Having a dog is always a joy to any family. Depending on your current home setup here are some dog choosing tips that you may want to consider:

1. Dogs Shed hair - shedding is the natural process by which dogs replace hair. Some dogs shed more than others but generally all of them do.

If you have children or you yourself have asthma or other health condition triggered by animal hair, you may want to consider getting a dog that doesn't shed too much. Some of dogs that don't shed too much are Shitzus, Poodles and some breeds of Terriers

Another thing to consider about dog shedding is probably the need to clean and vacuum. For this,since all dogs shed, The consideration is more on the amount of time you have to clean up. Longer hair is easier to clean as this would be more visible, while short hair definitely requires regular vacuuming

2. Barking - generally the smaller breeds bark more than the larger ones. Although the bigger dogs when they bark, the sound resonates quite a distance.

The sound of persistent barking can be quite a disturbance specially if this happens during the night time when people are asleep.

If you have neighbors, specially next door neighbors, who work at night, have a baby, or is an old person, you may want to have their approval first, so at least they know what to expect. You don't really need to, but you'll definitely get extra gifts on Christmas if you do.

3. Feed them or they die - this may sound a bit harsh, but it is a reality.

This actually is more about your own personal lifestyle than anything. If you're the type who works or is fond of going out, and cannot be home with some regularity, YOu're dog may starve, unless you have someone else at home with you who can pitch in feeding.

If this is the case, you may want a dog that is friendly and not aggressive, like a Labrador, so you may ask any neighbor or friend to simply drop by and feed your dog should you not be able to get home, and they will not be scared of doing it for you.

4. Walk them or die - this is similar to feeding but in this case "you die" of the stench when you come home and find a big pile of mess because you were not able to take them out for a walk.

If you're an apartment dweller, a small dog like a spitz or a toy poodle trained to pee and do his thing on a porch or a newspaper may be a good choice

5. Need love and attention - there have been cases where dogs simply pass away due to loneliness because their masters dont mind them much. This may be a bit of an extreme but unless you or someone is able to at least attend to their basic needs such as the above, maybe this is not for you

As you may have seen, having a dog is much like having another child. They need to be fed, groomed, loved and cared for.

Choose the type of breed that fits you're personality and lifestyle and you should have fond memories together with your dog.