If you’re looking to bring home a new best friend, choosing the most suitable breed can be difficult. From small pups to larger breeds that need exercise and space, the breed is just as important as the dog. Choosing the right breed for your family can be the difference between an easy transition, and a hectic home. While it may be hard, sometimes you have to look past just a cute face.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They are bred for different reasons or talents and it is important to note that just because they are domesticated, does not mean they lose those instincts. Looking for the right dog breed for your family? Before you find a pooch, you need to consider your own needs, but also think about the needs of your new pet. If you’re considering adopting, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What To Consider When Choosing The Right Dog Breed

Size

Before you decide to get a dog, you need to consider your own living space and lifestyle.  Small dogs are perfect for people who live in small apartments or homes. They require minimal exercise and don’t have much of an appetite. Large dogs require more space with plenty of space to run around and exercise. They also need a bigger home to accommodate their size, so think about how big or small your house or apartment is before purchasing a large dog. Do you have a backyard where the dog could easily head outside for exercise and to do their business?

Some physical ailments and accidents may strike certain breeds more than others. For example, large breeds like Great Danes may be more prone to hip problems or torn ACLs. German shepherds and huskies also have a harder time with arthritis. However, smaller dogs like Chihuahuas may be more vulnerable to accidents or colder temperatures than larger dogs. Even dachshunds can develop pretty severe back problems due to their size.

Schedule

Choosing the right dog breed that is compatible with your schedule is crucial, especially if this is your first pet. Many people like to compare puppies to children, and they’re not wrong. Young dogs require a lot of attention, energy, and scheduling to train correctly. Do you have the free time required to train a puppy? Maybe a young adult or older dog would be better for you if your schedule is too busy for training. Consider your previous experience with pets and if you are willing to devote time to training a new dog.

While we welcome all dog breeds, some breeds grow up to be high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise and playtime. Others are more independent and can thrive on daily walks and short play sessions with their family. Remember, the older the dog, the less attention it will need.

Activity level

The challenge of finding a dog that complements your activity level can be solved by first identifying your own energy level. Are you always on the go and looking for an energetic, active companion? Or are you more laid back and prefer to relax with an easy-going pup? It’s no surprise that many dogs require a lot of open space and outside time. Border collies, for example, are bred to run and corral animals like sheep. If you do not have the open space for that breed to get its energy out, it can take it out on the inside of your home. Even golden retrievers, the first choice for most American families, require daily walks to get out their energy.

All dogs are suited to a particular lifestyle and activity level. If you have a high-energy lifestyle and like exploring outdoors or playing with your dog every day, then an active dog may be the best match for you. If you have limited time to take your dog on walks due to family commitments, or the nearest dog park is more than 5 miles away for you, then a couch potato who sleeps most of the day and just enjoys lying around at home might be a better fit.

Breed

A dog breed is an actual category of dog classification. Each breed has a distinct appearance and distinctive traits, as opposed to behavioral characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club, there are seven types of dog breeds. These include working, herding, hound, sport, non-sport, toy, and terrier. Each of these breeds comes with their own distinct personality traits and issues. Remember, you can train a dog to follow your commands, but you cannot take the instinct out of the breed.

Breed is, however, still one of the most important things to consider. If you are allergic to animal fur, consider a hypoallergenic breed such as a poodle or a terrier. The general characteristics of a mixed-breed dog are not predictable, but they can inherit the best of both parents’ features. For example, pugs and bulldogs have very small nasal cavities which can make breathing difficult when they’re overheated. When pairing these breeds together, you could end up with a mix that still has a smaller nasal cavity but is much healthier overall.

Age and Health

Dogs of all ages need regular veterinary care to ensure they’re getting the best care possible. It’s important to note that the cost of dog healthcare can vary depending on age and lifestyle. Young dogs are likely to have frequent health issues (particularly gastrointestinal ones) during their first few years of life, which adds up quickly in terms of visits and tests. Before you adopt a puppy, consider how much you can budget for these medical expenses.

Following the first year or two of life, dogs may begin to settle into a routine similar to that of adult dogs. However, they may still be prone to certain health problems or illnesses at this stage due to their high metabolism and increased activity levels. As their number of years increases, so does their susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions like kidney failure, cancer, and heart disease—all conditions that require costly treatments such as dialysis therapy or chemotherapy drugs.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed For Your Family

We are more than just a pet daycare. From grooming and exercise to bathing, Coastal Paws is at your service and ready to help board your pet safely. We are a luxury pet resort and doggie daycare and offer unmatched, quality service for you and your pet every day of the year. Call us at 843-800-PAWS (7297) to book your pet’s next stay.