Did you know that owning a dog costs about $1000 for the first year alone? Then, it costs about $500 each year after that -- and that's just for the basics!

According to a report I saw on the news this morning (on my local FOX news channel in Nashville), there are a number of ways that you can save money when you own a dog.

Here are a few...

Do you have the smartest dog in the world?...

If yours is an Australian Cattle Dog, Rottweiler, Papillon, Labrador Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Poodle, or Border Collie you might!

Word is, those are the most intelligent of all the dog breeds.

Want to see which breeds show up on the "least intelligent dog breeds" list?...

The folks at the Dog Hause came up with a list of 15 interesting facts about dogs.

I've chosen my favorites to share with you here...

This is a fun read that is incredibly informative at the same time!

Here is some good information to read before you decide to get a new puppy -- whether it be a rescued puppy that you think you'll be helping, or a new puppy from a pet store, a friend, or a breeder...