Choosing the Right Dog Breed . A dog is one of the most significant lifestyle choices you’ll ever make. Dogs live between 10 and 15 years or more, so what you select influences your life and finances and exactly where you live. This guide explains the main breed groups and features a few of the most popular dog breeds within each one, as well as how to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.
Why Breed Matters (and Why It Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story)
Choosing the Right Dog Breed . Breeds were created over hundreds of years for tasks: herding sheep, fetching birds, protecting property or providing a warm lap. Those tasks resulted in consistent attributes related to energy level, trainability and personality. A Border Collie used to working all day would be a disaster in a couch-potato house, and a Bulldog wouldn’t make a good marathon buddy.
The Major Breed Groups
Labrador Retriever. For years, Labs have been a popular family dog-they’re playful, friendly, and easygoing. Exercise is a must for Labs, who love to fetch and swim; if they could speak, they’d tell you they love their food, but don’t let them get too plump, or they’re at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia.
Golden Retriever. Gentle, affectionate, and intelligent, Goldens are wonderful to have as family pets and as therapy dogs. They have a very thick coat that requires brushing frequently and sheds profusely.
Herding Dogs
Choosing the Right Dog Breed . Herding breeds are among the smartest dogs, but that intelligence needs a job.
Border Collie.Possible Destruction and Scratching What Gives Better a Destructive or Scrap From the Breed The most trainable of breeds, the Border Collie is not only great at herding, but agility and obedience.
German Shepherd.Loyal, confident and versatile, they also work as police, service and search-and-rescue dogs. German Shepherds are highly loyal to their families and require early socialisation and training.
Working Dogs
Rottweiler. A bold, confident and loyal guardian, Rottweilers require an experienced owner who can give them early socialization and positive, firm training.
Siberian Husky Siberian Huskies, bred to run long distances with a team of sleds, are high-energy, curious, and affectionate, as well as known for being vocal and “escape artist”-worthy fence art.
Toy Breeds
Chihuahua. Small in size but mighty, Chihuahua develop a strong bond with a single person and may be suspicious of strangers without proper socialization.
Pug. As big as a tennis ball when compact, they get excited easily. Poochon. A combination of a poodle and a bichon, the poochon is adorable.
Non-Sporting and Companion Breeds
Choosing the Right Dog Breed . The most distinctive members of this diverse group are well-known dogs.
Poodle. Known for being clever and energetic, Poodles are available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. The Poodle’s hair coat is low shedding and requires professional grooming.
French Bulldog. Cute, affectionate and funny, these “Frenchies” are very popular. Their flat face can lead to breathing problems and they may be sensitive to heat.
Popular Mixed Breeds
Choosing the Right Dog Breed . Mixed-breed dogs can also make great dogs, even “designer” crosses such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos. Shelters are teeming with mixes that are healthy, personable, and one of a kind. The flip side: crossing two breeds doesn’t necessarily bring the best out in each, so their temperaments and coat types can be hit or miss within a litter..
How to Choose the Right Breed for You
How much room do you have? Small dogs don’t necessarily make better apartment dwellers. A few small-breed yappy dogs and a few giant-breed bigmouth dogs are quiet and chill, at least inside the home.
What level of grooming are you willing to do? Double-coated breeds such as Huskies shed plenty. Poodles and doodles require every 4 to 8 weeks of grooming. Short-haired breeds such as Boxers and Beagles are a very low maintainance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the Right Dog Breed .There’s no such thing as the “best” dog breed, only the best breed for your home. Be realistic about your available energy, time, space and finances, research breeds carefully, and get to know the particular breed you’re interested in before you bring a dog home.
Choosing the Right Dog Breed . Which breed are you thinking about? Share your favorite in the comments below.