It is a big responsibility, it depends on wheather your up for it or not. I was 14-15 when I got MY 1st dog (Ive had another dog, but this one was complety my responsibilty. Its all really depending on the person, i personally couldn't wait, i actually wanted the responsibilty. The main thing a dog needs is love and attention If you have time to take it for walks, play with it, train it, and actually want to, then i'd say your good ;]