The Right One: Guide on Choosing the Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle

There's no correct or incorrect way to search for a new dog. What's important is choosing the right dog breed for yourself. Whether you want to adopt or use a breeder, you should seek the dog breed that suits your lifestyle and is most compatible with your life and living capacities. Choosing the right dog breed can make all the difference in your and your dog's happiness.

Choosing the right dog breed for an individual is more than just looking for an adorable face. You may think you're getting a distinctive breed for your essentials, but assessing the dog's needs is also important. While that " dog in the window" at pet stores may be adorable, sadly, chances are the pup came from a puppy mill, which can contain unsanitary breeding prerequisites. Another possibility is the growing number of animals in rescue shelters that need a good house.

If you are a forthcoming dog owner looking to give a pup a loving home, here are some aspects to keep in mind to get  a dog breed that suits your lifestyle:

Size of your place and the size/appearance of the dog

The size of your living room is the primary factor you should consider when selecting a dog breed. What is the size of your apartment or house, big or small? Do you have adequate space for a large dog? Or can your living area only accommodate a small dog? Do you have a backyard where the dog could quickly head out for activity and to do their business? Giant breeds like Great Danes may be more inclined to physical conditions like hip problems or torn ACLs. However, smaller-size dogs like Chihuahuas may be more helpless to physical mishaps or more frigid temperatures than large dogs. Consider your current living condition: living space, family size, yard, and neighborhood.

All of these factors play a role in determining the best dog breed for you. There are many interpretations of the appearance of dogs, and although it is a concern, it should be the least significant consideration when selecting a house pet. If your pet's appearance is an essential factor, first consider all of the above-stated information that goes with that exact breed to ensure that it will be the right fit for your family.

Schedule

Selecting the type of dog compatible with your everyday routine will ensure that your pet receives the necessary attention. Do you have the free time required to train a puppy?  Can you take a high-energy dog for the long walks and exercise they need? Or do you need a more self-dependent, senior dog who can bear being alone during the day?

Activity level

Finding a dog that complements your activity level is essential when choosing a dog breed. A high-energy pooch can quickly drain a low-energy dog owner, and a low-energy dog can thwart an owner who's always on the go. Do you have an energetic lifestyle? Are you an adventurous individual or a solitary personality? Do you engage in day-to-day workouts like hiking, camping, and running, or do you like leisurely community walks? Will a dog with a high-energy level match your daily exercise? How near is the closest dog park? Or do you want a couch potato who is content being a lazy lap dog? The dog breed that suits your lifestyle will be a dog whose needs are similar to yours.

Breed

Different breeds have various inherent characteristics. According to the research held by the American Kennel Club, there are around seven dog breed groups: Working, Herding, Hound, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Toy, and Terrier. Each breed has distinct character traits, and it's essential to know which breed is most compatible with yours. If you are highly allergic to animal fur, a hypoallergenic dog breed like the poodle may serve your needs, if other features match your requirements. Mixed-breed dogs can merge the outstanding qualities you're looking for, but it's never a promise that you'll get all the advantageous characteristics you want. Purebred bulldogs and pugs, for example, have tiny nasal cavities, which can affect their capacity to breathe when overheated.

Shedding

If allergies run in your family or you're sensitive to fur, it might be better to choose a short-haired dog instead of one with long fur like Labradors or golden retrievers.

Age

Puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, senior—a dog's character typically varies throughout each stage. Adult dogs are more likely to be housetrained and may have more relaxed characters than young dogs. With older dogs, you already know their medical history and nature, so it's less of a risk than taking a chance on a puppy. However, some older dogs do not get along with children (sometimes due to traumatic incidents in the past), so this is another essential factor to consider. On that note, some families embrace a  puppy who will grow up alongside their child. This setup can work well by incorporating obedient training sessions.

History and cost

If you're purchasing from a dog breeder, you'll know the dog's story. If you're adopting from an animal shelter, the history might be overshadowed. Your dog may have been dumped or even beaten, and moments from their past can influence their character. However, that doesn't mean that a bad history means they won't be the ideal dog for you—you have to be ready to put in the effort.

After the initial cost or adoption fees, you will need to support or invest money towards your new family member throughout their lifetime. Everything from nutrition and exercise veterinarian costs to additions, yard maintenance, and home restorations should all be considered. Some institutions require obedience certifications to cover a family pet under your homeowner's approach. A price that flees most homeowners is the potential change in your insurance policy.

These approaches can be applied when choosing any pet, helping to ensure that you and your new family member enjoy many satisfying years together.

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