What do you think are the most important things to consider when getting a dog?

Wether or not you would be able to handle that particular breed no matter the personality. You can train almost any dog, but before they are trained some can be downright dangerous. Examples: Great Danes while not inherently dangerous AGGRESSIVE wise, can be dangerous if a small or weak person (such as a child or elderly person) were to be the primary caregivers. The dog could easily pull them into the road or down a flight of stairs. Pit Bulls, as wonderful as they are, come with inbred aggression to other animals that MAY OR MAY NOT pop up. Can the person wanting this dog control that aggression or deal with it if it pops up? Can they properly handle and train the dog to prevent this aggression? Chihuahua's as small as they are can develop severe aggression if they're pampered to the extreme - can the person wanting one commit to training it properly? Exercising it? Not letting it get protective, possessive, etc? Things like that matter more than anything in my eyes. An older person would not get a Mastiff puppy, a child would not be expected to walk a Boxer. Not without proper training for dog and human BEFORE taking the lead. Closely following that would be the breed of dog and it's characteristics/personality, then the individual dog's personality - both to see if that dog will mesh with you. Finally i would think evaluating your own lifestyle to see if you have the time and finances to care for a dog as well as doing research to see that you can properly train and care for the dog.

Most important: Temperament and Personality Trainability Size Energy Level Good with kids Amount of Shedding Anxiety level Health problems (and vet costs!) Least important: Colour

1. Do you have the money to take puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you get him, and afterward if he gets sick, and for his shots? 2. Do you have all the equipment necessary? Bed, dish, collar, leash, crate or kennel, grooming brush, flea treatment, nail clippers, toys, etc.? 3. Are you able to schedule your time so your dog can be outside (rain or shine!) for about one hour of exercise, twice a day? Will you be there for him around lunch time so your dog isn't left alone all day? 4. Have you read any books on how to train a puppy? Do you know how to potty train him? How to walk, sit, down, come, stay? 5. Do you know how to feed a dog of your breed choice? What to feed, how much, and how often? 6. Do you know what to look for in your dog's health so you know when to call the vet, and when you don't have to?

Most important things to consider: a) can I make the time commitment required for keeping this dog healthy, well-trained, and well-exercised? b) can I make the financial commitment required for regular checkups and emergency veterinarian visits; c) shouldn't I adopt from a pound, shelter, or rescue organization instead of a puppy mill or pet store? For every dog adopted from a puppy mill instead of a rescue organization, at least one dog at a pound or shelter will be euthanized; d) does the dog's temperament appear to be acceptable, and e) is he or she compatible with any other pets I might already have? Least important: How the dog looks.

Before you get a dog please try and find the right kind of breed for your house (click the link to find the proper breed for you). Many people make that mistake and then they end up putting the dog down or giving it away. I would suggest rescuing a dog from the local Humane Society or Shelter. I rescued mine from a horrible past and he is now the happiest dog. I hope you find your perfect companion!

never ever ever ever get your dog from a pet shop. always adopt =) if you decide to adopt, the rescue group will help you make the right decision.

Important: Personality: You can't really tell a dog's personality the first time you meet it, but dogs that are interested in you and come near are probably the best. Health: Only get a dog if they look healthy- if they don't neither you or the dog are going to be happy. Activity Level: If you have young children or people who are kinda nervous about dogs, don't choose a dog who is crazy all over the place. However, you don't want a dog who is lazy and doesn't do anything. Not Important: Breed: It shouldn't matter if your dog is purebred or not- in fact, purebred dogs tend to be unhealthier than mixed ones. Look: It also shouldn't matter what the dog looks like. A dog's a friend and a friend's a friend.

The most important things are if the person(s) can have enough money to provide for the animal properly. Like make sure it goes to the vet for check ups or when it's sick and to get their shots, a good quality food, flea and worm medicine, grooming needs and toys to chew on. The other most important thing is that it is cared for properly. Meaning the people are home some of the time and will play with it and give it attention not just leave it outside or in a pen all day. I would say the least important is the breed, color, gender, and size.

Most important: Will this dog (as an adult) fit in with my life style? Do I have time and money to groom, walk, train, get vet care and medicine for the type of dog it is? Can I care for it for it's whole life, no matter what? Least important: Looks and pedigree.