Determining Which Dog Breed is Right for You

Everyone knows that a dog is a man's best friend. But what should you look for in a canine companion? With countless breeds and cross breeds of dogs out there, it can seem impossible to find the pet that's right for you. But by following these basic guidelines, you can narrow down the choices and find a dog perfect for you, your family, and your needs.

Function: The first question you should ask yourself is "what will be the function of my dog?" Are you looking for a guard dog as opposed to a companion animal? Will your pet be entertaining children? Such questions can help you determine the tasks and functions you will need your dog to perform. Based on your needs, you can narrow down your choices. For example, poodles are known to be a great companion dogs, rottweilers or pit bulls make perfect guard animals, and Labradors are famous for their gentleness with children. Specific breeds of dogs were developed to perform such specific functions. There are hunters, workers, toys, and many other breed classifications which can help you narrow down your dog breed choices.

Size: The next consideration should be the size of the dog you want. Obviously if you live in a studio apartment you will need to get a smaller animal as opposed to someone living on a sprawling farm. But considering the size of a dog also ties in perfectly with considering the function, as mentioned previously. For instance, a larger dog obviously makes a more impressive guard animal than a tiny one. And on the other hand, a small animal may prove less intimidating to children and therefore be a better choice for a household with kids. But when considering the size of an animal, be sure to take into account the needs of a dog based on its size. A greyhound, for example, is a large dog bred for running, so it would simply be cruel to put such a pet in a small cramped environment where it couldn't fulfill its innate need for speed! So even if you've always dreamed of owning a great dane, it's probably not a good idea if you're living in a tiny home. And it certainly wouldn't be fair to the dog either! Simply put, just be considerate of a dog's potential needs a well as your own.

Coat: A dog's coat will have a great impact on your relationship with it. If you can't deal with pet hair on the furniture, probably best not to get a long-haired dog prone to shedding such as a golden retriever. A dog's coat will also determine how often and how expensive your pet grooming bills will be, so considering the animal's coat texture, length, and maintenance is just as much a financial consideration as it is one of personal taste. When considering your future dog's coat, once again, pay heed to the needs and nature of the animal. Each and every dog's coat looks the way it does for a specific reason. It is part of the animals' breeding based on origins, functions, versatility, etc. So be considerate to the needs that these breeding attributes imply. An extremely long haired dog will need to be shaved short in extremely hot weather, while virtually hairless pets such as Chihuahuas need extra protection in extreme cold.

Personality: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, consider a dog's personality. While the majority of a dog's disposition is based on its environment (how it is treated and raised), some qualities seem to be innate to certain breeds of dogs. For example, dachshunds, while extremely loyal, are notoriously stubborn. Terriers and spaniels, while full of unconditional love, tend to be hyper. Labradors can be trained to be very intimidating guard dogs, but are also eternally loving and loyal to their families. Researching these and other such commonly accepted breed personality characteristics can really lead you toward a dog right for you. But remember that no dog's personality is truly set or definitely determined until he meets his owner. A dog raised correctly will behave correctly while an abused or neglected animal will, sadly, always act out. So consider your own level of patience and determine if you are willing or able to provide the proper training that a dog will inevitably need.

Taking into consideration attributes of various dog breeds such as function, size, coat, and personality is a great start to narrowing down what breed of dog is best for you. And once you find your companion, you will understand that old saying, as you realize you've found not only a pet, but your true best friend.