Instructions
Consider the different groups of dog breeds as categorized by the American Kennel Club. The different groups are sporting dogs, hounds, working, terriers, toy dogs, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous. Each group is classed based on size and temperament. There is some crossing of similarities among the different groups.
Consider logistic challenges that you and the dog may face. If you live in a small apartment in the city without a yard or a place for a dog to run free, a working or herding dog that requires regular physical activity may not be ideal. Consider a dog from the terrier or toy group.
Have household members tested for allergies. If you have household members with dog allergies, eliminate dogs that have a tendency to shed a lot. Dogs in the herding group are quite hairy and should be eliminated from your choices unless the person with the allergies is willing to withstand allergy treatments for a substantial amount of time.
Eliminate large dogs with a tendency for hyperactivity if you have small children or if you're planning to have a family within the next eight to 10 years. You could have a difficult time teaching a toddler to walk with a large, rambunctious dog barreling through the room.
Give herding dogs serious consideration if you have children and a large yard. They tend to train easily and have been known to "herd" children.
Find out which dogs don't interact well with other animals. Terriers are not known to interact well with other animals. If you already have other animals or if you plan to have more than one, eliminate the terrier breed from your list.
Understand that dogs in the hound group have a tendency to bark when left alone. If you expect that the dog will be left alone for long periods, your neighbors will likely be unhappy with the noise coming from your hound. A solution to this might be to get two hounds, unless it turns out they're both howlers.
Ask family members what their preferences are. Discuss the pros and cons of each breed after reviewing several breeds. Talk to neighbors, friends and relatives about their experiences with different breeds.
Visit area shelters to see if dogs are available for adoption. It may be that a mixed breed dog is as good a match for your family as a purebred dog. The staff members at shelters are typically familiar with the individual dogs' temperaments. They'll be a good source of information to help you make a decision.
Sleep on your decision before bringing a dog into your home. Hasty decisions in dog selection are not easy to undo and can often have undesirable outcomes.
How to Determine What Kind of Dog Breed Is Best
Finding the best dog breed requires a thorough analysis of your home life and environment. It's important to learn about general characteristics of specific breeds. It's important not to make a hasty decision when it comes to bringing a dog into your home. The size of the dog's home and the size of the dog will need to be considered. The general temperament for the breed should also be considered. Shedding tendencies are important factors in homes where family members are allergic.