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Are you thinking about getting a new furry member home? Bringing a dog home is a guarantee to make life more fun and fulfilled – they are, after all, a man’s best friend! However, it is a decision that should not be made in the spur of the moment. Adding a puppy to your life requires significant life-altering choices. Irrespective of the dog breed, including a pupper in your life is an act of responsibility, and you must be aware of the cost it would entail, both financial and emotional.
Still here? Well, congratulations!
It is time to consider what dog breed would work best for you. While all dogs are wonderful companions, our lifestyles greatly impact the dog we bring home. Several factors affect the decision to choose a dog.
Here are a few things to consider before you welcome your four-legged family member home.
You Have a Family
Whether you have elderly at your home, little ones running around, or both, families require different dog breeds who can gel in with all the members. While every dog breed is loving and gentle towards everyone, a few select are a notch above the others. Breeds like golden retrievers and labradors are the perfect choices that are always ready to play or cuddle with anyone they meet.
If unsure about their size, you can go for a smaller dog breed like the Beagle. Try not to pick up Pekingese since they love their spotlight and prefer being the only child at home.
You are a First-Time Dog Owner
Being a first-time dog owner is no easy task. However, don’t let that deter you from getting a dog. Chances are, you might have researched and might be aware of the type of dog you would like to bring home. Since you will be entering the domain for the first time, a few breeds work better than most, thanks to their high intelligence and high amicability.
Some of the best ones to get you started are:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Collie
- Maltese
- Mixed Breeds
You are Looking for a Pet and a Guard Dog
It is pretty standard for family owners to look for pets that are great companions and guards. Breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers are vigilant and wary of strangers. They have a powerful instinct to protect and safeguard those they love.
Having said that, don’t let their toughness get in the way of their goofiness and playfulness. Like every dog breed, they are lovely companions and are happy to be loving their hoomans. Don’t let their size fool you. They also love being cuddled!
You Lead an Active Lifestyle
You go out on daily runs or are busy exploring new hiking trails. Need some company on the road? Maybe dog breeds like German Shorthaired Pointer, Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, and Portuguese Water Dog can join your active lifestyle.
Also Read: Top 3 most and least aggressive breed dogs
All these dog breeds love hiking, are great long-distance runners, and also enjoy an occasional swim.
Certain big dog breeds like St. Bernard or Puli are not the right choice since their heavy body structure cannot handle extreme physical activities.
You Live in an Apartment
Apartment life is no secret. If you are among many urban dwellers who live in apartments, you need breeds that don’t mind the small space. It does not mean that all small dog breeds can fit the category. It depends more upon the dog’s temperament and attention to exercise rather than size.
Even large breeds like Afghan Hounds, Bernese Mountain, Boxer, English Bullmastiff, and Dogue de Bordeaux can very well adapt to apartment life.
Small dog breeds like Chihuahua more often prefer large spaces due to their high mobility.
Relatable Blog: Apartment Friendly Dog breeds
The Climatic Condition
The climatic condition of the place plays a vital role in the well-being of a dog. Dog breeds like the American Water Spaniel, Great Dane, Australian Cattle Dog, and American Foxhound adapt to hotter climates. This may be because of their flat and water-repellent coats that regulate the body temperature and keep the grime and dirt at bay.
Dogs with short hair, like most Terriers, cannot tolerate the heat. On the other hand, heavy-furred dogs like the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and the Alaskan Malamute have greater body fat and thrive in cold temperatures.
If You Lead a Busy Life
Many people are hesitant to get dogs because of their busy lifestyles and do not want to leave their pooch behind for long. It is commonly understood that dogs are social beings, but certain breeds are better at being home alone than others.
Some of the best breeds for such a lifestyle are Basset Hound or Sharpei, who deal better with being left at home than the ever-social doggos like the Retrievers or Collies.
However, spending time with your four-legged companion is still essential. If your routine does not allow it, maybe this is not the right time for you to get a dog at all.
If You are a Senior or Have Senior Members at Home
Senior folks get their own pups! If you are a senior person or have old parents at home, you require dog breeds with a stable temperament and are not very physically active. These breeds prefer to walk the slow lane and are more than happy to give their oldies hoomans some company at home.
Breeds like King Chevalier, King Charles Spaniel, Pug, or Boston Terrier often make great companions for senior dog owners. Interestingly, large dog breeds like the English Mastiff enjoy living life slowly and make up for excellent company for older folks.
These gentle giants are very soft and often leverage their huge sizes to support their humans from time to time.
Also read: Different Types of Service Dogs
A Multi-Pet Household
So you are someone who loves having pets, and this paper will be a new addition to the family. Getting a new one might be a challenge since they have to be friends with existing members of the house and vice-versa.
Related Blog: 9 Steps to Introduce a New Pet to Your Existing Fur Family
Friendly dog breeds like Retrievers and Collies enjoy the company and don’t mind sharing their space with other pets. Breeds like the Terriers, while adorable, are more likely to be territorial and might not welcome an invasion of their privacy.
Also Read: Top 5 Dog Breeds for Families with Children
You are Allergic to Dog Hair
You love dogs and adore the idea of having one at home. However, your allergies have probably deflated your hopes to have a wagging tail at home. But stop! Not all hope is lost. Danders are attached to the dog’s hair and are the most common allergen that triggers a reaction.
The good news is that not all dog furs are dandered. Schnauzers and Poodles (and their sub-categories) produce significantly fewer danders, making having a dog tolerable for most humans.
Also Read: How to Manage Pet Allergies: Tips for Allergic Pet Owners
However, mild allergies might act up repeatedly, but they will not be as bad as other breeds. German Shepherd and other long-haired breeds are a big no-no for those with allergies.
Next time when you ask, ‘What breed should I get?’, these checklists will help you make the right decision. Irrespective of its breed, every dog is a loving and affectionate being looking for a home and a human that loves him and cares for him. Do thorough research before getting a dog. You might ask seasoned owners and dog behavior experts for advice before you make the final decision.
If you are one of those busy folks, you might need Waggle Pet Camera to dispense treats and keep an eye on your doggos at home. It works incredibly well at bridging the distance between you and your pooch with an aesthetic shape, Wi-Fi compatibility, and a two-way audio system.
Also, remember to monitor your pet's ambient temperature and humidity changes. You can do this effortlessly with Waggle Pet Monitor. It monitors the temperature/humidity ranges every second, 24/7, and sends instant alerts if your pet is unsafe.
Happy pet parenting!
