How to Select the Perfect Dog Breed For You

Member

By LilyoftheThorns
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

I've been working with dogs for over two years, and have experience with hundred upon hundreds of different dogs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Car
Money
Animal shelter or rescue

Step 1

There are a lot of things to consider when you are looking for your perfect dog. How much time will you be able to give your new friend every day? What are you looking for in a dog?
Step 2

First thing to consider is your dream dog’s size. Do you like large dogs? Consider a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard. If you prefer not to have a goofy giant running through your house consider a Pomeranian or a Chihuahua. Despite their small stature, they’ve got giant personalities!!
Step 3

The next thing to think about is your exercise routine. Are you athletic? Do you jog every day? Then I would suggest getting a Border collie or something in the Shepherd family. If you’re just looking for someone to lounge on the couch with you go for an English bulldog or a Borzoi.
Step 4

Also think about the level of protectiveness you’d like your new canine friend? Do you want a dog that’ll bark to alert, or do you want a dog that’ll stand his ground and fight? If you want someone who’ll raise the alarm when something is wrong definitely look into a Beagle or Basset Hound. They have loud voices that they aren’t afraid to use! If you’d rather have a dog that would stand between you and trouble look into a Great Pyrenees. This breed, by nature, likes to have something to protect—they are a big time family dog! Rottweilers are also sweet natured dog’s that love their families.
PIT BULLS: I don’t believe in the “bully breed” bad rep that pit bulls get. But I do believe that when they are treated right pit bulls LOVE their people and would gladly die to protect them.
Step 5

Next think about how much time you’d be willing to spend grooming your pet or how much money you’d be willing to get them groomed. If you don’t mind brushing your dog while you’re watching television, or paying a groomer to take care of your dogs coat, than consider a long coated dog, like a Retriever or a Sheepdog. If you don’t like the extra hair around the house, and the extra grooming time than stick with the short haired breeds.
Step 6

Now remember, some breeds are louder than others. If you don’t want a dog that’s not afraid to speak their mind then you should stay away from any from the Hound group. They love to sing for you! If you don’t mind a little extra noise than Hounds do make very loving pets. But if you prefer a quieter, more laid back animal than consider a Bulldog. They are generally very quiet, though the French ones do have the occasional opinion. Greyhounds are VERY quiet, sweet natured dogs…one of my personal favorite breeds. Nothing would make them more content than just being around their people.

Comments

pestopizza said

Flag This Comment

on 12/9/2009 Great tips on picking the right breed for you. We have two goldens and love 'em! 5* and recommend

LilyoftheThorns said

on 11/6/2009 Awww Reggie! :P I love cockapoo's...they're so cute!! I have a Golden Retriever (Goldie), Pitbull/Shepherd mix (Maggie) and a Lab/Great Dane mix (Sam) :D <3 all my animals!!!