It is time to consider what you are looking for in a dog and see if you can find what you want. Here are some questions you need to answer so you can match the breed characteristics of a potential dog to your family.

• Do you have small children or will you be adding some soon?
• Are your children older?
• Are your children experienced with dogs?
• Are you experienced with dogs?
• Do you live in the country, suburbs or city?
• Do you live in an apartment or house?
• Do you have a lot of time for the 'extras' like grooming and long exercise runs?
• What is the breed's activity level in the house?
• Do you have other pets already?

With these questions in mind you can begin to narrow down your choices. If you live in an apartment in the city, large, giant and especially active dogs will be out. A small non-sporting dog like a bichon frise or Boston terrier or a toy dog such as a pug should be on your list. If you have kids and live in the suburbs where leashes will be a part of the everyday routine a beagle, boxer or border terrier might be good choices. If you live in the country, have room to run and have kids a larger breed like a golden or Labrador retriever or even an Irish wolfhound would be happily at home. The Iams website has a great quiz that might help you figure out what kind of dog would do best with you. We suggest checking it out at www.iams.com. Go to the New Puppy portion of the website and click on Breed Selector.

Check with your veterinarian, local kennel clubs, and trainers or pick up books at the library or check out the Internet to learn more about individual breed quirks and behavioral tendencies. Attend multi-breed dog shows to meet breeds and to network with possible sources of information. Once you have in mind 2 or 3 breeds you are interested in, contact your veterinarian, groomer, kennel or trainer. They should be able to direct you to some reputable breeders or rescue organizations in your area.