Consider your lifestyle and the exercise time you can commit to when looking at breeds categorized as low, moderate or high energy.
Activity Level
Note size estimates when full grown, space in your home, and abilities to physically handle the dog's weight before deciding on petite, medium or large.
Size
If you find dog hair around the house annoying, lean towards low shedding or non-shedding breeds like Poodles over heavy shedders like Huskies.
Shedding
If you're a first-time owner, look for breeds noted to be eager to please and respond best to reward-based training when teaching basic manners.
Trainability
Think about why you want a dog - companionship, jogging buddy, travel partner etc. Then match those lifestyle needs to breeds prone to suit them.
Purpose
Whether you have young kids, teens or are retired adults, select a breed prone to thrive during the ages of family members at home.
Age Range
Research what genetic conditions certain breeds are prone to that you will need to budget for in vet bills before making a commitment.
Health Issues