People often underestimate the amount of work needed to care for a dog. That's one big reason why so many dogs are abandoned. If you're planning to get a dog, use our Hound Finder, and ask yourself some tough questions:

Do I spend enough time at home? Am I prepared to take my dog outside three to five times a day? Am I willing to be dragged out of bed first thing Sunday morning? Do I have the patience and persistence to train a dog? Can I afford the high cost of vet care?

If you answered yes to all those questions, then go ahead: get a hound! Start with urbanhound's Breed Finder, a rich directory of the 50 most popular dog breeds in the country. Once you're ready to get a dog, please don't buy him or her from a pet shop. Pet shops keep puppy mills in business. As well, dogs in pet shops are more likely to have health or temperament problems. Instead, get a dog directly from a reputable breeder, from a shelter, or from a rescue group.

For information on the city's shelters, read urbanhound's Adopt A Hound.