How to Choose a Breed When Getting a New Dog

Choosing a dog breed involves far more than simply selecting the cutest dog. Different dog owners have different needs depending on lifestyle, budget, health and other factors, so before you select a new puppy to bring home, you will need to pause and consider a variety of factors. By making an exact determination of your own needs and the needs of your new dog, you can decide the most appropriate breed for you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine whether your would prefer a large, medium or small-sized dog. If you prefer or live in an environment suitable for a very small dog, consider a breed such as a Chihuahua, Poodle, Pomeranian or Boston Terrier. If you feel inclined to purchase a large dog, you might prefer a Golden Retriever, Dalmatian or Great Dane.

    • 2

      Choose a breed that will get along with additional pets. Breeds such as Pugs, Dachshunds and Boxers are known to live well with other animals.

    • 3

      Choose a breed that will get along with your children. If you have young children in your home, make sure that the pet you choose is kid-friendly. Some breeds that are considered a good choice with children are the Golden Retriever, Beagle and English Bulldog. Every animal is different, and should be tested individually to make sure they are compatible with children.

    • 4

      Determine how much you can afford to invest in your dog. More than just the initial cost of purchasing a dog, some breeds require a lot of money to maintain. For example, the Newfoundland will cost far more money to feed than the average breed due to its immense size, and a Miniature Schnauzer will require expensive grooming each month to maintain its wire coat.

    • 5

      Find a breed that will not upset your allergies. If you have any dog-related allergies but still dream of owning your very own dog, you can purchase a less allergenic breed like a Bichon Frise, Maltese, Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog.

    • 6

      Consider how much time you can devote to exercise and training. While some dogs require less physical activity, others require regular exercise. For example, breeds such as the Labrador and Schnauzer are prone to obesity and require daily exercise. Breeds like the Great Dane, Whippet and Basset Hound have a reputation for destructive tendencies, which means they may require obedience training.