The idea of getting a dog from a local shelter has been floated. Never had one before. Quite like them on the whole, but have a few concerns...

EXERCISE - Is it even realistic to keep a dog if you don't have a garden and work all day? Is taking a dog out twice a day enough, or if it is only for certain breeds then which require less exercise than others?

COST - Realistically, what are you looking at per month for food and other essentials? On top of that, do i need insurance against possibly expensive medical bills, how often would it need vet checkups, etc?

TEMPERAMENT - I'd only really be looking for a very placid dog. Not looking for anything to guard the house or owt, would just like to offer a dog a better home. Have (probably misguided) concerns about how it might interact with strangers, kids, other animals, etc. What are the most sound breeds? Retrievers and shit, aye?

Please feel free to offer any other bits of advice you think a first time pet owner might need to know before making their decision. Must stress that i'm only weighing things up at this stage, but feel it's better to get proper advice before going ahead with it rather than trying to wing it.

Shoot...