Too often people purchase a dog for all the wrong reasons and do not take into account one simple fact....dogs have been specifically bred for a purpose. All domestic dogs have come about due to them being genetically selected over a very long period for a set role such as herding, guarding, waste consumption, food supply, guardianship, transportation, guiding, retirval, rescue and companionship. Not all the pupose bred dogs out there are appropriate for the suburban home see the page on dogs NOT to buy for further details on this.

Taking into account that dogs are pupose bred you can look for a dog that is appropriate to your situation.

• Step 1

  Determine what you require from a dog. Are you considering getting a dog for physical protection. Then you want to stick to bigger and more aggressive breeds like Rottweilers or German Shepherds. . If you are looking for a companion to snuggle with in bed, it is wise to select a small-breed of dog like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian. All dogs need affection, but larger dogs will take up more room in your bed.

• Step 2

  Understand what kind of family environment you have. Pets are not objects and so therefore require certain things in order to lead a productive, healthy and happy life. Do you have small children that will pester the dog or be pestered or injured by the dog? If so consider getting a dog that is calm-natured and extremely socialised. Golden Retrievers, Collies, Pugs and Boxers generally get along great with children. Other breeds like the Dalmatian and Kerry Blue Terrier are less tolerant. If you have other pets, you want to select a dog that gets along with other animals. If you live alone, and have no other pets in your home, these questions may not be as important.

• Step 3

  Estimate how much attention can you offer a dog. Certain breeds of dogs require more attention in order to be successful and happy. Portuguese Water Dogs, Shelties and Border Collies are high-energy breeds that require a lot of attention and exercise. Mastiff and Maltese are calmer breeds who will not require as many walks to the park. If you are a person who is extremely busy with work or activities, you should reconsider getting a dog. All dogs require attention and exercise.

• Step 4

  Consider how much patience you have for a dog. Some breeds are easier to train than others. Labradors and English Springer Spaniels are easier to train than Boston Terriers, which are more difficult to train.

• Step 5

  Be aware of the living environment that you have to offer. Big dogs require lots of space to run and play. Is your yard big enough to accommodate a larger dog? Make sure your yard is dog friendly before you consider a dog that you want to primarily keep outdoors. If you have worked tirelessly to create a perfectly manicured backyard, certain breeds like Pitt Bulls are known to be destructive. If you are keeping your dog outdoors, be aware of weather conditions that may affect its health. Weather that is extremely cold is not okay for breeds like Chihuahuas that have short hair.

• Step 6

  Go Back and further research the dog's breed. Each breed has his own history and reason for being that has become part of his genetic code. The basset hound was bred to diligently track rabbits, deer and other game; the Great Pyrenees to protect livestock from foxes and other predators; the Labrador retriever as a hunter's helper; and the Old English sheepdog to drive sheep and cattle to market. Understanding why a breed was bred will help you to find a dog with the correct temperament and agility that you desire, not all dogs are defined by their genetic predisposition however it has a major baring on a dog, for example a Guardian Dog like a Mareema willl be extremely protective, bark a lot and shed a lot of hair...this is due to its purposeful breeding and is not suitable for a family with a lot of guests and close neighbours.

• Step 7

  Calculate your financial resources. Larger dogs eat more than smaller dogs and will require more financial resources allocated toward their food expenses. Chihuahuas often live to 18 years, whilst larger dogs like Dogue de Bordeaux may not make it to 5 years. Chows require more grooming then Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and will require more money to be allocated to grooming services. All dogs are prone to suffer from an illness at some point in their lives. Will you have the money to pay for visits to the vet? Certain breeds are more prone to suffer from certain illness. Dalmatians are more prone to suffer from deafness, while German Shepherds and St. Bernard's have a tendency to be afflicted with hip dysplasia. Think about what you can stomache fluffy breeds need their ears cleaned and their bum often can get poop attached to it

• SO don't think getting a dog is just about walking up to a petshop seeing the cutest thing their getting a bag of dog food and heading home, it requires a lot of thought and preparation

......and be prepared for a long and loving relationship with your pet in fact the longest lived dog in Australia was "Bluey" an Australian Cattle Dog that died just short of his 30th birthday.