Choosing a country dog

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Welcoming a new pet to your family can be an exciting experience if you take the time to research your options. When choosing a canine companion, it's important to think about how your dog will fit into your family. Do you plan to take your dog hunting? How much time can you devote to training your country dog? Do you need a dog that will be gentle with small children? Would you prefer an active animal or a dog that's shy and reserved? Ideally, a dog should be a permanent addition to your home. If you rush through the process of selecting your pet, you may regret it. Also, consider visiting your local animal shelter as part of your decision-making process.

To learn more about choosing the dog that's right for you, we suggest the following helpful links:

What to Consider before You Get a Dog: Questions to ask before choosing your new canine companion.

American Kennel Club: A guide to factors to consider when choosing a dog, plus an alphabetical list of breeds.

What Your Dog is Thinking: Learn how to interpret a dog's body language to get new insight into his personality.