2. Do you have children? Will a large dog knock over your child easily? Is the child the height where they could be harmed by a happily wagging tail?

3. What is your family's energy level? You want a dog that will "fit into" your home rather than one that will be bored or over-stimulated (runners = labs, couch potato = mastifs). If you do not have a fenced in yard, are you willing to walk the breed you choose as often and as far as they may need? Remember that it is not the size of the dog but the activity level that is important to consider!

4. Homes with less land should stay away from working breeds (cattle dogs, shepherds, border collies) since these dogs tend to need more outside exercise to be happy inside the house.

5. Large dogs behave like most dogs but their actions seem more extreme due to their size. Can you control a large dog on a leash if they lunge or chase a squirrel?

6. Be realistic and prepare for the worst! Many dogs are given up because their owners had unrealistic expectations for them. Chewing, destruction, and other random chaos is "bigger" with larger dogs, but know that behavior can be corrected!