How to Choose a Fitting Dog Breed

Choosing a dog is both exciting and stressful; the decision will affect all who live in the home and requires research. Successfully considering all the facets of your dog choice makes it more likely you will be compatible with Fido, who will offer companionship, protection and unconditional love. Skipping this research could cause you to choose a dog with too much energy for your lifestyle or living space. If you make a wise decision, you'll have a happy home.

Things You'll Need

  • Book or Internet articles of dog breeds
  • List of breeders or shelters
Show More

Instructions

  1. Considerations

    • 1
      Choose a dog that suits your home environment.

      What kind of home will you be offering this new dog? For example, is someone home regularly, or will the pooch be alone often? Most agree, including the Dog Reflections site, that the popular Labrador retriever has far too much energy to be left alone a lot (dogguide.net). Do you have endless hours to exercise your pooch? If not, a gentle, placid "bear" of a dog, the Newfoundland, may be a good choice (dogguide.net). If you have another pet that the new pooch will have to get along with, a pug could be a solution (dogguide.net).

    • 2
      Shepherds are common guard dogs.

      Why are you getting this dog? Do you need protection? German shepherds and Doberman pinschers are often used as guard dogs. Maybe you feel passionate about rescuing a dog in a shelter, and that is your top priority.

    • 3
      Be sure to anticipate regular and unexpected vet bills in your planning for a pet.

      How much of your budget do you plan to allocate to the care of this dog? A purebred dog is more costly than a mixed breed. A mixed breed may be less expensive, but its behavior will be less predictable, and you may have to spend more on training. Also don't forget to plan for vet bills, food and accessories such as a leash, collar and bowls.

    • 4

      Use your research and your resources to choose a breed or mixed breed that meets your needs.

    • 5

      Visit breeders, shelters or rescue organizations to meet dogs of the breeds or mixes you have identified. Spend time with each one to be sure of your choice. Remember that stores are frequently supplied by puppy mills. Shelters or reputable breeders are your most reliable sources for the dog you desire, and giving a home to a shelter dog helps save its life. The Humane Society reports that millions of animals are euthanized each year.