Are you asking yourself what kind of puppy is right for me? Picking a puppy for your family is a very important task. Too often decisions are made based on how cute the puppy is without regard for the type of breed it is or what type of behavioral characteristics it may possess. 

Purebred dogs come with canine "roadmaps" that spell out their personality traits, idiosyncrasies and health profiles. Gender is another important consideration. Male dogs often require longer walks because they tend to urinate in multiple locations. Female dogs, on the other hand, are pregnancy risks until they can be spayed.  

Other things that need to be taken into account include the breed's temperament, maintenance and grooming needs, and the family's environment and lifestyle. This will help you select a breed for the entire family from the start - rather than discovering you have the wrong breed after you’ve brought them home. Some dogs enjoy large outdoor spaces while others are ideal for an apartment setting. Another consideration is whether an infant or small children will be around the dog.