Things You'll Need:
- Internet
- Books on dog breeds
- Multiple visits to pet stores
- Correspondence with others who own a type of dog you are interested in
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Step 1
Evaluate your current lifestyle, including elements like how much you travel, spontaneously stay the night at friends' places, exercise, spend long hours at work and have friends over.
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Step 2
Visit the American Kennel Club's Web site or go to a bookstore to obtain information on the various breeds that would adapt well to your lifestyle.
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Step 3
Determine how much space you have and can give to a dog, including whether you rent or own, live in close proximity to neighbors or have a yard or large amount of outside space for them to occupy.
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Step 4
Calculate how much money, including adoption, breeder's fees, vet visits, pet food, extra pet deposits and toys, a new dog would cost. Factor into account any special needs that the dog breed you're looking at might likely occur.
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Step 5
Call various pet stores, shelters and reputible breeders and set up appointments to interact with dogs of that breed in person. Ask the breeders/employees any questions you may have about the breed.
