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CHARLOTTE -- If your idea of gift giving includes a wet nose, you need to do your research. The Piedmont Kennel Club held its annual Meet the Breeds event Saturday to help future dog owners get to know the characteristics of different breeds.

Volunteers say owning a dog is fun for children, but it's nothing to take lightly.

"It's a good way to have young people learn about real responsibility, not just, i'll pick up the dish after the dog's finished eating mom," said Maggie Blutrike with the Piedmont Kennel Club. "But you know, we have to do some homework here and think about things."

Experts say it's really best to wait until after the holidays to bring a pet home. Wait until after all the activity has died down, so you can devote all your attention to your new family member.