The sex of the dog that you choose may determine its size (males tend to be larger) and its personality traits to some extent (e.g., levels of affection and independence).

Is the size of dog you’re considering appropriate for your home, garden, car, children and exercise plans? If you’re thinking about getting a big dog, will its size impact friends or family that might be looking after it during holidays? Will you, and other people helping to care for your dog, be able to manage its size?

Every dog needs regular exercise, but some will require more than others. Some breeds may need one to two short walks a day, plus time to play or train, while others may require some form of physical activity for most of the day.

It’s worth considering how much grooming your preferred breed will need. If you have reservations about spending hours brushing your dog, then you may wish to consider a low-maintenance breed. Some short-muzzled breeds need regular cleaning of their skin folds to prevent infection, so they still require grooming despite their short coats. Other dog breeds may have a strong smell; some dribble a lot!

Some dogs are bred for physical characteristics, others for their working ability. As a result, there’s a wide range of temperaments, or personalities, on offer.

If you have young children or are thinking of starting a family in the future, one of the most important things to consider is how they will be affected once your new puppy has grown up. You may wish to consider more sociable breeds that children can become close friends with