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Choosing the right breed of dogAre you thinking about getting a puppy? Let our user-friendly guide help you in choosing the right breed of dog for your family and lifestyle. If you're thinking about adding a puppy to your family, and need help choosing the right breed of dog... here it is!
First of all, ask yourself "what do I want in a puppy?", then try "what do I want in a dog?" - because every chubby, fluffy little puppy will eventually grow into a dog with it's own quirks and characteristics! All puppies are adorable (I've yet to meet one I haven't wanted to take home!), and I truly believe there's no exception to this rule. I also believe that all dog breeds are wonderful in their own way. Again, I'm hard-pressed to think of one that I wouldn't want to own, but of course I have my favorites. However, when you're choosing the right breed of dog, remember that the bright-eyed, cuddly pup in your arms could be a 70lb 'teenager with attitude' in a few short months. Each and every dog breed is a furry bundle of strengths, traits, inclinations and contradictions - even if it is in the cutest package you've ever seen! Be careful what you wish for!Picking a puppy and choosing the right breed of dog is a long-term commitment and should be the beginning of a happy, loving and rewarding relationship (for both of you).But if you don't understand the type of dog your puppy will grow into, it can end up being frustrating and disappointing instead.
The LoversIf you want a dog breed that will shower you with 'pda' (public displays of affection), you may want to think about the Labrador Retriever , the Golden Retriever , the Dalmation, the Cocker Spaniel, the Boxer , the English Bulldog, the Italian Greyhound or the Beagle .When considering the larger end of the size scale here, make sure your sofa (and your lap) can suport a 90lb lap-dog!
The HeroesWhen choosing the right breed of dog, you may be looking for one that can protect both you, and the family heirlooms! If so, the German Shepherd , the Rottweiler, the Doberman Pinscher, the Belgian Malinois, the Cane Corso, the Airedale Terrier or the Anatolian Shepherd all make good personal body guards.Some small dogs THINK they're guard dogs (eg the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier), and if all you need is the 'bark' you may want to take them into consideration.
The Teacher's PetsDo you want a dog who'll make you look good at obedience school? Or one who'll ace the agility course? If this is important when you're choosing the right of breed dog, take a look at the Border Collie, the German Shepherd , the Golden Retriever , the Poodle or the Shetland Sheepdog.A dog that was bred to work under human direction (such as a herder, is likely to fit this role well.
A Jogging PartnerIf you're looking for a dog breed that will happily accompany you on your daily run, consider the Border Collie, the Siberian Husky, the Greyhound, the German Short-haired Pointer or the Irish Setter.If you think you may be overestimating your athletic potential, but still want to keep your options open, you could also look at the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Jack Russell Terrier, the Australian Shepherd, the Beauceron or the Labrador Retriever
A Silent PartnerIf you prefer the quiet life, factor that in when you're choosing the best breed dog for you. Or perhaps you live in an apartment or just have very tetchy neighbors! Either way, one of these dog breeds may be just what you're looking for.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Beagle, the Greyhound, the English Bulldog, the Maltese or the Pekingese. The Basenji doesn't bark at all (but it 'yodels' instead). If these are still too loud, perhaps you need to settle for a stuffed toy instead!
BFF (Best Friends Forever)If choosing the right breed of dog for you involves looking for a breed that will get along well with everyone he meets (canine and human), try the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the Beagle, the Australian Shepherd or the Cocker Spaniel.These breeds are often great for families with children. For more information on the breeds generally considered best for children, check out ourBesst Dog Breeds for Kids page. The only downfall here is that your feelings may get hurt when Fido decides to leave the local park with his new best friend instead of you! The above is only meant to be used as a general guide When choosing the right breed of dog, it's also useful to know that breed-specific traits and behavior are also only general guidelines. Not every dog within a certain breed will show exactly the same blend of behaviors and personality. Dogs are like people in that every individual is unique (and special!), with their own little quirks, strengths and weaknesses. When you're looking at choosing the right breed of dog, and the individual puppy itself, it's a good idea to ask the breeder about the parent's temperaments and personalities. Also ask for their input on what they've observed about any particular puppy you're interested in.
If you follow the above guidelines you'll stand a good chance of finding the perfect puppy who'll grow up to be the dog of your dreams! The effort you put into choosing the right breed of dog for you will be totally worthwhile. Here's to many years of 'togetherness' for you and your new puppy... ...and they all lived happily ever after.
Whichever breed of dog you choose, you can find the best toys for him at DogToys.com features Toys-by Breed selected especially for your breed of dog. Best Dog Breeds For Children
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