The decision to bring a new dog or cat into your home is one that should be taken seriously. All too often, well-meaning families purchase or adopt dogs or cats only to find out that the new pets are not what they expected, are not compatible with their lifestyle, or require more care than they originally thought. At best this results in animals that are relinquished to shelters or at worst animals who are abandoned or abused. In order for the human-animal bond to be properly established and maintained, it’s a good idea to understand the differences and special needs of certain breeds.