Adding a dog to the household is a big event in most people's lives. It marks the beginning of a 15+ year commitment and a huge responsibility. It is also a lot of fun.

Your first responsibility as a prospective new dog guardian is to choose the right dog for your situation. Make the right decision now and you and your dog will enjoy a lifetime of happiness together. Resist the temptation to adopt the first dog who tugs at your heartstrings. A little advance homework can help you recognize your perfect match when you see him.

First, consider your situation, your needs and your preferences. Do you live in an apartment or do you have a large house and fenced yard? Would you like a dog who can jog with you or are you a couch potato? Do you know how to train animals or do you need a dog who can practically train himself? Do you have allergies? Your answers to questions like these can help determine what breeds (and mixes) of dogs will be suitable companions.

Next, consider the characteristics of different breeds of dogs. Some dogs are bred to run fence lines all day long. Others were developed to hunt or guard. Some love water. Others were bred to do well in the desert. Some are friendly and social. Others are protective. Some are easy to train and some more difficult. Read about different breeds that appeal to you.

Third, try to find your match. Look for breeds with characteristics that suit your situation, needs and preferences. Now is the time to learn that the Border Collie you've always wanted would be miserable living in your apartment. Or, the little Chihuahua would not be a suitable companion for your small child. Focus on learning about the breeds that match most of your criteria.

The website www.dogbreedinfo.com offers a time-saving way to do identify breeds that could be right for you. Just answer the questionnaire, press "submit," and within seconds the program generates a list of dog breeds that generally match your criteria. More detailed information on each breed is just another click away, making it easy to further refine your options.

You can take the questionnaire as many times as you like and see how the breed recommendations change. I took it three times. Changing my answers to some of the questions helped me to clarify which criteria were essential and which were just preferences. My final list had fourteen breeds and combinations of breeds that would be good matches. Your list might be longer or shorter.

Having done your research, it's time to go looking for your next forever friend. When you go to the shelter, take along your list of suitable breeds. Look for mixed-breed animals that combine your favorites. Mixed breed animals often retain the best characteristics of a breed and tend to live longer, healthier lives. If you can't decide which of three breeds you like best, the shelter is a perfect place to find a three-in-one dog-your perfect match!

There's one more step in choosing your next dog. All of your homework has paid off. You've identified one or more dogs who meet your criteria and would be suitable matches for your situation. But a dog is a member of the family, not a television set. There has to be a special bond for the relationship to succeed. The final decision must be left to the heart. You'll know the right one when you meet her!