Dachshunds. Cocker Spaniels. Greyhounds.
There are hundreds of different dog breeds, and these are just some of the most popular, according to Dogs Trust.
Breed aside; we can all agree that every dog is delightful. However, when doing some research, you’ll find that some are better suited to you and your circumstances than others.
So, how do you choose the best dog breed for your family? Read on to discover the top five things to consider.
Table of Contents
1. Temperament
No two dog breeds are the same. Whilst some are considered to be more friendly and outgoing, others display signs of reactivity.
And the breed you choose, of course, depends on the needs of you and your family.
No matter what you’re looking for, there are some things to look out for, including:
- Reactivity and protectiveness levels
- Energy, activity level and playfulness
- Intelligence
- Loyalty
- Sensitivity
- Compatibility with other animals
Maybe you live alone and would feel more at ease with a protective canine companion – like a German Shepherd or Rottweiler – by your side.
Or you might need a friendly, playful pup – a Golden Retriever or Cockapoo, perhaps – as a new playmate for your other furry family member or to keep the kids busy.
2. Size
If you’re thinking of opting for a larger breed, a Doberman or Cane Corso, perhaps, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough space for them both inside the home and outside to run around.
However, not everyone has the luxury of a big back garden, and some dogs will be limited to smaller spaces. In this case, a smaller to medium-sized breed that doesn’t require much exercise might be a wiser choice.
3. Coat type
When choosing the type of dog you want, coat type is an important consideration.
As you probably already know, different breeds have different coat types and, therefore, different grooming requirements.
Think:
Do you have time for daily grooming sessions? Or can you only manage once per week? Are you an allergy sufferer, and will shedding be an issue?
These are all things you should be thinking about, and your answers to these questions should help you narrow down your options.
4. Cost
If you’re looking at getting a puppy from a breeder, you’ll notice that some breeds are more expensive than others, with purebred pups, ‘designer’ dog breeds, in-demand, and rare breeds being the priciest.
Not only are they more expensive to buy, but they’re also more expensive to insure.
Then, you’ve got to factor in grooming costs, the cost of food, medical conditions your chosen breed is prone to, etc.
Larger dogs, for example, will require more substantial meals, and therefore, you’ll need to repurchase their food more often. And if they’ve got a thick, long coat, they’ll likely need grooming more regularly.
As well as this, if the breed you’ve chosen is susceptible to developing certain medical conditions and requires more frequent trips to the vet, you’ll have to consider the cost of the bills and insurance too.
5. Experience
If you’ve never owned a dog before, it’s a good idea to go for a calm, easygoing breed that takes well to training.
However, if this isn’t your first rodeo, and you’re a second, maybe even third-time puppy parent, you might want a bit more of a challenge.
You’ll know what to do in the ways of training, how to build a schedule for your furry friend and everything else in between – so, no matter which breed you choose, it should be a breeze.
Need further advice?
With so many different breeds to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to picking the perfect pooch for you and your family.
Whether you need more advice on how to choose the best dog breed, expert training tips or puppy food recommendations, the team at Pet Shop Online would be more than happy to help you out.
Get in touch with their specialists today!
