Bringing a dog into your family is a huge decision; it will completely change the dynamics of your current family. Selecting the right dog is essential, and one element that determines a lot about a dog is its breed. You need to choose a dog breed that’s suitable for your living situation, your level of activity and a number of other factors. This article has a few tips that can help you find the right dog breed.
Size of your home
One important decision that will help narrow down the list of suitable breeds is the size of your current home and garden. Smaller dog breeds are good for those with less space, for example, people that live in an apartment or have a very small garden. Large dog breeds are more suitable for people with the space to have a large dog in their life; this might mean a larger home and more garden space. You can also choose a medium-sized dog which will need more space than a small breed but less space compared to a large dog.
Dog ownership costs
Owning a dog can be very expensive, no matter what the breed. However, some breeds of dogs are more expensive than others. Larger dogs need more food, larger toys and bigger beds, which are more expensive than items for smaller dogs. However, a huge proportion of your expenses can come from vet bills. Some dogs are more prone to health issues which can be very expensive to correct if they experience these issues. This will also be reflected in the cost of pet insurance. Make sure you do your research on common health issues before choosing a dog breed.
Activity level
All dogs need regular walking, but the extent of how far and how often varies considerably between each dog. High-energy dogs such as Border Collies and Dalmatians are always on the go and need long daily walks to keep them happy. Less active breeds such as Pugs, Maltese and Basset Hounds are happy with short amounts of exercise and relaxing around the home. Consider how much exercise you’re willing to give your new dog. If you’re always on the go and love hiking and spending time outdoors, an active dog is a great choice. For those that prefer spending time relaxing at home, a low-energy dog might be better suited to your lifestyle.
Ability to train
Some dog breeds are easier to train than others; this is down to their intelligence levels and other factors, such as stubbornness. If you want a dog that’s easy to train with a dog clicker, choose a Poodle, Border Collie, German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever. These are some of the easiest breeds to train. Some of the hardest dog breeds to train are Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Beagles and Bullmastiffs; these dog breeds should be left to experienced dog handlers that have the time and patience to train them properly.
Behaviour around children
If you have children in your family, you need to ensure you choose a dog breed that’s good with children. Some dogs are naturally more patient, understanding and friendly around kids, whereas others can be less patient and more prone to being reactive with children. Dogs that aren’t known for being good with children include Akitas, Chow Chows, Dalmatians and Alaskan Malamutes; avoid these dog breeds if you have children or are planning to have children in the future. Dogs that are good with children include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs.
There is a lot to consider before choosing a new dog for your family; the things listed above are just some of the factors that can influence your decision on what breed to choose. Before committing to any puppy or adopting a dog, make sure you do your research and look at the traits, characteristics and behaviours of that particular dog breed. This will give you a good understanding of what to expect from your new dog and how well they’re likely to fit into your family. Remember, if you’re getting a puppy, they’re likely to have lots of energy and need lots of work, but the payoff is great when they develop into a well-rounded adult dog.
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