Te tohu kurī tōtika Choose the right dog

It is important to choose a dog that suits your family and lifestyle. Ask questions and get advice from other dog owners, breeders and vets about different types of dogs.

• Will you be a new dog owner, have had a dog before or currently have one?
• Amount of time you can spend with your dog.
• How often will your dog be left alone?
• How will you train your dog?
• Grooming of your dog.
• How much exercise your dog will need.
• How will the dog fit into your family and lifestyle?
• Do you have young children or elderly people who live with you or visit regularly?
• Are you planning to get a puppy or an adult dog?
• Potential health problems of a particular breed.
• Size of your property.
• Can you afford to care for a dog properly?
• Are you planning to buy or adopt?