Most people put more thought into buying a new car than they do into adopting a new pet. Adding a dog to your life is a big decision and you must act with your head, as well as your heart, before making a 12- to 15-year commitment.

Before you even take the first step toward getting a new puppy, ask yourself these questions:

Can I make the commitment? Is everyone in the household in favor? Can I afford to provide proper care? Am I willing to take on the daily responsibilities? Am I willing to learn about basic dog behavior and commit to proper training? Am I prepared to enter this new relationship for better or for worse?

If you can honestly answer, "yes" to all of these questions, then you're ready to consider helping one of the millions of homeless pets find a human home to call their own.

The selection of the perfect puppy is not easy. In fact, it requires patience and homework to avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect fit to assure the needs of both pet and people are met.

Compatibility must be evaluated based on many factors. Learn about dog breed traits — activity level, size, coat and grooming needs, tendency to bark, dig, escape, or herd. Then within any given litter, evaluate the disposition of the bitch and sire, as your pup is likely to be similar in disposition, then evaluate each individual puppy's personality. A puppy that approaches people is social, which is good, but one that pushes all other puppies away and is the most active, may be a training challenge. Match your evaluation with your expectations, lifestyle, dwelling, family, training experience and financial resources.

Just as you research a new vehicle by narrowing the search from minivan, SUV, car or truck to a select category, you will want to narrow your search to a certain type of dog such as toy, sporting, herding, working and other breed groups. Don't select a working breed if you simply want a pet. Then discuss the pros and cons of your thinking with your trusted veterinarian, before finding the exact pet you will bring home.

Words to the wise: Just because a puppy looks like Benji, doesn't mean he's going to grow up to look or act like Benji. If you have plans to participate in canine agility, you probably won't want a basset hound. A person who wants a quiet dog that doesn't shed much best avoid a sheltie. If you are a laid back, couch potato, avoid active breeds such as a Border collie. Likewise, if you are an athlete who wants a dog to go on a daily run, it would be wise to avoid the teacup poodle. If you have a hard time saying, "no" to loved ones, you'd be wise to avoid a Rottweiler. Your uniqueness as an individual needs to be matched to the individual pet.

Time commitment: Daily needs of your new pet go beyond the basics of food, water, shelter and veterinary care. All pets require ongoing training and guidance, play times and quality time with you. In general, long-haired dogs take more time than short haired dogs to groom, indoor dogs take more time than outdoor dogs to teach household manners and puppies take more time than adopting an already trained adult dog.

Indoor vs. outdoor: In general, dogs are social animals and are happier and easier to train if they live in the home with their human families. Rather than watch loved ones through patio doors, pets prefer laying at your feet or curled up nose to nose on the bed sleeping. Large dogs and very active dogs may do poorly in small spaces or in places when not taken twice daily off the property on long, aerobic walks or runs.

Social atmosphere: A family with very young children or lots of visiting grandchildren, should avoid highly aggressive, highly reactive breeds such as West Highland white terriers and springer spaniels, whereas a Labrador retriever or golden retriever might be the perfect pet. Children, especially those younger than 6, must be closely supervised and taught proper ways to interact with pets.

EHarmony.com: Finding the perfect pet is like finding the perfect mate. Fill out your profile and match it to the dog breed you are considering.

Dalmatians require a lot of exercise, greyhounds don't. Small dogs eat less food and require less cleanup than larger dogs. In general, adding a dog of a different size and sex may help reduce canine competition and fighting. Typically the smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan. Neutered pets have fewer behavioral problems — roaming, escaping, aggression, mounting your leg and fewer medical problems — prostate disease, cancer plus no unwanted litters.

Just as importantly as choosing a pet wisely is early socialization (guided experiences that help the pet learn to love other pets, people and items inside and outside the home), behavioral training, and close supervision if they are to live a happy, healthy, full life.

Don't try and shoehorn a pet into your life or make an impulse adoption based just on a pretty face or other emotion. Do your homework, then seek the advice of local, trusted experts such as veterinarians, shelter personnel or breeders, and you will be on your way to finding the perfect love connection.

For additional reading, consider "The Perfect Puppy" by BL and LA Hart, and "Before You Get Your Puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar.