Picking the Right Dog Breed for You

There is no best dog breed that fits every situation. Everyone needs to look at their specific lifestyle and needs to find the right dog breed for them. When choosing a new dog you should be sure to consider all the facts before going to the shelter or breeder to pick one up. Knowing what to expect means you are better prepared to deal with any issues that come up and less likely to have to give them up or have unexpected issues later on. 

1. Size

Size is probably the most important when it comes to choosing the best dog breed for you. Is your living space big enough to accommodate a bigger breed like a Great Dane? If not you should probably stick to a breed that is more in the small or medium category. Additionally, large breed dogs are more prone to ailments than smaller breed dogs. For example, German Shepherds often have issues with hip dysplasia. Some smaller breeds like Chihuahuas may have issues with low temperatures and are more at risk of having physical accidents.

2. Activity Level

One of the most overlooked traits when getting a dog is their activity level. Countless people have bought Australian Shepherds recently due to their trendy status without realizing how much energy they have. These dogs were bred to shepherd sheep so it’s not surprising that they have a little bit of extra energy. If you are away from home a lot or just don’t have the time or space to work out that energy then you should consider a less energetic breed. On the other end of the spectrum, there are companionship dogs breeds like English & French bulldogs and Pugs. These breeds usually struggle with high activity so if you like to take your dog on runs you might want to consider a different breed.

3. Allergies

For those of us with allergies, this is the number one thing to consider when getting a new furry friend. Allergies are usually caused by dander and or shedding but there are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from without these issues. The most common one you will hear about is the Poodle. Standard, Miniature, and Toy poodles are all hypoallergenic dog breeds. Much of the issue with dog-related allergies is the hair if you want a dog you don’t have to worry about that with then consider the American Hairless Terrier or even the 3,000-year-old Aztec dog breed Xoloitzcuintli. While many breeds are smaller there are large hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from such as the Irish Water Spaniel or the Giant Schnauzer.

4. Climate

Throughout the millennia dogs have been bred to best fit their environments. Due to this, there are many breeds that are accustomed to the extremes. For example, Siberian Huskies and Tibetan Terriers were originally bred to live in the coldest parts of the world. If you live in a hotter part of the world it may be best to go with a bread that better fits the climate. On the other side, there are dogs like Chihuahuas and Australian Cattle Dog which thrive in the hotter months. If you live in a cold climate these are probably not the best companions for you in the winter months.

5. Your Housing Situation

Tying into a dog breed’s activity levels is the housing situation. If you live in a smaller space or don’t have a backyard then you might want to opt for a more relaxed breed like a Shih Tzu or the larger Boerboel. If you live in an area that is out in the country with lots of space then choosing a dog breed that is used to having a lot of room to run around then a Golden or Labrador Retriever would be a great fit.

Remember there is no one-size-fits-all dog breed. Choose the breed that best suits your lifestyle and region and you will be sure to be happy with your choice.