How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for You - Family - Pets

After making the decision to bring a dog into the home, many soon-to-be dog owners must then choose a breed. A dog's breed defines not only its appearance, but also many of its behavioral characteristics. So, choosing the right breed or breed mix can be very important to your home dynamics. This article will cover some breed basics along with great tips on how you can choose the best breed for you and your family.

The American Kennel Club recognizes over 150 different pure breeds; from that vast starting point, there are literally millions of breed combinations. This can make your decision all the more difficult.

To make things easier, dog breeds are typically broken down into eight broad categories: sporting, hound, terrier, working, toy, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous.

Before selecting a breed, consider these factors first:

1. The needs of your family and children

A family with small children should choose a dog with a steady, gentle nature and patient temperament. This means that Chihuahuas may be as inappropriate as Pit Bull terriers. On the other hand, Collies, Retrievers, Mountain Dogs and many other types of terriers make great family companions.

2. The square footage of your home

The size of your home should be a consideration in your decision to bring home an animal. A large and active German shepherd is going to be unhappy and uncomfortable cooped up in a studio-sized condominium. Of course, if you have the space, then go for it.

3. Your time availability

There are two major time considerations when selecting a breed. The first is exercise and the second is grooming.

Exercising an active dog is extremely important. If you're unable to commit to the 30-45 minutes of daily exercise that a dog like an Irish setter would require, then it would be cruel to take one home and leave it cooped up inside the house. For prospective owners looking for a dog that requires little exercise, the Pekingese, Bassett hound, Chow Chow, and English toy spaniel are all easy choices.

For a dog that requires a low-maintenance grooming schedule, choose a canine that has short, but mostly non-shedding hair, like many terriers. Long hair will require a lot of brushing and washing to keep out tangles and debris.

In short, the type of dog you choose, whether it's a purebred Poodle or a mutt from the Humane Society, should fit your lifestyle and your home.