Also important is consideration for the community in which we live, aside from leaning about the rules, the ordinances, the regulations, and the laws. Some breeds require much exercise. Temperament will reflect all of these things, and the lack of exercise is often enough to facilitate behavioral problems. The many breeds of dog fall into several categories. Some are herding animals, some are hunters.
Some dogs are sighthounds, others scenthounds.
Some are quite exotic and not native to our area. Some are dominant while others are more subservient. Are we better off just buying a statue of our favorite breed, or a picture for our wall. These are all valid considerations in deciding whether or not we are capable, at this point in our life, of handling the responsibilities of all of this, much less teaching responsibility to our children. Companion pets, just like our children, are totally dependent upon us.