Home Dog Breeds How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed

0
82
perfect dog breed

Big, shiny eyes and a cute face are tempting features to look for in your perfect pooch, but they aren’t the only features you should be looking for if you really want to bring one home. Whether you want to buy a dog or adopt one, the best dog breed is the one that fits right into your life and becomes a loving part of your family.

Choosing the perfect dog breed for you will make all the difference in your life as well as in the life of the dog that you bring home. 

Here are some factors that you should keep in mind while choosing the perfect dog breeds.

Dog Size Matters

Size is a really important factor when it comes to choosing the perfect dog breed. And we are not just talking about the size of the dog or how big they can get; we are talking about the size of your house, whether you have a lawn or an area where your dog can do their exercise and business. It is important to consider the size of these things.

If you live in a small apartment, then having a Great Dane or Doberman might not be a great idea. These breeds require a much bigger area to move around and be free. On the other hand, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Pug might be a great choice as these do not grow up too much in size and are more apartment-friendly.

Activity level

Active beagle playing

The best dog breed for you is the one that has similar physical needs as you. If you are a particularly active person who likes to go on hikes and treks, then a Siberian Husky is your perfect partner. If you like going for long walks, then a beagle is your buddy, and if you like crashing on the couch, then a pug is the pooch you are looking for.

It is important to find a dog that complements your lifestyle, or else your relationship with them will not be a fruitful one. An active dog will completely exhaust a lazy owner, and a lazy dog will end up disappointing an active owner. So choose a pooch that will be your partner in all your activities. If you like running, then find a dog that loves running. If you are a couch potato, then find a canine companion that loves being a lap dog.

Lifestyle and Schedule

Raising a dog is a time-consuming process. They require training, exercise, and taking them out for potty breaks. You also have to take them out for grooming and to the veterinarian quite often. While all dogs require your time and attention, some breeds require more, while some require less.

If you are someone who loves working out and exercising, then you can get an active dog and taking them out for exercise can become a part of your daily workout. If you are someone who has a busy life and cannot spend a lot of time with your dog, then get a dog that does not require a lot of attention.

Grooming and shedding

Dogs that have a long and silky coat like Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel require special attention to their coat and thus have to be taken for grooming often, which can be really expensive. On the other hand, low-maintenance dogs like chihuahuas and pugs require less grooming.

Dogs with double coat layers, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, shed a lot. Keeping your house clean can become a really tough task with shedding spread everywhere. If you have any family members who are allergic to dog fur, then this can be a real problem.

So, when selecting a perfect dog breed for yourself, consider the breed’s coat and how much attention it requires for maintenance.

Child Friendly Dogs

If you are somebody who has children at home, then dogs can be a great addition to your family. Dogs teach kids how to be compassionate, cooperative, and kind. They also teach kids responsibility and how to interact with animals in a safe manner.

Before choosing a perfect dog breed for your kids and family, you should see if the pooch’s personality suits your family. Chihuahuas like to be the only child in the family. They will not like it if you share your love and affection with someone else. This makes them unsuitable for families with children.

Even for dogs suitable for families, some dogs, like Labrador or Golden Retriever, do better with older kids who can be their playmates, and some dogs, like Dachshund and Bichon Frise, have a gentle and calming temperament and thus are the best dog breeds for families with young children, especially toddlers.

Weather Conditions

When looking for the perfect pooch for your family, an often overlooked factor is how comfortable the breed you are choosing is in the weather and climatic conditions of your area. Depending on their size, coat and other factors different dogs can tolerate different temperature levels. Some dogs can thrive better in cold weather, while some are better suited for warmer weather.

If you live in a typically warm area, then dogs that are smaller in size, have a short coat, or a single layer of coat, et cetera, are better suited for you. Dogs like Beagles, Bichon Frise, Doberman pinschers are a great choice for you if you live in a warm area. Even dogs suitable for warm areas can get heat strokes and over-exhaustion. It is important to keep them hydrated and keep them inside on days that are hotter than usual.

Dog breeds that are large in size, have double coats, or have a large amount of fat, et cetera, are the best dog breeds for cold regions. Dogs like the Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, et cetera are the dog breeds most suitable for cold climates. But even though they are suited for cold weather, it is still important to keep them warm. When the weather gets too cold, it is important to use a jacket and booties to protect them from getting cold.

Allergies

Pet hair or pet dander is something that many people worldwide are allergic to. If you or someone else in your family is allergic to dogs but you are still determined to make a pooch a part of your life, then the best dog breed for you would be a hypoallergenic breed.

Dogs that are considered to be hypoallergenic have fur that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. People often think that they are allergic to a dog’s fur, when in reality it is the dander that causes the reaction. A dog that doesn’t shed a lot, doesn’t have a lot of hair, or has only a single layer of coat can be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.

No dog is 100 percent free of dander, but the growth of dander can be prevented by regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming. It is still recommended to keep some allergy medication on hand.

Age

The personalities of dogs change as they grow. Young puppies require more attention as they have to be toilet trained, taught commands, and require vaccinations and booster shots. Adolescent dogs require special attention as their behaviour becomes boisterous and they become tougher to handle. Adult dogs are the most suited for calmer households as their temperament is polite and they are really well house trained. Senior dogs are really calm and patient, but you will have to pay extra attention to their health.

Make a choice, keeping in mind how much you are willing to handle. Can you handle the medical attention that senior dogs require? Are you willing to handle the change in your dog’s nature as they become adolescent? These are important aspects to consider before bringing a new buddy into your family.

First-time owners

Getting your first dog is an exhilarating feeling. There can be a lot of confusion and a lot of excitement. You can have many doubts and questions about their diet, grooming, exercise, et cetera, and it’s quite natural to have these doubts. After all, you are trying to have a fruitful relationship with the dog that you are going to bring into your family.

But there are some breeds of dogs that are better suited for first-time owners than others. What makes them a top dog breed for novice owners is their polite personality and easy maintenance. They can be of small size, have an easy to groom coat, or maybe they can be the most loving, affectionate, and cheerful dog.

Breeds like Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, Beagle, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are among the best dog breeds to choose from. These breeds can make fun furry friends for you and your family.

Perfect Dog Breed for you

Finding the perfect breed is a matter of being patient. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, then discuss with them what breed of dog is best suited for you and your family. Talk to your friends and other family members who already have a dog and ask how their experience has been before you make a choice, and remember to be consistent with your dog and treat them with love.