Which Dog Breed is Right for You?
There is way more to choosing the right pet than just which one is the cutest of the litter. With so many marvelous dog breed to choose from, it can be very difficult to know exactly where to start. Don’t worry we’re here to help you find the best dog breed for your personality and lifestyle. Now let’s get to it and find your ideal dog breed.
How to choose the right dog breed for you
Without a doubt adorability is an important factor when choosing your perfect pup, however, there’s other equally important factors to consider.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
1) Allergies: If you or someone in your household is allergic to dogs, you’re going to have to narrow down your search considerably. There are several dog breeds that are hypoallergenic such as Schnauzers, Poodles and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
2) Housemates: Are there small children or other pets in your household? If yes, you’ll want to steer clear of large active breeds or herding breeds which can pose dangers to small children and smaller pets. You’ll also want to look for a breed that has little to no prey drive.
3) Time: How much time are you willing to spend on exercise, grooming and training? All breeds require exercise and mental stimulation, however some require much more than others. While all dog breeds require nails trims, baths and brushing, some breeds, such as Poodles and Doodles require extensive grooming while others don’t. The same thing goes with training, some dog breeds are quiet and calm, while other require extensive socialization and training.
4) Age/Sex: There is a difference when it comes to sex – males tend to be large and more dependent than female dogs. There’s also a big difference between training and raising a puppy than adopting an older dog. Older dogs are generally calmer and socialized. Whereas puppies are endless balls of energy that will chew, bite and have the occasional potty training accident.
5) Cleanliness: Are you a neat freak who cannot stand the sight of dog drool? If so, you’ll want to avoid dog breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs who tend to leave trails of slobber wherever they go. Dog hair is another factor that you must consider when choosing the right breed. All dog breeds shed, but some shed a lot more than others.
With these factors in mind, let’s see which dog breeds are the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Dog Breed Categories: Which is the perfect fit for you?
The AKC (American Kennel Club) and CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) categorizes dog breeds into seven groups: Sporting Breeds, Working Breeds, Non-Sporting Breeds, Toy Breeds, Herding Breeds and Terrier Breeds. Each of these categories contain dozens of breeds that share a set of common characteristics traits but keep in mind each individual dog has it’s on personality and manner. Here’s a summary of the seven categories of dog breeds.
Sporting Dog Breeds
For centuries, sporting dogs have been bred to hunt, capture and retrieve game birds from land and water. They have a high prey drive and love to chase smaller animals, balls and Frisbees. They are very intelligent, easy to train and extremely loyal. However, due to their love to hunt they require regular vigorous exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Common breeds in this category are:
• Weimaraner
• Vizsla
• Cocker Spaniel
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Irish Setter
A Sporting Dog may be for you if..
• You are physically active
• You love the outdoors and take part in hunting or field sports
• You have an energetic family
• You are seeking a loyal companion
Working Dog Breeds
Working Dog Breeds are eager to work and are happiest when they have a job to do. They have bred for a variety of jobs such as pulling carts and sleds, carrying loads, guarding and protection work. You’ll often see these dog breeds working with search and rescue teams and police. They are extremely intelligent and strong. They make excellent family dogs but they require consistent physical and mental stimulation to avoid becoming destructive.
Common breeds in this category are:
• Alaskan Malamute
• Boxer
• Mastiff
• Schnauzer
• Doberman Pinscher
• Great Pyrenees
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Newfoundland
A Working Dog Breed may be for you if…
• You are seeking a hardworking dog
• You are active and enjoy frequent walks
• You are an experienced dog owner
• You have plenty of indoor and outdoor space
• You have a secure yard (most working dog breeds are escape artists)
• You have lots of time to spend training and socializing
Non-Sporting Dog Breeds
Dog breeds within this category are great companions that don’t require a job. They come from a very wide variety of backgrounds and don’t quite fit into any other groups. They vary from Bully Breeds to Spitz Breeds.
Common breeds in this category are:
• Dalmatian
• Chow Chow
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Shar-Pei
• Poodle
• Boston Terrier
• Bichon Frise
A Non-Sporting Dog Breed may be for you if…
• You are drawn towards medium sized dogs
• You are laid back
• You are seeking a true companion dog
Toy Dog Breeds
Toy breeds are bred to be small loyal, affectionate companions. They generally have big personalities and tend to be barkers. They can also become very possessive of their owners, therefore clear cut boundaries must be put in place.
Common breeds in this category are:
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Papillon
• Chihuahua
• Shih Tzu
A Toy Dog Breed may be for you if…
• You don’t have lots of time for exercise
• You love lounging on the couch
• You live in an apartment or small house
• You want a dog that can fit in a dog safe travel bag
• You spend more time indoors than outdoors
Herding Dog Breeds
Herding Dog Breeds are extremely intelligent and excel when learning new skills. They are very eager and willing to pleasetheir owners. Originally bred to move livestock from field to field, they are extremely agile and can turn on a dime. They must be kept busy, otherwise they will be herding your family or other pets.
Common breeds in this category are:
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Shepherd
• Belgian Malinois
• German Shepherd
• Border Collie
A Herding Dog Breed may be for you if…
• You live on a farm and own livestock
• You are very active and enjoy agility sports
• You have time to invest in teaching tricks
• You are seeking a loyal affectionate companion
• You are retired or work part-time