How To Choose A Dog Breed That Suits You

The American Kennel Club currently recognizes some 173 breeds and varieties of dogs.  There are over 400 dog breeds worldwide.  When it comes to choosing the ideal breed of dog for someone, the task can seem a little overwhelming. What kind of things should you consider?

Where to start?

When trying to decide what kind of dog you want, the most important things to consider are right in your own home.  What do YOU want?  What kind of dog would suit you?  Are you single?  Do you have a family?  Are you looking for a dog for an active lifestyle?  Do you want a dog that’s good with children?  Do you prefer a quiet, mellow dog or an athletic dog that can go out hiking and jogging with you?  Are you looking for the smartest dog around so you can do lots of training with him?  Are you interested in hunting or other activities?  Do you or does anyone in your household have allergies?

Before you start looking for a dog it’s a good idea to make a list of the things that are important to you.  With so many breeds of dogs there is a breed for everything and everyone.  Decide what attributes you would like to find in a dog.  That will help you narrow down the list to a top twenty or so breeds.  You may be able to zero in on a group of dogs that have many of the qualities you like, such as the Sporting group or the Toy group.  Then you can focus on the dogs in that group and decide which one is right for you.

Remember, however, that all dogs are loving and companionable.  No breed or group has a monopoly on those dog-like qualities.  Whether you decide to get the smartest Border Collie, the cutest Pug, or the most devoted Labrador, they will all be loving companions.

Temperament

One of the most important things you can consider about any breed or dog is their temperament.  When you consider purebred dogs those dogs have a breed standard that describes what the temperament for the breed should be — for the Irish Setter, it should be rollicking and outgoing.  For the Golden Retriever, they should be friendly, reliable and trustworthy.  A Yorkshire Terrier should always be confident.  A Dachshund should be lively and friendly.  A so on.  These are what the breeds should be.  Keep in mind that you should, ideally, meet any puppy or dog that you are thinking or purchasing.  You should make sure that they have a stable temperament and that they have the kind of temperament that is typical of their breed.  Individuals in any breed can vary.

A dog’s temperament is his personality.  Consider what kind of personality you would like your dog to have.  Should he be friendly to everyone?  Should he be hostile to strangers?  Should he be very protective?  Should he be outgoing?  Should he be aloof?  Would you like a dog who prefers to snooze all day or one who is very active?  Do you want a dog that likes to play with kids?  Remember that these aren’t necessarily “yes” and “no” questions.  Your dog can be somewhat protective without tearing people to pieces.  There are dogs that will welcome a thief into your home — and other dogs that won’t be very friendly when you invite guests into your home.  Most people want a dog that is somewhere in the middle — a dog that can distinguish between intruders and invited guests.  These are the things you should consider about a dog’s temperament.

Size

What size dog is good for you?  Do you like a large dog or a small one?  Do you live in an apartment?  Contrary to what many people think, you can successfully have a large dog in an apartment.  The important point to consider is how much exercise a dog needs.  That’s at least as important as his size.  There are many large dogs who are quite happy to sleep all day when you’re away.

On the other hand, you should consider that it costs more to maintain a large dog.  Food costs are higher and so are veterinary costs.  The giant breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than the medium and small-sized dogs, too.

Whatever size dog you’re interested in, you should make sure that you know how big the dog will become when he’s an adult.

Grooming needs

All puppies are adorable balls of fur but they don’t stay that way.  You should find out what the adult grooming needs will be for any dog you’re interested in.  Will weekly brushing be enough?  Will you need to learn to do more?  Will your dog require a professional groomer to look nice?  If your puppy has a wirehaired coat then he will likely need to go to a professional groomer every few weeks to look good.  If you are getting a Poodle puppy of any variety then, likewise, he will probably need to go to a groomer.  Even longhaired dogs like Cocker Spaniels are often taken to groomers.  You can learn to do this grooming yourself but it will require an investment in some grooming tools.

If you like longhaired dogs, such as Setters or a Collie, consider whether you have the time and commitment to devote to brushing their coat frequently.

Male or female?

Do you have a preference?  Everyone seems to have their favorite.  Some people swear that males are more affectionate.  Other people prefer females and say that they’re smarter.  But both male and female dogs make wonderful pets.  Most pet owners have their dogs spayed and neutered so the choice is all one of personal preference.  When you are choosing a dog, choose the one who appeals to you the most.

Puppy or adult?

Again, this is a matter of personal preference.  Many people like to get a puppy.  They like to raise a puppy from a young age and have him or her with them for their entire life.  They know that the puppy has not had any bad experiences and they can control everything that the puppy learns.  They also feel that they can bond more closely with a puppy.  Other people like to bring an adult dog into their home.  The adult is likely already housetrained and past the chewing stage.  They can by-pass many of the aggravations of puppy training, which takes a lot of time and patience.  Some people like to rescue adult dogs who have had a bad start in life.  Adult dogs can also bond very closely with their new families and learn everything they need to know in their new homes.  It’s really up to you whether a puppy or an adult dog would fit into your household better.

Health

You should also consider a breed’s health matters before making your choice.  Hip dysplasia, deafness, eye problems — these are just a few of the things that can occur in some breeds.  Dogs as a whole, both purebred and mixed breeds, carry over 400 genetic diseases.  When choosing a breed of dog you should pay attention to the possible health problems that can occur in the breeds you’re interested in.  When talking to a breeder you should inquire about whether they have tested the parents for those problems.  Ask about their contract.  Do they guarantee their puppies?  You need to know that you have a reasonable expectation of getting a puppy that will live a long and healthy life.

These are the kinds of things that you should when you choose a breed of dog.  Every dog is different but if you consider these issues then you should be able to narrow down your choices to the breeds that would be the best match for you.  Good luck!