Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Choosing the right dog breed is a big decision. There are a number of important factors to consider when selecting a dog and you need to consider each, before you go to pick a puppy for your family.

While it is important to evaluate carefully a puppy’s temperament and health, it is also important to evaluate your own lifestyle, and your ability to exercise, your time for dog care and your time for spending time together.

Different dog breeds have different requirements, and some dog breeds will tolerate more or less attention from their owners. You need to know what you are willing (or able) to do…

Choosing a dog breed comes long before picking a puppy, so you need to do your homework first, so that you know what you can expect when you get your new dog home.

Photo of young woman jogging with her Bichon Frise dog

You need to consider your lifestyle
when selecting a dog breed.

Selecting a Dog

So what are the things that you should consider? Here are some important things to consider when choosing the right dog breed for your family:

Your Lifestyle - Would someone be at home with your puppy? Do you work long hours, and would your new dog be alone most of the day? Do you travel a lot? If so, who would take care of your dog when you are gone? What kind of car do you drive? If you are considering a large dog, this might be a factor.
Your Activity Level - Do you jog every day? Do you like to take long walks? Or do you live in an apartment, where you come home, have a drink and settle in to watch TV? Some dogs, like Bichon Frises, will adapt to sedentary apartment living, while others, like Weimaraners or Labrador Retrievers, need to have active exercise every day.
Time for Grooming - How much time can you devote to grooming? A short haired dog may be fine with a quick brushing once in awhile, but a Bichon Frise must be combed and brushed every single day, or her coat will become matted and you’ll have a real mass of knots on your hands to untangle…
Other Pets - Do you already have other dogs or cats? Some breeds get along with other pets a lot better than others. “The more the merrier” does not necessarily apply to pets. An older dog may not appreciate a younger dog’s energy. One dog may defend its territory aggressively, making life miserable for your other pets—and you!
Avoid an Impulse Decision - Puppies are adorable, but they grow up. Shelter animals can win your heart, but they may have temperament problems that cannot be resolved easily. Avoid getting a new dog on impulse, as you may be sorry later, and a poor choice on your part, could lead to placing your puppy or dog in a shelter because the match wasn’t right, or you don’t have enough time to spend with your new pet. Think before you get a new puppy or dog!
Your Family - Do you have young children or older adults living in your home? If so, you need to consider your family members when making a decision about dog breeds. Some dogs, like Bichon Frises, are naturally better with children or seniors.
Fashionable Breeds - Some dog breeds tend to be more popular than others. However, you should never choose a breed simply because having a dog is in style or fashionable. This is one of the worst reasons for owning a particular dog. And many dogs chosen for this reason, end up in dog shelters—because it just doesn’t work. It’s far more important that you select a dog, based on your lifestyle, time availability and your compatibility.

Choosing the right dog breed is not a simple task. You need to pick a puppy that will feel comfortable in your home, and you need to be able to devote the time to caring for your dog—not just when he’s a puppy, but also when he’s a grown dog, and later a senior.

When selecting a dog, make sure you consider your relationship over the long haul. Most dog breeds live to be at least 9 or 10 years old, so you will be together for a long time. Make sure you choose wisely…

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