How to Choose the Right Breed of Dog for You

A dog is a bundle of joy for any home, but you and your potential new friend may have very different ideas of a good time. The first step to being a responsible dog owner begins before you even bring a dog home. Thoughtfully and seriously assess your needs, and breeds of dog before making a decision, and you'll live happy and fun lives together.

Every dog breed originated with specific needs and goals in mind, all coming with vastly different temperaments and energy levels. 

Importantly, do not get in over you head with a fashionable breed that may not be the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

If you're a prospective dog owner looking to give a pooch a loving home, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Which breeds are best for my lifestyle?

You should consider your day-to-day activities and if it's a good fit for your select breed. A high-energy pooch can quickly exhaust a low-energy dog owner, and a low-energy dog can frustrate an owner who's always on the go. If you're active, you may go outside and exercise once or twice a day, and so a higher energy breed may be the most appropriate. 

Some examples of dogs that are going to need a lot of exercise and outdoor time are:

• Golden Retrievers
• Border Collies
• Labrador Retrievers
• Jack Russell Terriers

If you don't think you're up to the challenge of a high energy dog or don't have time to fit it into your busy schedule, a dog that is a bit more lazy and happy to hang out with you at home may be more suitable.

Some examples of dogs that don't require as much exercise are:

• Maltese
• French Bulldogs
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Greyhounds (known for their speed, but like to live life at a much slower pace)

Which breeds are best suited to my home?

Your dog is likely going to be spending more time in your home than any other member of your family and you should consider which breed might be most comfortable there.

Do you live in a small apartment or a house? Do you have a backyard where the dog could easily head outside for exercise and to do their business? The size of your living space is a major factor you should think about when selecting a dog breed.

Some breeds well suited to apartment living are:

• Greyhounds (couch potatoes at heart)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terriers

Which breeds are best suited for families

Dogs can teach children responsibilty, compassion, cooperation and be the best playmates anyone could ask for, are you are looking for a temperament more suited for little ones or for older children? 

Some breeds suitable for family living:

• Cavoodles
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers

Which breeds are best for first-time dog owners?

While all dogs are individuals, certain breeds are known to be higher maintenance and are recommended for more experienced owners. While the best time to learn is now, it might be a good idea to find a more easy-going breed that's happy to accommodate your lifestyle and your home. Look for a dog breed that is generally described as easily trainable, eager to please and friendly.

Some dog breeds best fit for beginners are:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers
• Poodles

Are different breeds more prone to certain health risks?

No dog is immune to health problems and unfortunately your dog will come across some in it's life. When choosing the breed that's right for you, research the potential health risks of each breed and determine if you can accommodate them in your household. No matter what breed you end up selecting,  regular health checkups are important to keep on top of things.

Some breeds are also known to face specific health concerns due to genetic predisposition. For example, short nosed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems and extra precautions need to be taken in the warmer months.

The bottom line

Adopting a pet into your home and family is an amazing and exciting time, but it's important to carefully consider and research the breed of dog that is the right fit. We have mentioned just a few.

Learning more about breeds of dogs, and comparing their needs to your home and your lifestyle is important to make sure you're both happy. Also, do not forget cross-breeds when considering your perfect pooch.There are many wonderful cross-breed options which can be a great choice.

If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

And if you're adopting a puppy, no matter what breed you choose, all puppies require early socialisation and training, this begins as soon as you bring your puppy home. Contact us to book in for puppy preschool.