You should be conscious of the fact that dogs are made differently from each other and although some may have similar traits, they can be very different. The differences in temperament and character among dog types can be as varied as the differences in people. It's important to research what dog breed can be a great match to your lifestyle or to your home. That way you will have no regrets of bringing home a dog. There are numerous types of dog breeds to choose from. Some are purebred and some are cross-bred, like the Labradoodle which is a combination of a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever.

There are numerous questions to consider. One of the first questions to ask yourself is, what size dog can your home handle? Do you have a yard?  A house with a large yard or room for dog pens out in the suburbs, can offer enough room for a large dog to run and play. The next big consideration is if you have children. If so, you would want a dog whose breed is a gentle one and less aggressive. While some dog breeds can get along well with older children, some of them would not do well with the antics of small kids. A household with small children needs a medium to large size dog that is gentle by nature and tolerant with kids. Treating dogs similar to a toy is something that you can expect from small children. They don't know that a dog is not something they should include in their roughhousing as they or the dog could get hurt.

Does your home or business needs a watchdog so you'd be looking at larger, more aggressive breeds. Or maybe you would rather have a dog that you can enter into dog show competitions. Perhaps you just want a pet that can be your best buddy to stay by your side as you watch television or go for a walk. Do you live alone? If so, you might want a pet that doesn't need as much attention and can be left alone while you go to work all day. One that would be content by playing with his toys or sleeping most of the day.  In deciding on the right dog breed for you, these questions are practical considerations.

Dogs can also be divided by two other important categories, those that shed their coats or hair and those that barely shed at all. Shedding is a huge complaint of dog owners. Shedded hair clings to your clothing, furniture or even to your guests who sit in any part of your house. Even those dogs which you might think wouldn't shed, like some short hair breeds, may still do so. The shedding of hair can be categorized into those that barely shed, seasonal shedding only or constantly dropping hair.

Different breeds will also have fundamental differences in both height and weight. Dog breeds, in terms of their weight come in the ranges of under ten pounds for smaller dogs, 11-25 pounds for medium dogs, large dogs typically weigh 26-50 pounds and extra large dogs weigh 51 to 80 pounds. Mastiffs and St. Bernards which belong to those exceedingly large dog breeds can weigh up to 100-180 pounds.  In choosing a breed, don't settle on the dog as it appears a pup. Remember to make your choice based on the size of that breed full grown. It's not surprising to see that your big dog has an appetite as big or bigger than yours. Bear in mind that owning a St. Bernard will require you to have some sturdy furniture and the ability to pay for a costly dog food bill.

Take time to study the dog breed, size, disposition and grooming requirements before you make a choice. More grooming and care may be needed of some dog breeds like those used in dog shows, or those with longer hair. Some dog breeds are more prone to certain illnesses and diseases. So do your research before buying. It's important to have a balanced relationship with the dog breed of your choice where you are able to equip yourself to meet their basic needs, and give the love and care that it may ask of you.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers,large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.