Adopt or Shop Responsibly.
The first questions to ask yourself are: What would you like the dog to do for you and What does that breed enjoy doing?
Do you want a high intensity sport dog, a lazy couch potato, or maybe a casual jogging companion? Not all dogs will check the boxes, so make sure you get a breed that will do the things that you want them to do genetically. A Cattle Dog or a Malinois bred for a job may not want to watch TV on the couch, and a Pug likely won't be able to run a marathon with you. Think of the activities the dog may enjoy and whether or not you would enjoy doing them too to fulfill their needs!
Once you've chosen a breed or a type of dog (maybe you favour herding breeds or toy breeds) it's time to find a place to get your dog. This means it's time to find a responsible breeder or a reputable shelter. There are pros and cons to each choice and those have to be weighed to make the right choice for you and your family.
When purchasing a dog from an adoption center:
Sometimes it can be hard to guess a dog's breed which makes it difficult to predict what they will need on a daily basis regarding exercise, training, or care. A good animal shelter will help you work towards getting a dog that will fit your lifestyle, not just trying to find a random home for any and every dog. A responsible animal shelter will also be honest about the dog's history to their knowledge such as their previous home, reason for surrender, and any likes or dislikes that could cause issues at home such as not liking kids, cats, or other dogs.
When purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder:
You will want to look for someone who has taken the time to test the parent's health and temperament to ensure that the puppies they are bringing into the world will live a long, healthy, and safe life. These dogs are not paired at random or by convenience and are not bred for money. The breeder will typically ask lots of questions about you to pick the right home for their puppies, have a contract or health guarantee, and will stay in contact with the puppies' new owners so they can help should a problem arise. The lack of any of these standards may be a red flag and should be questioned. A reputable breeder should not be breeding dogs to get rich, rather should care about the dogs they breed, not allowing them to go into the rescue system should things not work out with their owner.
The benefits of getting a dog from a breeder can also be the predictability of your future dog. If you are looking for a dog to fulfill a specific purpose (whether sport or couch potato), you can look at the parents and sometimes even grandparents to see if the temperament of your future puppy's relatives is something you want to own for 10-15 years.
Grooming
Some dogs like the Portuguese Waterdog or Miniature Schnauzer don't shed and are considered low-allergen, perfect if you have a family member that's allergic.
A Saint Bernard or German Shepherd will cover your home with "canine confetti" and you may have to sweep up hair more often.
Dogs like Poodles, Doogles, and Shih Tzus need regular trips to the groomer and daily brushing to prevent mats and knots which can cause discomfort.
Some dogs have trouble being around kids or other animals. With the exception of some, it's extremely common to see border collies herding and nipping children, hunting dogs chasing the family cat or pestering birds, and even some dogs such as Great Pyrenees or Akitas may not be a fan of having other dogs or strangers in the home.
Consider if the breed you're interested in has any special health needs or considerations. The Doberman Pinscher is prone to heart disease, and the Pug doesn't fare well in hot climates where they need to breathe heavily. Things like those may not be common knowledge so make sure you keep that in mind while doing your research.
Quick Tip: If you ever need advice about choosing a breed, finding a reputable breeder, or have questions about the breed or behaviour of a dog in a shelter, contact a dog trainer! A good dog trainer's goal is to help you and your dog live a happy life together, and the first step is finding the right dog. Most trainers will have hands on experience with a lot of breeds and can tell you more from personal experience.
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