Decide which type of dog you want, read up on it, ask people who own it. You still have a number of decisions to make. Many are down to personal choice but these ideas, or advice from our Advice Lines, may help. If you don't mind exactly what your dog's size, looks or coat type will be, go for a mongrel. If you do, a dog show, breed club, dog magazine or library book will help you to compare different pedigree breeds and choose the best one for you.
Some pedigrees have a tendency to inherit medical conditions such as hip displasia.
Mongrel puppies are often unplanned, so be extra careful when asking about the type of care that they and their mother have been given. Mongrel puppies are often easier and cheaper to acquire than pedigrees - but remember they are just as expensive to keep. Neutering often solves these problems. If nearby friends or relatives have dogs, it may be wise to consider the sex of their pets. Puppies take a lot of time to train, socialise and accustom to life in a human family which an adult dog might not need.