Buying or adopting a dog is a big deal – at least, it ought to be. You’re picking a companion who’ll probably be with your family for at least a decade. Fortunately, you can do better than blindfolding yourself, spinning around three times, and pointing at random.

First, think honestly about what you want and need in a canine friend. If your idea of a great vacation is hiking with your pal in the Sierra Nevada, you’ll need a sturdy and athletic dog; but no matter how cute you think they are, rule out the short-nosed breeds. The structure of their skulls and joints leaves them ill equipped for hearty exercise. If you can’t wait to teach your dog a million tricks, then that smart, high-energy adolescent left at the shelter because she got to be too much for her people could be just the dog for you. Have little kids? Think hard before getting a dog who’s small and delicately built; look for a good-size fellow with a calm demeanor, and be sure he utterly loves children.