While one family may get on famously with a Miniature Poodle, the same family might feel completely overwhelmed with a Daschund.   It is important when considering the addition of a dog to your family that you investigate what the dog was originally bred to do.  Talk to breeders and dog owners get a clear idea of what kind of basic personality type you are bringing into your home.  Remember, the most important consideration should be how well this animal will fit into your lifestyle.

It is also important to know that within each breed there are those individuals that excel at what they were bred to do and those that have less of these "desirable" attributes.  Some Labs prefer the couch to swimming, some herding breeds want nothing to do with livestock, etc.  While exceptions to the rule can always be found it is not usually the case.

Take Australian Shepherds, for example.  These dogs have a sense of order and become easily frustrated and often obsessive when it's sheep (err family members) won't stay in a group.  Many an Aussie has been wrongly accused of being aggressive because it nipped the trousers on a child to keep them from straying.  To the Aussie order must be maintained and it's their job to insure that everyone stays together safely under it's watchful eye.  These dogs can be taught not to do these behaviors by providing them with other outlets but most people don't see it coming until it is already an established pattern. 

When you are aware of the particular tendencies of a breed, you will be able to teach the dog and the children how to interact together safely.

Daschunds and most breeds of Terriers were bred to go underground and kill rats, badgers, foxes, etc.  They like to dig and can be quarrelsome with each other.  That is who they are and that is what they were bred to do.  One of the most interesting events to watch are "Earth Dog" events.  It is absolutely fascinating to watch these game little dogs negotiate tunnels and obstacles in order to reach their prey.  Don't worry, their so called prey is usually a very unconcerned, overweight rat safely secured behind protective bars and inside a cage at the end of the tunnel.  A handler is also present at the end of the tunnel to ensure that the dogs cannot reach the rat.  Often the rat becomes bored and curls up for a nice long nap completely ignoring the entire affair.  Check out this link about Earth Dog Events:  Earthdog.

The Nordic breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, etc. were bred to pull sleds and run for long distances in snow.  Sight Hounds, such as Borzoi, Saluki and Greyhounds were bred to run down game.  True to the Nordic and Sight Hound breed types they require a lot of exercise.  Most are not reliable off lead without lots of training early on and tend to run for miles before they finally tire and realize they have absolutely no idea of where home is.  They have also been known to run livestock and chase cats, rabbits and anything else that moves.  Early training is a must for these breeds and they are typically not suited to the average, busy home.  They need to be a close part of their family and demand a family with a physically active lifestyle where the dog can hike or run next to a bike with the family members.  Skijoring events for the Nordic breeds, with other breeds joining in, are great fun.  The Sight Hound breeds excel in Lure Coursing.  These are great ways to work of excess energy and enjoy doing what the dog was bred to do.

Another good example is the most popular dog in American today, the Labrador Retriever.  Many are attracted to this breed because they have heard that they are great family dogs and naturally well behaved.  Actually, Labradors come in a variety of temperament types. 

There are the "couch-potato" Labradors that are completely laid-back, require only a daily walk to remain happy and just enjoy hanging out with the family.  There are the "high-drive" Labradors.  These more closely resemble the dogs that this breed was created to be.  They have to be tough and fairly oblivious to pain.  How else can they spend all day in the field crashing through thorny branches and swimming in freezing water to retrieve downed game?  These dogs were bred to take direction but they were also bred to have the ability to think for themselves when necessary.  To be a good gun dog the Lab must be able to think for itself.  Then there are variations of both types that fall somewhere in the middle. 

A high-drive Lab is not happy laying around the house all day.  They need a job and a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.  This type of Lab is way too much dog for the average family.  Not only will it make your life miserable, but the Lab will be miserable as well.

Unfortunately, due to indiscriminate breeding by unknowledgeable people that think a little money can be made by breeding their female with the dog down the street, great damage has been done to this breed.  Likewise, when any breed becomes popular it is in danger of similar mindless and destructive practices.  It happened with the American Cocker Spaniel when Disney released Lady and the Tramp and again with Dalmatians with their release of 101 Dalmatians.

In our rescue work we are running into more and more aggressive Labs.  Labs should never be aggressive.  This is a serious fault directly the result of poor breeding practices.

Would you purchase the first car you test drove or the first home you walked through?  Adding a pet to your family is no less an important decision.  Don't impulse buy your companion.  Hopefully, your dog will live a long time.  Make sure it is healthy, well adjusted mentally, and the best possible match for your lifestyle.  Ask yourself if you have the time it will take every day to spend with the dog.  Do you own your own home or is it OK with your landlord that you keep a dog?  What will happen if you need to move?  What will happen if your family dynamics change, e.g. getting married/divorced, or the birth of a child? 

Be sure you are getting a pet for the right reasons.  Are the children pressuring you?  You know that as much as they plead and cajole, you will be the person responsible for taking care of the pet once the thrill has worn off.  A pet should be part of the family and not a lesson in responsibility for the children.

If you purchase from a breeder, take the time to thoroughly research the breeder by checking references, seeing first-hand how and where they keep their dogs, and consulting with their vet and people that have purchased their puppies.  Go to more than one breeder and compare.  Never purchase from the first breeder or pick a pup from the first litter you visit.

A breeder should be equally concerned about how well their pup will fit into your home.  They should take the time to explain the personality traits of their breed and what the breed requires to become a happy, well-adjusted member of your family.  For example, many non-shedding breeds like Poodles require regular grooming -- not just once a year in the summer.  Is this a lifelong expense you are comfortable with providing?

The breeder should clearly explain their contract to you and you must take the time to read it and understand it exactly.  What are the breeder's policies on future health issues of the pup.  Will they take the pup back or offer a discount if a vet finds a health defect?  Be very clear about the written contract before purchasing the puppy. 

If the breeder has no written contract, cannot provide references, or makes excuses why you cannot view their kennels and see for yourself the health and condition of their dogs, then find another breeder.

Prepare for your new family companion before you bring it home.  Make sure you have dog-proof fencing.  Purchase a crate and bedding, leash and collar, toys, food bowls and food and have everything set up for the arrival of your pet.

One final thought, most people will tell you that the adorable mixed breed they rescued from a shelter was the best dog they ever had.  So, consider saving a life by adopting your next dog or cat from a shelter or rescue agency.  When you adopt one you are actually saving two because space is available for another needing a second chance.