How to Find Out What Dog Breed to Adopt

Choosing the right breed of dog to adopt requires honest assessment of the time, energy and resources you are willing to devote to your new pet.

Certain breeds of dog are easier to care for and train than others. When preparing to adopt a dog, consider your lifestyle and the amount of time, energy and money you are willing to spend on your new pet. This will aid you in determining what kind of dog owner you can be, and help you to choose a breed to adopt that is compatible with you and your family.

Instructions

1. Contact local shelters in your area and make a list of the breeds they have available for adoption.

2. Assess your apartment or house to determine what size of dog will be suited to your living situation. Small breeds are more suitable to urban dwellings or apartments, where large breeds are more comfortable in spacious houses or areas where there is immediate access to the outdoors.

3. Consider the availability of fenced-in outdoor areas such as dog parks and yards. Certain breeds have more energy than others and will require more exercise.

4. Ask yourself how much time and energy you are willing to devote to caring for and exercising your dog. Certain breeds are more social than others and certain breeds need more exercise than others.

5. Take into consideration any children or elderly people your new dog will interact with. Some breeds are gentler than others.

6. Take into consideration allergies or health concerns. Some breeds of dog, such as the poodle and many breeds of terrier, have hair rather than fur, which means they will cause fewer allergic reactions than long-haired breeds with fur.

7. Decide how important cleanliness is to your living space and lifestyle. Certain breeds shed more than others and require frequent baths and grooming, while other breeds are easier to keep clean and are less likely to need regular brushings.

Tips & Warnings

• Adopting a dog from a kennel, regardless of its breed, means that you are taking in an animal with previous experiences that will influence its behavior. Because of this, it's best to speak thoroughly with a representative from your local animal shelter before picking out your dog. They will give you information about the individual personalities of the dogs they are offering for adoption that will help you make your final decision.

• High-energy breeds of dog such as border collies or retrievers often become restless and difficult to control if they do not get the proper amount of exercise.

• Certain breeds of dog are less friendly than others and will be less suited to households with children.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: Adopt a Shelter Pet
• ASPCA: Adoption
• American Kennel Club: Dogs and Allergies