What Breed of Dog is Best for You- dog breed recommender and list of dog breeds.

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What Breed of Dog is Best for You.

August 12th, 2009 Leave a comment Go to comments

It’s one of the most important decisions a person will make, but choosing a dog is not something to be taken lightly. The wrong dog breed can wreak havoc on a happy home, leaving everyone, including the dog, miserable. Families need to consider seriously the characteristics they are looking for in a dog, whether it will be a cuddly family pet, a guard dog or an exercise partner who will be thrilled to become your new running partner.

Before you commit, it’s important to consider a dog’s size, its temperament, its grooming needs and exercise requirements, as all will determine whether your years with your dog will be happy ones. A reckless decision when choosing a dog can lead to serious problems, and it’s best to prevent that from happening before anybody falls in love.

Things to consider when choosing dog breed

Do you have time to groom your dog daily if he requires it? The Newfoundland is a large, loveable dog, but he sheds his undercoat twice a year, and the resulting pile of hair will likely take up as much space as he does.
Is the breed you are considering compatible with your climate? Some dogs can’t tolerate extreme heat (some toy breeds are prone to sunburn if they’re outside too long) while for others need a warm sweater to stay comfortable in extreme cold.
Where will your dog live? Some dogs aren’t suited to live outside, while others will be miserable confined to a small apartment. Make sure your space is appropriate for the pet you choose.

What Type of Dog for you Depends who you are?

For Kids and Families

Kids dream of having a dog, but make sure the breed you select is kid-friendly before you bring your new family member home. Too, make sure you children understand that a pet requires a gentle hand, because any breed, even the most gentle, can respond badly to quick movements or a thoughtless swat from an uneducated child. A Chihuahua, for example, is nervous around young children, while a German shepherd may adore your family’s children, but might not be willing to befriend you children’s pals.

Some child-friendly dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, beagles, boxers, West Highland white terriers and Shetland sheepdogs.

For Couch Potatoes

Non-sporting dogs are a good place to start if you aren’t looking for a pet that needs daily runs around the block. A bulldog is a fairly sedentary choice, as are toy breeds that can have their exercise needs satisfied by having a few intriguing toys around the house.

Some lap-loving dogs include the Maltese and the Chihuahua, but other dogs that are good choices for couch potatoes include, ironically, the Greyhound (bred for racing) and the Dachshund.

For Athletes

Consider a dog that will live your active life right along with you when selecting a pet. An active dog will adore running with you, running alongside you on bike rides or swimming for hours at your local lake.

Some active dog breeds include the border collie, the Siberian husky, the Golden Retriever, the cocker spaniels and the Labrador Retriever.

For Seniors

A dog can be a welcome companion for anyone, but seniors can be great dog owners, providing plenty of attention and getting back a lot of love and companionship in return. Too, most dogs live to protect their owners, and having a watchful breed around can help a senior feel secure at home.

Some of the best dog breeds for seniors include the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, the cocker spaniel, the Shih Tzu and the toy poodle.

Things to Remember

One of the most important things to keep in mind when selecting a dog is the breeder. Some of the more popular breeds are victims of puppy mills, and if you buy your dog at a pet store, it’s likely that it got its start in a puppy breeding facility. Reputable breeders don’t generally allow their puppies to be sold at pet stores, and the dogs that come from puppy mills can suffer from a host of health problems. Get to know your breeder before buying, and don’t forget the animal shelter when selecting your new dog. There are thousands of abandoned dogs looking for

a home, and shelter staff can guide you on your search for the right fit for your home.

Too, consider a mixed breed when looking for a dog. Shelters are full of them, and since they combine the best qualities of each of their breeds, they are often much smarter and easier to train than a purebred dog.