Introducing a dog into your family's life is a joyful and exciting experience, but it is not something to be done on a whim. You must mentally, financially, and otherwise prepare yourself for the numerous responsibilities that come with caring for a dog. Furthermore, everyone in your household needs to be in agreement with the decision.

Before deciding to get a dog, and even before deciding what breed of dog to get, consider your current lifestyle, home, and habits. Answer the following questions to see how well you would adjust to dog ownership:

Are you a good housekeeper who would not mind adding vacuuming up dog hair and mopping up muddy paw prints to your list of weekly chores?

Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs? If so, are you willing to pursue the necessary adjustments, such as allergy medications and air purifiers?

Does your current budget allow for a dog's ongoing necessities, such as food, veterinary checkups, and medications? If not, what budget adjustments do you plan to make?

Do you have enough yard space (or a nearby park) where the dog can get daily exercise?

Will each member of the family share the responsibility of your dog's care equally, or will one or two people be in charge of all his needs?

If your answers to these questions indicate that you're prepared for dog ownership, the next step is to determine what general size and breed of dog you're interested in and able to accommodate. Weigh all factors of a breed carefully, including those that follow. Write down what you know about the breed you're considering for each point, and star those that are still in question.

Luckily, dogs have an incredibly wide range of variation. There are purebred dogs of virtually every possible size, coat, color, and temperament combination. When you add in the amazing mixed breeds, there is sure to be a pup somewhere that is just right for you!