When you selected your last dog, did you consider why his breed came into existence? 

When breeds were developed, great importance was put on their ability to do certain work — hunting, guarding, herding and draft work, for example. So the purebred dog comes with instincts that can predict some of his behavior.

Some examples of instinctual behavior: a terrier’s untiring playfulness and passion for digging, a Lab’s eagerness to retrieve, a Bernese Mountain Dog’s willingness to pull a cart and a Rottweiler’s tendency to guard. 

Be careful — a dog bred to guard that does the job too well is accused of being vicious; a herding dog may chase children, joggers, bicycles and cars, and a hunting dog can follow a trail or scent for miles through the neighborhood. 

When you choose your new dog, ask yourself what you expect when he grows up. Why are you getting him? For companionship, a playmate for the children, protection, a status symbol or, to hunt or show? You also need to think about your lifestyle and how your dog is going to fit in. Some dogs need a great deal of exercise and training to stay calm in the house. Others require less. Some need grooming every day and some only once a week. 

Any time a decision to get a new dog is taken, then along with that decision must go the commitment necessary to make the relationship successful. This commitment can last a lifetime!