laid back lifestyle.

Because “mutts” have more genetic variation, they tend to be healthier than purebred dogs. [23] X Research source If you don’t want to deal with a high risk of genetic problems, consider avoid purebred dogs.

Consider, too, whether you’re willing to clean up all the shed fur from a long-haired dog. The poodle is considered to be a non-shedding dog. However, it is a dog that needs frequent appointments at the groomers to keep its hair from matting. Other breeds also will need professional groom to maintain a proper coat.

Personnel at the rescue/humane society will usually be able to tell you about the temperaments and behaviors of individual dogs in their care. Even without breed characteristics, you should be able to get a good sense of a dog’s personality.

Puppies are adorable, and can grow together with children to form memories and long-lasting friendships. They’re also a lot of work at first, and require careful training to make sure they’re safe to have around the house when they grow up. You’ll have to deal with accidents and high energy, just like with any other baby. An adult dog may be difficult to break of old bad habits, but they can also come pre-house trained! They are also calmer than puppies, and won’t require as much supervision. Elderly dogs will likely have health problems, but they can make wonderful, loving companions for elderly people or those with a sedentary lifestyle. These dogs are least likely to be adopted, so giving a home to an elderly dog would be a great service to an animal in need.

Put your hand up to the cage and see how the dog reacts. It should be eager to approach you and sniff your hand. Move your hand slowly back and forth. If the dog does not follow your hand, it may not be well-socialized. Avoid dogs that bark in your face, jump, or lunge at you.

Note that responsible dog-ownership means teaching children how to interact safely with dogs. It’s your job to prevent children from pulling on tails and ears or getting too close to a dog’s mouth. However, notice if the dog is overwhelmed by a child’s loud noises or rapid movements. If not overwhelmed, a dog’s instincts might still be triggered in an unwanted way. For example, herding breeds sometimes nip at running children’s heels, frightening them if not injuring them. [28] X Research source

You should also choose a shelter with a reasonable return policy, in case you cannot keep the dog you adopt. Do not expect to get your adoption fee back if you return the dog, but the shelter should not refuse returns outright. Refusing to accept returned dogs suggests a shelter doesn’t care enough about the lives of their animals.