When choosing a dog many people have certain criteria in mind. They want a small dog, a furry dog, or perhaps a dog with floppy ears. But before deciding on what kind of traits you want in a canine companion, you first must evaluate your own lifestyle in order to see which breed fits your family best. Breed traits are generalities, and there are always exceptions to the standard, but you will be better off knowing your dog fits your lifestyle rather than risking having to give up your dog due to incompatibility. Here are some things to consider, when trying to find the right breed of dog for your lifestyle.
Where do you Live?
Do you own a home, or rent an apartment? Do you have a big back yard, or do you live in a bustling city? Where you live is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a breed of dog. Some breeds need more space to run and play, while others do better as indoor dogs. If you rent there could also be restrictions on the size, type, and number of dogs you can have. Check with your landlord to see what is permitted.
Where you live is also important because many cities now have breed specific laws against breeds considered "dangerous" such as the pit bull and Rottweiler. Whether or not these laws are fair, they are in effect and could impact you if you live in a town where such laws exist. Check with your local city hall to be sure.
How Active Are You?
Some breeds were bred to a specific purpose, and as such are classified as working dogs. These dogs: such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent animals who need constant physical and mental exercise in order to maintain their health and good behavior. If you like hiking, sports, or physical activities then these working breeds are good for you. If you are more of an indoor person then you should probably consider a breed that was created for companionship, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Japanese Chin. It may seem that there is a split between small and large dogs here, and that is true to some degree, but remember that terriers, generally small dogs, were bred as rodent killers and can be mighty restless if cooped up inside.
Do you Have Children?
Children, especially smaller ones, can have a major impact on the pets in your household. To some breeds, the quick movements and loud noises of small children can be terrifying, and a scared dog has the potential to bite. If you have children you need a calm breed that is not easily scared and doesn't mind being tugged on every once in a while. Large breeds tend to be less scared of children, though some smaller breeds like the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be good companions for children.
It is always important to research the breed you are interested in before you select a companion for your family. There are a multitude of helpful books outlining the traits of every breed you could possibly think of, and most are written in a very engaging and conversational manner. Also, don't forget to check out your local shelter for a friend who might not be purebred, but who surely has a heart full of love. Be honest with yourself when answering the above questions, because nothing is more heartbreaking than having to take your dog to the pound, for any reason. The choice may be difficult, but all the time you spent researching will be rewarded with true love, and that's something no amount of money can buy.
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