how to choose pet breeds

A dog is a dog is a dog right? If you want a dog, jut get any dog, they are more or less the same? No. Getting a dog as a pet is a long term commitment, depending on the breed a dog can live for 15 years or in some case much longer. With that sort of time commitment to an animal pretty much totally dependant on you, best to get the one that suits you and your family the best. Some things to consider.

- How much room have you got? A big back yard or rural home? Or a small apartment? You must take the exercise needs of your potential pooch before getting a dog. I stress exercise needs, not animal size. There are plenty of small/medium size breeds that need more yard space to run around in, than some of the larger, less active breeds.

How much time have you got? Some breeds are true companion animals, and will fret and cry if left alone at all, let alone for long periods. Others require hours of attention each day. Fine if you work from home, and Fido can sit under your desk, or fine if snookums is a little dog that can come with you in a handbag al la Paris Hilton, but not fine if you are commuting 90 minutes each way per day to get to work, and you neighbors have to listen to your howling dog all day. You will come home to angry neighbors, a distressed dog, who will likely have destroyed your back yard.
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