Some of the above reasons are good, some are not so good. If you want a dog for protection then think again, it could land you in trouble with the Law.
If you want a dog instead of a child then be careful not to spoil the dog and remember it is definitely not a human.
If you want it for the children, are they old enough to understand that it is not a toy and will need time to itself.
However, whatever the reason you decide you want a dog, you should then consider the following:
Are you house proud? If so a hairy dog is not for you.
Do you have an aversion to exercise?! Then a larger energetic breed is not for you.
Are you out to work all day? Then consider if you can come home at lunchtime to see the dog and also spend time with him first thing in the morning and in the evenings.
Can you afford food bills and vet bills? Will you need insurance cover?
Do you enjoy holidays abroad? Can you afford to pay someone to look after it while you are gone? Will you want to leave it behind?
If you get a puppy, can you spend time with it for the first few weeks to get it into a routine? i.e housetraining.
Can you commit to 12 - 16 years of care and attention for the dog?
Will you be able to train it yourself, adequately or will you need help? Can you afford training classes (can you afford not to?)
Then decide which one or two breeds you think will suit you most and see several breeders before you buy. Would a mongrel suit you better? Could you cope with an older rescue?
If you have made your decision carefully and know what you want, then go for it.
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