Choosing the Right Dog for Your Life: 7 Honest Questions to Ask First

The best dog is not the cutest one in the photo. It is the one whose needs match the life you actually live. Answer these honestly before you fall in love.

1. How active are you on an ordinary Tuesday?

Not on vacation. A herding or sporting breed needs real daily work. A couch companion does not.

2. How much space do you have?

Size matters less than energy. Some large dogs are calm apartment dwellers and some small dogs are not.

3. How much grooming will you do or pay for?

Poodles, Doodles and many long-coated breeds need regular professional grooming. Double-coated breeds shed heavily.

4. Who is home, and for how long?

Puppies and some breeds struggle with long days alone.

5. Who else lives with you?

Children, older relatives, cats and other dogs all change the answer.

6. What can you spend each year?

Food, vet care, grooming, training, boarding and the surprise bill.

7. Puppy, adult or senior?

Puppies are a second job for a year. Adult and senior dogs often arrive house-trained and calm, and shelters are full of them.

Before you decide

• Meet adult dogs of the breed or mix, not just puppies.

• Talk to a vet, a breed club or a rescue about common health issues.

• Sleep on it.

Where to check all of this, free

• The American Kennel Club's breed profiles at akc.org.

• Local shelters and breed rescues, who know their dogs well.

This article is general information.