What is the Right Dog Breed For Me?

---

Congratulations! It looks like you have decided to get a dog and you are wisely trying to inform yourself and trying to decide what dog breed would be a great fit for you and your family. There are many things you need to consider before bringing a new dog to your home.

Will it be a good fit? Do I have enough time for that dog breed? Can I afford that dog?

These are just some of the many questions you need to answer before deciding. Here are some tips on what to keep in mind when trying to decide on a dog breed.

1.Size of dog matters

One of the most important things to decide is what size dog breed would you be most comfortable with. Preference matters when you are debating about dog breeds. Would you feel more comfortable with a small, medium or big dog? Do you have children and would you be comfortable with a big dog being around them? Do you have enough space for a big dog especially if you live in an apartment?

There are a lot of variables that are crucial and you have to get them right, otherwise, you might make your life a misery and you can be sure your dog will also not be too happy.

When thinking about dog size, do not focus solely on cute videos or photos you might find online such as Great Danes trying to sit in their owners’ laps. Try thinking about other things also. Bigger dogs require more food, more room, even their poop can be huge. Try thinking about the reality of living with a big dog and be honest with yourself.

2. To buy or not to buy

Most of the websites and social media, as well as animal welfare associations, are promoting dog adoption and adopting a dog is certainly an admirable thing to do. You are saving the life of an innocent dog and giving them a new chance at life. Adopting is a great choice if you do not have preferences regarding dog breed or dog size and your main idea is to get a new pet that you can take care of for the rest of their lives. However, if you do have preferences there are some negatives to think about. You cannot be sure of just how big will the dog be, how energetic will it be, do it have working bloodlines, and many other things.

If you are thinking of buying a dog there are also many things you need to consider. First, you need to make sure that you are not buying from a backyard or a puppy mill breeder. Buying from a pet store is also not recommended. You need to find a reputable and registered breeder that has the experience and takes good care of their dogs. Keep in mind that dogs from official breeders aren’t cheap so if someone offers you a dog and the price is too low, that should immediately raise some red flags.

You will also need to be prepared to wait. If you are buying from a reputable breeder they may not have a litter at the moment. Proper dog breeding requires time. Breeders are interested in finding great parents for their litter and they might travel far to find a great and suitable partner for their dog. Any good breeder will happily answer all your questions and will welcome them. Dog breeders are also interested in knowing where their dogs will find a new home. Be patient and trust us, the wait will be worthwhile. When contacting the breeder prepare proper questions that you would like to ask him.

3.The energy level of dog breed

An important thing to know is that some dog breeds are more energetic than others. All dogs need some level of activity on a daily basis, but some require a bit more. Usually, when buying a specific dog breed you can precisely guess how much energy your dog will have and how much activity will you have to ensure them. The energy level is breed-specific and knowing that is also a great plus if you decide to buy a specific dog breed.

The thing you need to ask yourself is does your lifestyle get along with your dog’s energy levels. If you are an active individual, if you go for regular walks, jogging or bike rides you will be a great companion for an energetic dog breed. If you prefer staying in and living a more quiet life than a more docile and less energetic dog breed is a better match for you.

Fulfilling your dog’s activity requirements is extremely important in order for your dog to be happy, satisfied, and both physically and mentally healthy. A dog that has too much energy stored and nowhere to spend it, can become destructive or self-destructive. In other words, your dog will be unhappy and they will turn their energy and focus on destroying things in your household.
You will have to decide and examine yourself thoroughly in order to choose the correct dog breed for yourself. Be realistic, if you haven’t lived an active life so far, how likely it is that you will change your lifestyle because of a new dog? It is better to be honest to yourself so you can make an informed decision about what dog breed to get, and that way, both you and your dog can fully appreciate and enjoy each other’s company.

4.Grooming

Different dog breeds have different grooming needs. Some dog breeds have longer delicate coats that require regular brushing and regular bathing. Others have a shorter, denser coat that doesn’t require so much attention, and just basic care is needed for their coat to remain healthy and shiny.

There are also other aspects of grooming and daily care all dogs require and you should be aware of them. Cleaning your dog’s teeth and cutting their nails are two things that are a part of basic dog care. These things should be done on a regular basis regardless of what dog breed you choose. All dogs can have teeth and gum problems as well as infections and wounds caused by irregular nail care.

Grooming and taking care of your dog’s coat is a different thing. Some dogs require daily brushing and you should think about how much time are you able to put in grooming sessions and also how much time you are willing to put in.

We fully support your choice of getting a dog and we are sure any dog you pick will be extremely happy. These are some things you should keep in mind in order to appreciate to the fullest the specific dog breed you decide to go for. If you answer all these questions honestly you will make the best possible decision and will be able to provide your new dog with the best possible life that also suits them best. When you decided what dog breed is right for you, now it's time to find out all the things you should do before searching for dogs.

World Dog Finder team