Getting a New Dog? Choose the Breed that Fits Best!

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By: Hilarie Erb, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer

The decision to add a new puppy or dog to the family is a big one. Maybe you have seen a breed and fallen in love with the look of it. But is it the best fit for you? Choosing a breed that does not fit you or your family’s lifestyle won’t make you or the dog happy. But luckily, there are about 200 breeds you can choose from. At least one will be just right.

Dogs such as Border Collies and Belgian Malinois must be easy to train and live with since they are so smart, right? What you may not realize is that these dogs need to be training, learning, and working as much as possible! They have a high drive and need a job to be happy — if you don’t have the time to meet those needs, you will be frustrated with a bored, unhappy dog.

On the other hand, if you want a dog to run for miles and enjoy sports, you and a Pekingese won’t be happy together. Below, are a few things to consider. Be honest with yourself about what you are able and willing to do with your dog.

Grooming Needs

Some people love dogs with lots of beautiful hair and enjoy grooming them. They find it relaxing, and it is a good way to bond with a dog. But keeping these dogs looking good can take a few hours a week, and if you don’t have that kind of time you should look at lower maintenance breeds. Do not think that taking a Lhasa Apso to the groomer once every eight weeks is enough, either. Even with a puppy cut, they still need regular combing and brushing to avoid painful mats and to keep ears and genital areas clean. Other breeds have long, heavy ears that must be cleaned regularly, and then there are the droolers. It’s hard to underestimate how much drool a Mastiff can produce! People who love these breeds don’t mind dealing with their issues, but you should decide whether they will bother you over the lifetime of a dog.

General Care

Really big dogs need more food, and their medical care is more expensive. Consider your own age and health; will you be helping an 80-pound dog up the stairs when you are not as fit as you are now? Tiny dogs are more fragile, so if playing with children is in the cards, you’ll want a sturdier companion.

Energy Level (yours and the dog’s)

Do you exercise outdoors often? Plan to jog or hike with your dog? Do you have a fenced yard or live in an apartment on the 12th floor? Or maybe you have a more relaxed lifestyle and want a companion who enjoys nap time. There are, of course, plenty of dogs with energy levels between these two extremes.

Temperament

Hounds and Terriers are somewhat independent but fun and lively; Working dogs are somewhat serious and loyal; most Herders need a job. The Toy and Non-Sporting groups are filled with a wide variety of breeds, some of which are meant strictly for companionship. Learning about a breed’s original purpose can give you a good idea of what it will be like to live with. Of course, there are breeds like the Bulldog, that went from bull-baiter to loveable companion, so there are exceptions to that rule.

Breeders

Meet breeders and talk to them about their dogs, their personalities, and what they like most about them. And what they may not like as much. Ask what it’s like to live with them day to day. Reputable breeders will ask you about your lifestyle, and if they don’t feel you are a match for their dogs, they will most likely suggest you consider a different breed. Many breeders have a questionnaire for prospective puppy buyers, and these can offer insight into what their breed needs. Don’t be offended — they want you and their dogs to be happy!

Are you searching for a puppy or adult dog to add to your family? Or are you an aspiring first-time puppy owner wondering where to start? AKC PuppyVisor is here to help!

From finding the right breeds that match your lifestyle and interests to locating breeders and events, we’ll provide one-on-one counsel and on-call support to narrow your search. Plus, this go-to resource prepares you for bringing your dog home and getting life with your pup off to the right start. Click here to learn more and enroll.