How to Pick a Dog Breed

Golden retrievers are great family dogs.

Choosing a dog breed is work-you must be sure the dog fits your lifestyle and personality, and that it isn't coming from a puppy mill or other disreputable place. Every dog breed has its own personality, quirks and needs (just like humans), and to find the perfect fit, you need to get to know the different types of dogs available. You must also know yourself, as your lifestyle plays the predominate role in which type of dog you pick. Owning a dog is a joy, but only if you know what you are getting yourself into, so you want to choose your breed wisely.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Book on dog breeds

Instructions

1. 

   Adopt a retired racing greyhound and make a "fast friend."

   Think about the different breeds of dog you have seen and favor. You will have many dogs from which to choose, including purebred or mixed breed dogs. You will find wonderful dogs in shelters or at private homes. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 25 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebred dogs. You can find any size, shape or color and dogs of all ages and types in the shelter. However, since many dogs from pounds have come from abused backgrounds, they may need a little more socializing. Always be sure to ask many questions regarding the background of the dog, particularly any health conditions he might have. This is necessary no matter what breed of dog you get, or where you get him from.

2. 

   Big dog or little dog? Which is the right dog for you?

   Go through all the different types of breeds that you think you'd be interested in, keeping your own personality in mind. Make a list of your own personality traits to use as a barometer by which to measure the dog breed personalities. It's much easier to find a dog match if you know exactly what type of person YOU are. If you don't like to exercise, for example, a Weimeraner is not for you. If you don't know where to start in terms of breeds, visit a dog park and ask dog owners questions. They will be happy to share insight into their dogs.

3. 

   Parson Russell dogs are wonderful for those who want to participate in agility trials with their dogs.

   Research how much time the breeds need devoted to them (are they lap dogs that need your constant attention but not a lot of exercise, or retriever-type dogs that need lots of exercise but not as much constant attention), how often you need to walk them, if they have any known medical conditions (Labrador Retrievers, for example, are prime candidates for hip dysplasia) and the cost associated with owning the dog (ie., how much food do they consume, do they need a special diet). Dogs are expensive animals, not just in purchase price, but also in upkeep. They need regular check-ups and have medical bills, just like people. If you are never home, or will be leaving the animal locked in your apartment from 6:30am to 9:00 pm, you shouldn't get a dog.

4. Think about the differences between a puppy and an older dog. Puppies take a little more work, as they need more training and will be teething (which means they may chew everything). Dogs that are two years or older are typically already house-broken, past the teething stage, and overall a little mellower.

5. 

   Great Danes and bulldogs make great companion animals, but each have different personalities and needs.

   Go to the breeder's house if you decide on a purebred dog. Never purchase a puppy from a pet store (unless the dog is there as part of a rescue organization's adoption efforts) and always visit the home of anyone who is selling a dog. It is much wiser and less costly to get a purebred dog from a breed rescue organization such as "Golden Retriever Rescue" or "Poodle Rescue of North Dakota" or where ever you live. Every breed has a rescue organization where you can find dogs of all ages. Petfinder (Petfinder.org) is an excellent resource for learning about dogs and finding the perfect fit for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a dog park in your community and speak with the dog owners there, or attend a dog show when it comes to your town. You will be able to speak with dog owners and get insight into the dogs you are considering adopting.

• Please do not buy dogs from pet stores. There is minimal regulation on the treatment of animals in pet stores, and often the animals are bought from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a large scale breeding operation used to pump out the dogs with no regard to the treatment of the dog they use to breed. When you buy a dog from a pet store, you help keep these cruel places in business. And you get no guarantee that you will get a "purebred" dog, if that is what you are looking for. Additionally, you will pay a much higher price than you would for a dog from a reputable breeder.

References

• Humane Society of the United States: Pet Overpopulation

Resources

• American Kennel Club
• Animal Planet
• Dog Channel: Dog Breeds