Decide if you want a puppy, adolescent or older dog. Grooming Short hair dogs need grooming 2-3 times a week. Longhair dogs need grooming everyday. Trainability - Some dogs are highly trainable and alert, e.g. Border Collies and German Shepherds are good for agility. Feeding The bigger the dog, the more it will eat, so be prepared for larger food bills.
All dogs incur vet bills, e.g. yearly boosters.
You can take out Pet Insurance to cover emergencies. Children Shetland Sheepdogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus are usually good with children. Kennel Clubs provide lists of breeders in your area. With pedigree dogs, you ll know basically what size, feeding and energy requirements, as well as temperament. Once you have found a breeder, visiting the litter is a must.