Dogs shower us with unconditional love, companionship and even protection. Dogs are among the most precious creatures on this Earth that sometimes we feel like we don’t deserve them. Though however precious, each dog breed is different and there is a dog for every person. There is always a more suitable dog breed for every personality, lifestyle and maybe even financial capability. Keep reading to know more about how to pick the right dog breed for you before you go buy one. 

Factors to Consider When Picking a Dog

Living Situation

One of the most important factors to consider when picking a dog or dog breed is your living situation. If you live in an apartment, a large breed dog that needs lots of exercise might not be the best fit. Similarly, if you have a small yard or no yard at all, a high-energy breed might not be the best fit either.

 
Apartment Living 

For apartment living that doesn’t offer you a huge outdoor space, a smaller dog would be the best option. Look into breeds like a chihuahua, Maltese, pug, Boston terrier, Yorkshire terrier, bichon frise or a king Charles spaniel.
Dogs require space for them to run around or at least walk around in & s do you when you play with them? Doing this with a big dog breed inside an apartment would be very difficult as compared to a small dog breed.

 
House with a Yard

If you live in a house with enough space that also has a yard where you and your dog can run around freely, then the options are far wider and you can choose to get a bigger dog breed if you wish. If you have the luxury of space, you can look into dog breeds like a great dane labrador, golden retriever, saint bernard or Staffordshire bull terrier. 

 Lifestyle

Another factor to consider is the energy level of the dog or dog breed and how it would fit into your lifestyle. Every dog has known traits including energy level. Some dogs are more active and can keep up with high-energy owners, while some dogs prefer lounging with you on your favourite bean bag at home. 

High Energy and High Impact Activities

If you're an active person who loves to go for a run or hike, a high-energy breed like a Border Collie, Labrador or Staffordshire Bull Terrier might be a good fit for you. The dog breeds pack a lot of energy in them that will allow you to bring them with you as you go about your usual high-energy requiring activities.

Low Energy and Low Impact Activities 

If you are the type who loves chilling at home with friends and family, lounging by the patio or having cookouts, some dogs may be better for your lifestyle. Try to look into basset hounds, bulldogs and pugs. These dog breeds also love to hang out and play with you, but they get tired easier and some of them even have trouble breathing when involved in strenuous activities or if they encounter high temperatures.

 Allergies

If you or someone in your household has allergies, it's important to choose a hypoallergenic breed. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you get a short-haired dog because being hypoallergenic is not limited to not having long coats and fur. Some popular hypoallergenic breeds include Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. However, do note that human allergies to dogs don’t mean allergy to fur. You may be allergic to a dog’s dander, urine & saliva. Before you get a dog, double-check if you or any member of the family has experienced any allergic reactions from any dog that you have encountered in the past, or maybe do an allergy test. The effects of allergies can be very uncomfortable and it affects your quality of life at home so it’s best to be sure. 

 Family Structure

Your family structure should also be taken into consideration. If you have kids, a family-friendly breed like a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever might be a good fit. If you live alone, a smaller breed like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian could also be better. If you look it up online, you’ll see that some dog breeds are recommended for kids while some aren’t. Do not automatically assume that small dog breeds mean child-friendly. It may come as a surprise to you but the top kid-friendly dog breeds are labradors, golden retrievers, pit bulls and poodles. Whereas your not-so-child-friendly dog breeds

Breed-Specific Characteristics

Finally, you should also consider the breed-specific characteristics of the dog or dog breed you're interested in. Different breeds have different temperaments, grooming needs, trainability, and sizes. Some breeds, like German Shepherds, are known for their loyalty and trainability, while others, like Bulldogs, are known for their laid-back personalities and minimal exercise needs.

Popular Dog Breeds and Their Characteristics

Small Breeds

Chihuahua: These tiny dogs are known for their big personalities. They're loyal and feisty, and often form strong bonds with their owners.

Pomeranian: Pomeranians are playful, energetic, and affectionate. They're also very intelligent and easy to train.

French Bulldog: These dogs are friendly, playful, and great with kids. They're also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Medium Breeds

Labrador Retriever: Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for good reason. They're friendly, loyal, and great with kids. They also make great hunting dogs.

Golden Retriever: They are also friendly, intelligent, and great with kids. This type of dog can be an excellent swimmer and make a great therapy dog.

Bulldogs: They’re best known for their friendly personalities, and their low energy levels make them great apartment dogs. 

Large Breeds

Great Dane: Great Danes are gentle giants. They're affectionate, loyal, and great with kids. However, their size can make them intimidating to some people.

German Shepherd: German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective. They make great police and military dogs, as well as family pets.

Choose your dog breed wisely

Picking the right dog or dog breed is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By taking into account factors such as your living situation, energy level, and family structure, as well as researching different breeds and finding the right resources, you can increase your chances of finding a dog that will be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Remember, adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment, but with the right preparation and approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.