If you’re thinking of welcoming a dog into your home — what a wonderful step. But here’s something I tell nearly every new customer: not every dog is a match for every family. What works perfectly for one household might be a struggle in another. That’s why it’s worth slowing down a little, asking good questions, and being honest about your lifestyle.

I’ve adopted many wonderful dogs throughout my life — each one bringing their own quirks, joy, and lessons. I’ve also chosen to purchase from a reputable, caring breeder when I was looking for a specific temperament and structure that aligned with my family’s needs and goals. Both paths can lead to amazing companions, and what matters most is doing your homework and choosing with intention.

One of my favorite resources — whether you’re adopting or buying — is the breed research tool on American Kennel Club (AKC.org). It helps you understand how size, energy level, grooming needs, and temperament vary across breeds. Use that as a starting place — then use your own home and heart to decide what kind of dog will flourish in your care.

Here’s how I suggest thinking about it — plus checklists of questions to ask before you say "yes."

What to Think About Before You Choose a Dog

Before visiting shelters or contacting breeders, answer these questions for your household:

  • Do you have enough time and energy?
    Dogs require daily walks, bonding, training, and mental stimulation. If you lead a busy or unpredictable life, a high-energy or working breed might wear you thin — or them.

  • How much space do you have?
    A big, active dog needs room to run. An apartment, a small yard, or a highly urban lifestyle might be better suited to a smaller, lower-energy breed.

  • What’s your budget — not just for adoption/purchase, but for lifelong costs?
    Think food, vet visits, preventative care, grooming (if needed), training, pet supplies — long-term love isn’t free.

  • Do you have kids or other pets? How social is your household?
    A calm, gentle, friendly dog usually fits best with kids or other pets. But if your home is full of energy, noise, and frequent comings and goings — some dogs may struggle with that.

  • What are your expectations for the dog?
    Are you looking for a cuddly companion? A jogging partner? A watchdog? A therapy pet? Different breeds, and even different individual dogs, are suited to different roles.

  • Are you prepared for a long commitment?
    Many dogs live 10–15 years (or more). Their needs will change over time. Make sure you’re ready — not just for puppy years, but for lifetime care.

Questions to Ask an Adoption Group or Shelter

  • What do you know about this dog’s background and history?

  • How long have they been in the shelter or foster care?

  • What’s their temperament like (with adults, kids, other pets)?

  • Are they housebroken or crate trained?

  • What is their behavior on leash and with new people or animals?

  • Are they vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped?

  • Any known health or behavioral concerns?

  • Is there a trial adoption or foster-to-adopt option?

  • What support does the group offer post-adoption?

Questions to Ask a Breeder

These questions help you get a full picture of the breeder’s ethics, the puppy’s upbringing, and what kind of dog you can expect. A responsible breeder is transparent and proud of their program — they’ll welcome these questions.

  • Can I meet both puppy parents?
    You want to see where they’re housed, observe their temperament, and get a sense of what your puppy may grow into — both in appearance and behavior.

  • What health testing have you done on the parents (hips, eyes, heart, genetic)?
    This shows they’re working to avoid passing down hereditary health problems.

  • How many dogs and litters do you have at one time?
    Too many at once can be a red flag that profit is the priority, not the dogs.

  • How are the puppies raised and socialized?
    Early exposure to people, noises, surfaces, and handling makes a big difference in future behavior.

  • Can I see where the puppies are born and raised?
    This tells you about cleanliness, care, and how much the pups are integrated into daily life.

  • Are you involved in breed clubs or competitions?
    This often shows commitment to breed standards and continued learning.

  • Do you offer a health guarantee or lifetime support?
    A good breeder stands behind their dogs and wants them to succeed in your home.

  • What is your spay/neuter policy?
    This can vary, but reputable breeders often have clear, responsible guidelines.

  • What happens if we have to return the dog for any reason?
    Ethical breeders will take their dogs back at any point in life.

  • What are your goals in breeding — companion, show, working dogs?
    This gives insight into how they select pairings and raise puppies.

Extra questions to spot a backyard breeder:

A backyard breeder is someone who breeds dogs without proper knowledge, responsibility, or adherence to ethical standards. Their motivation is often profit rather than the well-being of the dogs, and they rarely screen buyers, perform health tests, or follow best practices.

Watch out for red flags:

  • Do you breed more than two types of dogs?
    Responsible breeders focus on one, maybe two breeds. More than that often signals a volume-based operation over quality care.

  • How often do your dogs have litters?
    Breeding a female dog more than once a year is a major red flag. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and recovery of the mother.

  • Can I see vet records and meet the parents in person?
    If not, walk away.

  • Are your dogs kept indoors or outdoors full-time?
    Dogs should be raised in a clean, home-like environment. If they’re kept outdoors full-time, do not buy from this breeder.

  • Will you take the dog back at any point in their life?
    A good breeder stands by their dogs — always.

  • Do you ask buyers questions to ensure a good match?
    If they don’t care who the dog goes to, they don’t care about the dog.

A Note About Puppy Mills and Pet Stores

Let me be blunt here: never buy a dog from a pet store. Responsible breeders do not sell their puppies through retail shops. Period.

Most puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills — mass-breeding operations that prioritize profit over welfare. Dogs in these facilities are often kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions with little to no socialization, exercise, or veterinary care. The results? Puppies with health problems, poor temperaments, and heartbreaking behavioral issues — and it’s the families who end up paying the price.

If a breeder is legitimate, they’ll want to meet you, talk to you, and ensure their puppies are going to a good home. A good breeder screens you just as much as you screen them. Pet stores skip all of that.

It may feel convenient in the moment, but buying from a pet store keeps the cycle of puppy mills going. And if we want better outcomes for dogs — and their people — we have to stop supporting that system. Always adopt responsibly or buy ethically.

Final Thoughts

Before you commit: do your research, ask questions, and trust your gut. Whether you adopt or buy, the right dog is the one that fits you — not the other way around.

In the end, the love, loyalty, and companionship a good dog brings are priceless. Let’s find a dog who’ll be family — the right family — from the first tail wag to many years ahead.

Welcome home, one paw at a time.
— Sherry Redwine, Odyssey Pets 🐾