Do you really choose a dog or does he choose you? When you find a dog that you like, your decision will probably be sudden and emotional. But if you’re beginning the dog-seeking process, you should do some homework before you find yourself staring into beautiful, soulful eyes. You’re committing to love and care for an animal for the rest of his life. Don’t be blindsided by needs you can’t (or don’t want to) handle, especially when you could have seen them coming. Dogs’ needs differ based on age, size, breed, energy level, intelligence, type of coat, physical limitations, etc. There is probably a good dog for you out there, but it might not be the one you expected.

Yes! There is a Difference: Choosing an Adult Dog or a Puppy

Dog Rescue or Purchase: What’s Right For You?

So Many to Choose From: Finding the Right Rescue Dog

Vet 101: Choosing a Healthy Dog

"Which is the Right Breed for You?"

"Why Choose an Older Dog?"

Extra Love to Give: Special Needs Dogs

The Media and Breed Popularity

Choosing the Right Dog (The Humane Society of the United States)

Interactive Dog Selection Worksheets: SelectSmart.com, DogBreedInfo.com

Choosing a Dog That's Right For You (University of Minnesota)

Choosing Your Dog (PetResources.net)

Stanley Coren's Why We Love the Dogs We Do is a fun read and provides interesting insight on the interaction between humans and their canine pals. Coren’s extensive research led to the development of a new system for classifying dog breeds (friendly, protective, independent, self-assured, consistent, steady, and clever) and a formula for matching human personality types – as assessed by taking the book’s simplified personality test – to these groups. Coren backs up his theory – and spices things up - by filling the book with antidotes about famous people and their dogs. [©2000 Free Press, ISBN 068485502X] (Recommended by DawnAlee Yerkes)

Adopt the Perfect Dog by Gwen Bailey is a great practical guide to choosing and training an adult dog. I liked the full color photos and easy to understand training sections, all geared to life with an adult adopted dog. Ever wonder why your dog yawns at you or scratches himself in the middle of learning something new? Or how you know which dog at the shelter really fits your lifestyle? It's all here in 157 pages hard cover. [©2000 Reader's Digest, ISBN 076210239X] (Recommended by Lori Whitmore)