Choosing a dog breed is an important decision that requires a lot of research and consideration. With hundreds of dog breeds out there, it can be difficult to pick one. This beginner’s guide shares easy steps to give you a head start on your search for the ideal pup.
1. Be Sure You Want a Dog
Getting a dog is a huge commitment and responsibility. Although it’s heart-warming to watch cute videos of pups online, it’s completely different having to care for one 24/7.
The first step to choosing a dog breed is making sure you’re ready for one. Many people purchase a dog only to realise they can’t handle the challenge for physical, financial, or other reasons.
Consider the vet visits, bills, insurance, and other expenses you’d have to deal with regularly.
If that doesn’t scare you, you’re definitely ready for a dog. With that in mind, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Decide on Your Needs and Expectations
The second and potentially most important step when choosing a dog breed is to think about your needs and expectations. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How much energy and time do you have to give to the dog?
- How much can you afford to spend on your pup?
- How much space do you have for a new pet?
- Are you ready for basic training and problematic behaviour?
- Do you want a puppy or an adult dog?
- Will the dog spend most of the time indoors or outdoors?
- What is the personality of your ideal dog? Are they protective, loud, calm, or something else?
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your choice. Jot down the answers to these questions, as they will undoubtedly impact on your ultimate decision.
For example, your daily schedule can affect how much time you spend with your dog. Some dogs need more attention and care than others. Clingy dog breeds like Hungarian Vizslas, Labrador Retrievers, Maltese, or Golden Retrievers require attention almost 24/7. Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Beagles, on the other hand, are some of the least needy dogs.
Also, if you choose a puppy, you’ll have to spend more time training them, taking them to the vet for shots, and suchlike. Purchasing an adult dog eradicates some problems, potentially leaving you with less obligations.
Your living space, lifestyle, and character also play an important role when choosing a dog breed.
3. Decide Between Mixed Breeds or Purebred Dogs
Purebred dogs have two parents of the same breed, and it’s easy to trace their ancestry. Mixed breeds, however, have multiple dog breeds in their family tree.
Mixed breeds are becoming more popular among pet owners. They tend to be healthier and cost less in terms of veterinary bills and maintenance. But purebred dogs are more predictable in terms of character, temperament, and size.
Some mixed breeds are crossbred intentionally. The most popular examples include:
- Poodle + Labrador Retriever = Labradoodle
- Poodle + Schnauzer = Schnoodle
- Doodle + Beethoven = Saint Berdoodle
- Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier = Morkie
- Cocker Spaniel + Poodle = Cockapoo
- Poodle + Golden Retriever = Goldendoodle
4. Consider the Size and Life Span of Different Breeds
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The dog’s size and life span are important factors to consider when choosing breeds. Small breeds usually live longer and need less exercise. In contrast, larger breeds need to move more often and live shorter lives.
Your lifestyle (active vs. passive) can help you decide whether you want an energetic, hard-working dog or a calm canine to keep you company in the house.
Consider the energy and time you can devote to the dog before choosing a size. Also, the smaller the dog, the less space they require.
Bear in mind that larger breeds are more prone to hip issues and other physical ailments. Whereas small dogs are more sensitive to colder temperatures and physical accidents.
Ultimately, the best dog breed for you will be the one that has similar needs to yours. If you have an active lifestyle and love to spend time outdoors, pick an active dog breed. Should your perfect day include binge-watching your favourite Netflix show, go for a couch potato dog breed.
5. Research Different Breeds
Once you know your ideal dog breed's size and life span, you can start researching different names. Here are some factors to bear in mind during your search:
- Breed history
- Temperament
- Physical characteristics
- Grooming and exercise needs
Below is an overview of the most popular breeds by size.
