the question about owning a dog is not specific for only a dog, but applies to other animals as well, such as cats. Why would this be an issue? Because we all the the stringencies laid out by the shulchan aruch about making brochos or davening in a makom with there is a re’ach ra (bad smell). It is utterly unpermissable, therefore if you will have an animal that will smell up your whole house, don’t do it.
