6 tips for choosing the best dog breed

You’ve come to the decision that you want a dog. Congratulations! 

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or are adding to your pack, choosing the best dog breed for you and your family can be a daunting choice. But, don’t fret because we’ve got everything you need to know about the process and steps for picking a dog to bring home.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A great way to determine if you and your lifestyle are conducive to pet ownership is to make a list of questions about the life you’d lead with your pup. 

• Do I have the financial resources to take care of a pet (routine vet appointments, grooming, etc.), including any emergencies that may come?
• Do I have ample time to dedicate to walking, playing, and grooming? 
• Do I have the resources and time to help train my pet or seek out professional help?
• Would the pet I want fit into my lifestyle and home?
• Do I have a plan for my pet when I need to be away from the house? On vacation or business travel?

If you answer no to a majority of the questions, then perhaps it’s worth it to reevaluate your decision or consider a different type of pet.

When choosing a dog, one of the first considerations is what size of dog you want. Oftentimes people have personal preferences, but outside considerations are important, too.

For example, while a large dog like a Great Dane or Newfoundland could feasibly have a fulfilling, healthy life living in a studio apartment, it isn’t ideal. Bigger dogs tend to be a little more laid back than small dogs, but they still require ample exercise and space.

So, when considering what size dog, run through some of these questions and scenarios to determine which might fit best with your life: 

• Do you live in an apartment? What size? Do they have size restrictions for dogs?
• Do you have a fenced-in yard to make going out easy?
• Are you very active and want a dog to work out with you?
• Do you travel a lot and want a smaller dog that can join you?

The more you can verbalize exactly why you want a dog, the better. For some, a dog is a friendly face to wake up to and a companion to spend time with. For others, their dog is a work and activity partner. 

Take some time to think about what you’re looking for in a dog beyond looks. Dive deep into the type of personality, behaviors, and activities that you want from a dog — that’ll help you narrow down the breeds that will fit. 

For a family-friendly dog that is relatively low maintenance, you might consider a Labrador retriever. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a running partner, you’d want a dog that is higher energy like a Doberman pinscher or German shorthaired pointer.

While you can plan for many things, sometimes the sheer cost of owning a dog over its lifetime can come as a shock. 

According to a study by Synchrony, the 15-year cost of a lifetime of care for dogs comes in at around $20,000 to $55,000. This number can vary depending on the unexpected like emergency veterinary needs and health conditions, but the little things add up, too. 

Things like pet insurance, flea medication, leashes, dog beds, toys, food and treats can all add up and that isn’t including any doggy daycare, pet sitting, or dog walking you may outsource.

If you find that the cost of a purebred dog is too much of an upfront financial strain, consider looking into adopting a dog from a shelter.

Now, we’re at the stage you’ve been waiting for. When it comes to choosing between a purebred or mixed breed dog, there are more considerations than just cost. Let’s explore various types of dog breeds and what they’re best suited for:

• English cream golden retriever — Best for outgoing owners
• French bulldogs — Best for laid-back owners
• German shepherds — Best for adventurous owners
• Standard poodles — Best for intellectual owners
• Beagles — Best for curious owners
• Collies — Best for loyal owners
• Cavalier King Charles spaniels — Best for affectionate owners
• Labrador retrievers — Best for friendly owners
• Basset hounds — Best for independent owners
• Dachshunds — Best for strong-willed owners
• Great Danes — Best for introverted owners
• Bulldogs — Best for light-hearted owners
• Australian shepherds — Best for hard-working owners
• Rottweilers — Best for confident owners
• Shih tzus — Best for playful owners

Mixed-breed dogs can be the best of both worlds by combining traits from multiple breeds to create a dog that is as unique as you are!

It’s also important to note that some breeds are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions than others. Siberian huskies can be predisposed to autoimmune disorders while German shepherds can easily get hip dysplasia (much like other large breeds). 

That leads us to our next step.

You’ve narrowed down the breed(s) you’re interested in. Now, it’s time to research. 

If you purchase your puppy from a responsible breeder, you’ll have some idea of their temperament, size, and looks before ever bringing them home. Let’s explore some means of gathering information on the breed you’re interested in:

• Understand their group. Working group Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source dogs have different skill sets than sporting dogs while herding group dogs act much differently than hound dogs. 
• Watch a dog show. This can be a great opportunity to see the breed in action.
• Go on the AKC website. The American Kennel Club Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source is a wealth of information on dog breeds from people who know and work with them most. 
• Ask an owner. It never hurts to ask someone who currently owns the breed you’re interested in about the pros and cons of the breed.
• Breed health. Some breeds face certain health conditions more than others. It isn’t a guarantee that your Beagle will get epilepsy, but it’s best to be prepared for that possibility.

Deciding between adopting or buying your dog from a breeder is an extremely personal choice and is typically influenced by many factors like cost, lifestyle, energy level, etc. While we always recommend looking into adoption, we understand that some people want a purebred. Let’s break down how to do both ethically. 

Whether adopting or buying a dog, know what you want: age, energy level, and size. 

When it comes to adopting a dog, scout out reputable rescues to see what pups they have that are ready to go home. Plus, there are breed-specific rescues that may have a purebred pup waiting for adoption! 

When buying a dog, you want to find a responsible breeder that is AKC-certified. These can be found through online research or a referral from your veterinarian or trusted friends. 

Reputable breeders won’t sell their dogs through pet stores or in any way that takes personal meetings out of the equation. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

No matter what dog you decide on, bringing home a new best friend can be an extremely rewarding experience and we’re happy to be here every step of the way with you.