Selecting a Dog Breed: How to Pick a New Dog

Need help finding the right dog for you and your family?

Selecting a dog breed is a good idea, because different dog breeds tend to have different personalities. You could just go to your local shelter or pet store and get the first adorable puppy. However, what are the chances the puppy will fit well with your family and home? Puppies can be cute and gentle, but many of them grow up to be hyperactive dogs that your family can't keep up with.

Before selecting a dog breed, do some research. Learn about the different dog breeds and find a breed that meshes with your family's lifestyle and energy level. For example, if you are not home often, you should not buy a dog that needs to exercise a lot. However, if you want a running companion for your morning jog, pick a breed that loves to run and can keep up with you. And please do not choose a breed based on what's trendy and popular. A dog won't change its personality to fit your lifestyle and energy level. Avoid being frustrated with your dog by doing enough research to find one that will compliment you and your family.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Where do you live? Think about your home and your neighborhood. How big is your home? Large dogs need more room than small dogs. Is your dog an outdoor or indoor dog? A big backyard is a good idea if you have a big outdoor dog that needs a lot of exercise. On the other hand, if you live in an small apartment, a smaller, less active dog will fit you better.

Who lives with you? If you have children, consider dogs that do well with kids. Some dog breeds don't interact well with children. Also, take into account the age of your kids. Also, remember that small children can accidentally hurt small dogs.

Do you have other pets? This situation is similar to children. Some dog breeds get along with other pets. However, other dogs have competition issues. Then there are dog breeds that are fine with other dogs, as long as they are not the same sex.