4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dog Breed

So, you’ve come up with the decision to find your new best canine friend. You get the idea - just go out and keep you and your kids company, anytime, anywhere. Do stuff.

Well that’s just wonderful. But keep in mind that different dogs have different personalities just like humans. So you have to choose very carefully what companion will suit you best (kind of the same way you choose your actual friends). And again just like with people, you can never be absolutely sure what the character of your new friend will turn out to be in the years to come. However, with dogs there is a way to have some idea what your soon-to-be pet might be like. Here are a few useful tips on how to find your perfect dog match. Also, keep in mind some breeds do really well with small children, while others are definitely out of the question as family dogs.

Here are four general tips you might want to take into account before you adopt a fuzzy ball of pure cuteness:

1. Time #

The first and most I-cannot-emphasise-this-enough thing to keep in mind is a dog is a long-term commitment. In other words, you will have the responsibility to take care of the dog for the next ten to fifteen years. So be honest and see if you would be able to commit a few hours each day to this new friend of yours. If you are a busy parent of a couple of toddlers, may be you should think of a dog after you children grow up a bit, so they can help you out. Of course, the time and attention your dog will need may vary depending on the breed. The so-called “lap dogs” (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, etc.) for example, are very needy and cannot spend much time on their own, they are companions by nature and so they seek constant interaction with their owners. However, there are some breeds, like the Boston Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer and Labradoodle, that don’t exactly enjoy a whole day spent alone, but would tolerate some alone time while you are at work.

2. Size #

The size of your home should guide you when you choose the size of your dog. Do not torture a good big dog like the German Shepherd, Siberian Husky or Rottweiler, by cramping it into a small apartment. When the dog doesn’t have enough space to move, walk and play it will become irritable and even depressed. This will most likely result in some unwanted behaviour and torn furniture. So if your dwelling is small, think of getting a small or a medium sized dog like Dachshund, Pug, Beagle.

3. Grooming Needs #

After you’ve considered the time you can dedicate to your dog and the size of the breed you can afford, you should think of how much time would you spare to keep your furry friend well-groomed and how much effort can you put into keeping your home clean. The dogs with the most beautiful, fluffy and shiny fur are usually the dogs that require a lot of time to maintain their look. Breeds with long and thick fur need daily brushing, frequent bathing and occasional trimming. These cares require not only additional time but more money spend on your dog as well. Also, some breeds are extremely prone to shedding, some even shed year-round. If you decide on getting a Pomeranian, Alaskan Malamute or a Pekingese, you better prepare for ​some hard cleaning of your upholstery, carpets and linen.

4. How Active is Your Lifestyle #

To be blunt - if you know you are a couch potato, do not get a high-energy dog, no matter how much you might like it. You will do no favours to the dog, nor to yourself. Some breeds, like the Labrador Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier and Cocker Spaniel need a lot of daily exercise and a 30 min walk around the block won’t do the trick. So unless you are an active person, who likes sports and spending time outdoors, it might be a good idea to choose a calmer and a bit lazier breed like Chow Chow, Shih Tzu or French/English Bulldog.

Carefully research the dog breeds you like the most and decide if you will be able to share your home and your life with your new friend for the next decade or so. Ask around people who own the breeds on your short list, consult a veterinarian and make the right choice. After that you will never regret it - there it will be - your best friend who will always be there to offer you a consoling look or to lick your face off.