7 Tips For Picking A Dog Breed To Suit Your Family

There is no wrong answer when it comes to selecting a breed of dog for your family. What it generally comes down to is personal preference and the specific requirements of your family situation and lifestyle.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but that also means that they come with their unique breed requirements, and you’ll need to set some time aside to choose the breed that is right for you.

Whether you are adopting or buying your new dog, there are certain questions that you need to ask yourself and the person you are getting the dog from.

Here are seven tips to help you choose the perfect breed for your family, remember that at the end of the day, you need to be happy and confident with your selection so choose wisely.

1. Quiz

There are many quizzes available on the internet, some of them are a lot more useful than others and offer pertinent aspects to consider – like choosing a breed of dog that is right for your family.

These quizzes are often designed to ask all the right questions and will end up giving you some sound advice for making your choice. Try doing one of these quizzes before the ones that will tell you what Game Of Thrones character you are.

2. Size

The most basic aspect to consider when choosing a breed of dog is what size dog you want. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and you need to be comfortable with the size of the dog you choose. Small dogs have their benefits, like taking up less space and eating less food – but they usually have higher grooming costs.

Take the time to decide on size first, that will help to significantly narrow down your choices.

3. Free Time

Some breeds of dogs are a lot more demanding than others. Generally speaking, the more intelligent the dog breed is, the more effort they will require from their human family members.

Border Collies, for example, are wildly intelligent dogs but they do require more mental stimulation and a ton more exercise. If you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands, then a dog with lower maintenance requirements may be better for you.

4. Kids

The number one concern for all parents is whether or not their chosen breed of dog is good with kids. As a general rule of thumb, tiny dogs aren’t well suited for young children. Young children often hurt miniature dogs and they retaliate by snapping or growling. That is not an ideal situation for the child or the dog.

If you have small children, opt for a gentle dog that is a little bigger and good with children, like a French Bulldog. Remember to buy the best dog food for French Bulldogs – that breed has specific dietary requirements.

5. Hypoallergenic

If you or a family member suffers from allergies, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a dog. All it does mean is that you have to be extra careful when it comes to choosing the right breed.

Cuddling up on the couch with your furry friend can be possible for allergy suffers if you choose a hypoallergenic dog breed. What makes these types of dog breeds great for people with allergies is that they don’t shed, which means that there is little to no dander coming off their coats.

Hypoallergenic dogs are also a dream when it comes to cleaning, think of all that time you’ll save by not having to vacuum the house every day!

6. Health Risks

Some breeds of dogs come with inherent health risks, which could mean higher vet bills for you down the line. Choose to adopt or buy a dog with little to no known severe health issues.

Of course, that does not mean that they are guaranteed to never get sick – it just means that luck, and science, are generally on their side. Dog breeds with the fewest health problems include Beagles, Chihuahuas, and Australian Shepherds.

7. Family History

Family history is vital for learning about particular characteristics or phenotypes in dog breeds. Genetics plays a huge role in the health, wellness, and temperament of a dog. If you don’t know enough about the family history of your chosen dog, you could end up being disappointed and having unfulfilled expectations.

To End

Choosing a new dog can and should be an exciting time for you and your family. By doing your research beforehand, you can save yourself time and money by not getting a breed that won’t suit your needs.