How to Find The Right Dog Breed For You

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort to your new furry friend, but you also need to make sure you're ready for the expenses that come with raising a dog before bringing one home. If you've decided that you're ready to make that commitment, then it's time to figure out what type of dog is right for you.

Before choosing a breed, you have to thoughtfully and honestly assess your needs. Your final decision will depend on several factors, including your lifestyle, how much space you have, whether you have kids or other pets, how active you typically are, and the characteristics you're looking for in a furry companion. We believe in the magical bond between people and their dogs, which is why we're here to help you find the right match, so here are the main points you need to consider.

Maybe you already know that you want a large dog to cuddle with, or perhaps you have your heart set on a little lap dog that you can carry around wherever you go. But if you can't make up your mind, then perhaps a medium-sized dog, like a corgi or a poodle, will be a good match for you.

Breeds of different sizes have different needs. Many small dogs, like Chihuahuas and Norwich terriers, are prone to injury as they're typically quite delicate, so you need to be extra careful with them. Smaller breeds can also be much more sensitive to cold temperatures than larger ones. Furthermore, some dogs can have an aggressive attitude, usually to compensate for their small size, which means that you should prepare for the possibility that you might need intensive obedience training.

Naturally, large dogs, like bearded collies and Great Danes, need more space to move around freely without destroying your house or injuring themselves. Another aspect you need to consider is the dog's expenses. The larger the dog, the more costly it is to care for it. Not only do they need more food and supplies, but the medical treatments and grooming expenses of larger breeds also tend to be more expensive. Training is another important factor you need to keep in mind when considering a larger breed. If you get a big or giant dog and allow it to act like a lap dog when it's young, it will walk all over you when it grows up, literally!

Some dogs are more energetic than others. As the lifelong dog lovers at dogtemperament.com explain, a dog's breed and temperament often determine its activity level. Dogs with an active temperament, such as the widely beloved golden retrievers, tend to get excited much faster than those with a more relaxed temperament. They also need more exercise, so if you don't have time in your busy schedule for more than one or two brief walks a day, then perhaps a dog with a lower energy level, such as a Bichon Frise, will be a better fit for you.

Regardless of the breed you choose, you need to keep in mind that every dog needs regular exercise and stimulation to keep them healthy and avoid behavioral problems that result from excessive or pent-up energy.

All dogs need basic, regular grooming, but certain breeds need it more frequently than others depending on the type of their fur. German Shepards, Siberian huskies, Labrador retrievers, and other short-haired and smooth-coated dogs are major shedders. If you go for a similar breed, Petside suggests to be prepared to groom your dog daily to reduce the shedding and, and get ready to do some extra cleaning.

Ear infections are common in dogs with long, floppy ears, like cocker spaniels and basset hounds, which is why they require regular ear cleanings. Moreover, certain types of dogs, like mastiffs and bloodhounds, tend to drool a lot, so you will need to always have a cloth or tissue at hand to wipe the saliva if you go for a similar breed. Also, with these dogs, you'll have to watch out if they shake their heads. Projectile spit is a real thing!

Choosing a dog can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. After all, caring for a living, breathing, tail-wagging creature who will depend on you its entire life is a serious commitment. To ensure a happy life together, examine your current lifestyle, and determine what adjustment you're willing to make for your dog before you bring it home. Consider the needs of your family, the size of your house, and the energy level you can keep up with.

Finally, you should keep in mind that even though dogs of different breeds are born with certain instincts and behaviors, they can learn to control these impulses with positive reinforcement and consistent training. So if the dog you fell in love with is an avid noisemaker, don't let it put you off; you can teach it to be quieter.