6 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog Breed

1. Temperament

Before you visit shelters in your area, it’s important to determine the temperament you’re looking for in a dog. Do you want a friendly and outgoing dog, or are you looking for a breed that’s very protective? Having answers to these questions will help you determine if the breed you’re planning to adopt is prone to causing dog bite injury and suitable to your family’s lifestyle.

If you don’t have any idea how different dog breeds behave, do some research online and ask for information from your friends and family who have dogs. You can also volunteer at your local shelter and play around with dogs during your free time. The more information you have about dogs’ temperaments, the easier it’ll be for you to choose a breed.

2. Size

The next factor you need to think about when choosing a dog breed is its size. Generally, smaller breeds, such as Toy Poodles, Maltese, and Chihuahuas, require smaller space, perfect for people living in mobile homes, condos, or apartments. Smaller breeds are also more suitable if you have small children at home.

Bigger breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and German Shepherds, require a bigger space both inside and outside the house for their exercise. You need to make sure that your home and neighborhood are big enough for these breeds to ensure that they can move and play with ease.

However, when it comes to sizes, smaller breeds don’t always have a gentler temperament, in the same way, that large breeds aren’t always aggressive.

3. Experience

Your experience as a dog owner is another important consideration when choosing a dog breed. Some dogs are naturally easy to train, and some will require a lot of effort and patience. Choosing a dog breed that doesn’t suit your experience will likely result in stress and an untrained pet.

If this is your first time adopting a dog, consider looking at Havanese, Golden Retrievers, and Greyhounds as they have gentle temperaments and are easy to train. If you already have experience in working with dogs, a Dalmatian, Fox Terrier, or Tamaskan is more apt for you.

4. Schedule

Being a dog owner requires commitment because you need to make adjustments to your schedule for you to meet this responsibility. This is one of the reasons why when choosing a dog breed, your schedule is an important deciding factor.

Choosing a dog breed that’s compatible with your schedule will make it very easy for you to provide the time and attention that your pet needs. How many hours during the day can you train your dog? Can you take high-energy dogs for walks every day for at least thirty minutes? Or, are you looking for a senior dog who can be left alone at home when you’re at work?

The amount of time and attention you can give to your dog can significantly affect their behavior. For instance, choosing a dog breed that requires daily exercise when you’re too busy during weekdays will only cause them to be lethargic and get sick.

5. Activity Levels

Another factor that you have to consider when choosing a dog breed is their activity level. Choosing a low-energy dog when you’re always on the go will likely cause you to leave your pet at home. On the other hand, if you’re a low-energy dog owner, keeping a high-energy pooch will be too exhausting for you.

When choosing a dog breed, don’t forget to consider their activity level. If you love to spend the weekends hiking and camping, look for high-energy dog breeds, such as a German Pinscher, Boston Terrier, or Siberian Husky. If you’re looking for a lazy lap dog who won’t have any problems lounging indoors, then low-energy breeds, like a Mastiff, Manchester Terrier, or Shih Tzu is a more suitable option.

Keep in mind that the best dog breed for you will be one that has needs similar to yours. You won’t have any problems bonding with a dog who has the same activity levels as yourself!

6. Physical Maintenance

The physical appearance of your dog can impact their overall health in many different ways. For instance, severe hair mats can restrict blood flow and can eventually require amputation for treatment. Proper and regular grooming is also essential to prevent ticks and fleas and remove dead skin.

Before you choose a dog breed, make sure to consider their maintenance needs. All dog breeds require grooming, but how frequently their grooming should be done depends on their hair coats. American Eskimos and Collies, for example, will require advanced and regular grooming as the hair of these breeds grow fast and long. Short-haired dogs, like a French Bulldog or Pug, will require less frequent trips to the groomer.

Aside from the frequency of the grooming, you also have to think about the costs involved and the time it’ll require for you to groom your dogs. Regardless if you’re going to do it yourself or pay for a professional, grooming your dog will always require time and money from you.