I'm a big fan of lists to help get clear what I'm looking for and how it will fit into my current lifestyle; in this case the "it" is a dog. :)
Some good questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want to adopt or buy outright (usually related to whether you're cool with a mixed-breed dog or you really want a purebred)?
- Do you have a size preference? You might have limited/unlimited space where you're living, or just prefer a certain size dog.
- Low or high-maintenance characteristics? Longer-haired dogs or those that require regular grooming/clipping will take more of a time commitment than those that don't. Also dogs that shed a lot you'll want to take into account how you'll manage that in your home.
- Low or high-energy characteristics? Are you an active person or prefer to chill? You want a dog that fits well with your personality and lifestyle.
- Trainability and intelligence? As much as we might want to say every dog is trainable in the right hands (and I believe it), you'll want a dog who responds well to your individual approach. Are you good at being consistent, calm and encouraging to your dog? Or do you need a dog that's more forgiving of any inconsistencies?
Of course you should be flexible enough to compromise based on your specific situation for the good of the dog. For example you might really, really, really want a purebred border collie but you live in a 500sq ft apartment in the city and gone the majority of the day - you might expect your highly intelligent and active dog to feel a bit bonkers in this situation.
Go visit shelters and hang out with the dogs. PetFinder is also good for connecting you with dogs that are available for adoption through smaller rescue groups.
If you're set on a purebred dog, google search some of the characteristics you're looking for and research the breeds. You can lookup local breeders for those breeds that you connect with the most and talk to them about their dogs.
Being prepared with even a basic outline of what you're looking for will help you out when you're suddenly surrounded by all those cute puppy dog eyes. :)
This is a great question. Many breeds are happy to be indoors alot and are easy to train. Other breeds require more outside time and need an owner committed to training. Knowing yourself, your lifestyle, and what you want from the relationship with your puppy pal is the first step. Do you want a walking or jogging buddy? Are you committed to walks and exercise with your pup? Do you want a fur pal that fits an apartment lifestyle? Are there breed or weight restrictions in your place of residence? Do you plan on traveling with your pet? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Grooming and breed related health problems are another consideration. Most good dog breed books list disposition and health issues.