Popular Small Size Breeds
- Pomeranian
- Beagle
- Poodle
- French Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- Maltese
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland White Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Dachshund
Popular Medium-Size Breeds
- Border Collie
- Bulldog
- Australian Shepherd
- Basset Hound
- Golden Retriever
- English Cocker Spaniel
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Siberian Husky
- Dalmatian
- Samoyed
Popular Large Breeds
- English Mastiff
- Great Dane
- Newfoundland Dog
- Leonberger
- Cane Corse
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bernard
6. Consider the Breed’s Level of Maintenance
As mentioned, owning a dog is a huge commitment. An important part of being a dog owner is taking good care of your pet’s physique. Different breeds need different grooming levels. The higher the need for grooming, the more maintenance they’ll require.
If you’re willing to put as much effort as it takes to keep your new pup well-groomed and trained, you won’t be restricted by this step. However, if you don’t feel like spending hours each week on grooming sessions, consider breeds that don’t shed.
Here’s an overview of some breeds that require tons of grooming and those that don’t need any.
Breeds That Need Plenty of Grooming
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Afghan Hound
- Old English Sheepdog
- Hungarian Puli
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Puli
- Komondor
Breeds With Minimal Grooming Needs
- Boxer
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Great Dane
- Beagle
- Italian Greyhound
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pug
- Dachshund
- Chihuahua
- Basset Hound
The type of fur and coat aren’t the main factors that make a dog high maintenance. The dog’s temperament also plays a role. For example, Akita pups need training at a very young age. Otherwise, they will take charge of the household.
The Australian Shepherd is one of the most intelligent but highly energetic dogs that can easily tear up your cushions through boredom. Working dog breeds usually require more training and love being assigned tasks. Border Collies, Chow Chows, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some other high-maintenance breeds in terms of training.
7. Consider the Breed’s Overall Health
Some dog breeds are more prone to diseases, cancer, or physical issues than others. A general rule of thumb says mixed breeds are genetically healthier.
The Bellumori study from 2013 analysed medical records of 27,000 dogs at the UC Davis clinic and found a 42% higher chance for a purebred dog to have a genetic disorder.
If you’re ready to spend extra on vet visits and treatments for dogs prone to diseases, this step won’t be of much importance. However, if your budget is limited, a mixed breed may be a better option.
8. Visit a Local Shelter or Get in Touch With Breeders
As you narrow down the choice to a few breeds, visit local shelters, breeders, or rescue groups to meet some dogs. Doing so first-hand will give you a better understanding of your target breed and help you find the perfect dog for you and your family.
If you find a breeder nearby, ask them anything you feel is relevant. A good breeder can determine whether the pup breed you selected fits well into your daily routine. They’ll also provide support for the dog whenever an issue arises.
The breeder is among the best people to explain health issues in your specific breed. You’ll likely stay in touch with the breeder for years after getting a puppy. They love to be kept informed about their well-being and future breeding plans.
9. Choose the Right Vet
Although not directly linked to choosing a dog breed, picking the right vet can be of significant importance. Do online research or make calls to check if the vet in your area specialises in your particular dog breed.
The more experience the vet has with that specific breed, the better equipped they will be to offer the proper care.
As you already learned, some breeds are more prone to specific conditions than others. A trained vet will know which tests and diagnostics to perform based on the breed’s pre-dispositions.
10. Follow Other Tips for Choosing a Dog Breed
The steps for choosing a dog breed outlined above are necessary for every future dog owner to make the right decision. Additional tips that can help you select a breed include:
- Use online breed selector tools.
- Visit dog shows.
- Take a walk to a nearby park and watch the dogs. Don’t hesitate to contact dog owners about their breed, maintenance levels, and overall experience with the pup.
- Read online reviews and comparisons of different breeds.
The more research and consideration you put into choosing a dog breed, the better decision you will be. After all, purchasing a dog is a lifetime commitment.
Ready to Start the Dog Breed Hunt?
Picking a dog breed can be as fun as spending time with your pup. With proper research and the right approach, you can find a dog breed that perfectly matches your needs. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, a single person or have a large family, there’s a pup out there that can fit your needs perfectly. Hopefully, the advice featured in this article will help you make the right decision.