Choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle

So, you are ready to get a dog, but what dog should you get? Choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle should not be taken lightly. There are many horror stories of how a pet and a pet owner just didn’t work out for reasons that could have been avoided by choosing the right breed for your lifestyle. Before you take home any dog, consider the following tips when choosing the right breed

The age of the dog

‍The age of the dog plays a big role in choosing a breed. If there are young kids in the home, you may want an older dog. Some breeds are more hyper as puppies than others. Consider what age you want your dog to be. 

The length of the coat

‍If you tend to have allergies, you will want to choose a breed that has shorter hair. For example, a poodle will shed much less than a collie. Whereas terriers don’t shed nearly as much. You will also want to consider how often you want to have to vacuum and clean hair that sheds. 

Activity level

‍Some dog breeds just have more energy than other dog breeds no matter how old they are. If you choose a high energy dog like Russell Terrier, you will need to have a yard or outlet for the dog to get its energy out. If you want a dog that will lie around like a cat, you may want to consider a bulldog or a pug. 

The size of the dog

‍Puppies don’t stay little forever, so it’s important to think about what size of dog you can handle. If you live in an apartment or a small house, you may not want to get a German Shepherd. Keep in mind that size and energy level also tend to go together. Bigger dogs will need more space and an outlet for their energy. 

Family friendly dogs

‍Do you have kids? Do you want your dog to be a family-friendly pet? Or, are you looking for a dog for protection? Different dog breeds will offer you a different type of personality to your home.

Trainability and intelligence

One of the most challenging aspects of dog ownership can be training, particularly when it comes to the home. Certain breeds may require more time and patience for toilet training than others. If you find that you're short on patience in this area, it might be wise to opt for a breed known for its intelligence and trainability. Doing you own research online, consulting with breeders, and following in breed-specific forums and  groups can provide invaluable first-hand advice.