Choosing the Right Breed of Dog for You

The decision to own a dog seems like a pretty simple one on the surface, but what breed of dog would be the best for you? You probably already have some preconceived notions of what breeds you like and basic personality traits you want, but there are many factors that play a part in choosing a dog breed.

What size dog do you want? Dogs come in ALL sizes! There are breeds of dog that cover them all, from 5 pounds to well over 100. Make sure to pick a breed that will compliment your home, and realize how big the puppy is going to get! He might be a cute little thing right now, but a large breed dog won't stay that size forever and your apartment isn't going to give him the room he needs to run.

How much activity will the dog receive daily? Every new dog owner begins with the intention of walking the dog at least once a day, but this usually doesn't happen very often when your lifestyle catches up. If you can't guarantee an adequate amount of exercise of the dog then choose a breed that will be content to lay around most of the day. Especially if you know the dog will be by itself in your home for long periods of time (if you're at work) avoid breeds that are naturally high strung.

Is the breed known for aggression? Any dog of any breed can become aggressive if not trained properly or abused, but some breeds have a higher tendency to be dominate or aggressive dogs. If you're willing to put in the time training the dog and your circumstances allow for you to take a chance, these dogs can become wonderful pets. If you have children or other animals, however, avoid breeds that can lean toward aggression.

Do you have allergies? They now make hypoallergenic dogs! Actually there always have been, but your choices are getting broader. If you'd still like a dog, but suffer from related allergies know that there are still breeds out there that you can get that won't cause you to suffer.

Who's grooming the dog? Every dog is going to be bathed and brushed once in a while, some quite a lot for frequently than others. You can always take your long-haired dog to the groomers, but that can get expensive. If you don't want to do a lot of maintenance on the dog's coat, avoid long-haired dogs or those that are known for shedding.