How to Choose the Right Breed of Dog

Once you've made the decision to add a dog to your family, the next important choice you must make is what type of dog will best fit your lifestyle. You need to take some time to think about just what you want from and expect in a pet, and what you yourself have to offer. Taking all of these things into account, do a little research into some of the different dog breeds available to select the one most likely to make a good canine companion for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books, magazines and/or websites with descriptions of the different dog breeds and their characteristics

1. Think about size. Do you now, or do you plan to, live in an apartment complex or other type of rental property? Many properties, even "pet friendly" ones, have size restrictions in place. You will have an increased number of living options if your dog is under 25 pounds, and will have even more options with a pet that weights less than 15 pounds. If you own your own home or have a landlord who allows pets regardless of size, you can consider a larger pet.

2. Keep your budget in mind. Certain breeds of dogs may be less expensive to purchase initially, but where you really need to do your math is when it comes to calculating the costs of your dog's upkeep. Larger dogs eat more than do smaller dogs, but certain types of smaller dogs may be prone to more health problems. Check to see if your favorite breeds are prone to any particular diseases or disorders and make sure you're prepared to deal with this possibility.

3. Decide how much time and/or money you are willing to spend on grooming and upkeep. Poodles of all sizes require regular trips to the groomer and quite a bit of home upkeep, double-coated northern breeds require regular brushing if you don't want a house full of free-floating hair, but dogs with smooth coats such as greyhounds and Dobermans may not require much more than a daily once-over with a soft brush or damp cloth.

4. Determine the amount of exercise you are willing and able to provide for your pet. Some breeds will not be happy until they can go for long walks every day, and others will go nuts without some off-leash running around time. Do you have not only the time but the facilities to grant these needs? If you are more of a couch potato type (be honest with yourself!), you may need to look into a breed with a lower energy level and less need for exercise.

5. Make sure your personality and your dog's are a good fit. Would you like a canine companion who is very lively, or one who's a bit more mellow? One who makes friends with everyone he meets, or one who is yours and yours alone? A dog who is easily trained, or one who prefers to think for himself and can be, perhaps, a bit on the stubborn side? Would you like a dog who craves nonstop attention and excitement, or one who is able to spend the day snoozing on the couch while you are at work? Take all of these dog personality traits into account when you're researching the different breeds, and be sure to pay attention to the description of each breed's temperament so you'll know what you're likely to be getting into.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to a few dog shows to observe the breeds close up and perhaps talk to their owners and/or handlers
• Contact the breed club for your chosen breed to get the names of some reputable breeders in your area -- these breeders should be able to help you decide if this breed really is a good match for you
• Dogs obtained from pet stores are usually equally (or even more) expensive than ones purchased from reputable breeders and are often in poor health

Resources

• The American Kennel Club

[Vanessa22]

on 1/16/2009 Great article, thank you! I highly recommend people adopt from Humane Societies and rescues before considering a breeder, there are so many dogs out there who need homes! :D