With all the information available online, it can be hard to figure out which dog breed is right for your household. There are many factors that go into making a perfect match between you and your furry friend. Below is a list of characteristics to consider before picking a breed.
Lifestyle
One of the most important factors in achieving the perfect match is finding a dog breed that matches your current lifestyle. Maybe you want your future pup to accompany you on your weekend hikes or maybe you’re looking for a pup to curl up on the couch next to you for a movie marathon. If you love hiking, breeds such as an Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or Bernese Mountain dog might be the right choice. If you prefer the latter, then a Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, or King Charles Cavalier might be right breed for you. When choosing a breed, take into consideration if you have children. Some dog breeds, like a Chow Chow, prefer to be in a child-free environment.
When evaluating your lifestyle, consider how long you’re away from the house on a regular basis. Certain dog breeds, like the Australian Shepherd, might become anxious if their owners are away for an extended period. Other breeds, such as the Boston Terrier, are quite the opposite, content to chew away at a toy until you return.
Size
Each owner has their preference on how big or small they want their future dog to be. While preference does contribute to the selection process, it’s also important to choose a breed that aligns with your living arrangements. Smaller to medium dogs may be better suited for apartment living than a larger dog.
Maintenance
How many hours are you willing to dedicate towards bathing and grooming? Some breeds will require daily brushing or to be bathed multiple times a week. A couple breeds that don’t require high maintenance grooming are breeds such as Dachshund, Beagle, or Italian Greyhound. If you don’t mind spending time brushing your furry friend then look for breeds like a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or Huskey. If someone in your household has allergies, a hypoallergenic dog like a soft coated Wheaten Terrier would be an excellent addition without causing any allergy problems.
Research
Once you have identified all your preferences, your lifestyle, and figured out what dog breed is right for you, it’s time to do your research. While you might know everything about your selected breed, but it’s always a good idea to contact an ethical and responsible dog breeder. Each dog comes with their own personality quirks and by talking to a dog breeder you can ensure that your selected dog breed is the right one for you. It’s a good opportunity to ask any additional questions you may have before taking your dog home.
Even though talking with a dog breeder is beneficial, it doesn’t mean you have to buy a dog from the breeder. Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue could be fulfilling for you and your dog. Shelters and rescues often host meet and greet events, a great way to meet your dog in person, getting to know their personality and needs before taking them home.
Whether your ideal dog is small or large, energetic or a couch potato, there’s a perfect dog for every type of lifestyle. Finding the right dog may be overwhelming but by matching your dog to your preferences, lifestyle, and your home- you’re sure to find your best friend for life. If you enjoyed learning about which breeds are right for you, check out some of our other blog posts such as “5 Best Ingredients to Add to Your Dog’s Food” and “The Benefits of Boarding Your Dog with a Pet Sitter vs. a Boarding Facility.”
