How to Choose the Right Dog for You? 6 Factors to Consider

Meta: You’re excited to welcome a dog in your home but do you know how to choose the right dog for you? What factors do you need to consider first?

Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong (WR Purche).

Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment. Depending on their age and health condition, you may care for them for more than 15 years.

Choosing a dog should not be taken lightly. It’s like choosing a soulmate. It should be a good fit. You select dogs not only for their appearance or cuteness. Not only for their behavior or unique characteristics.

When getting a dog, you should also consider your lifestyle among other things. Discern and really think about it.

What’s the right dog for me?
How do I choose the right dog breed?
Will this dog be the right fit for my family?

You need to assess not just your needs but also that of the dog.
Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing the right dog for you.

How to Choose the Right Dog for You? 6 Factors to Consider

1. Your Home

Before getting a dog, see if your home will be suitable for one.
Is your house big enough for a dog?

Do you have enough space and rooms to accommodate you, your family, and your dog?

Would there be a place for your pet to play, stretch their legs, or rest comfortably?

Do you have a backyard where your dog can roam around freely and get their much-needed exercise? Or for them to do their business?

Is your home safe, secure, and pet-friendly?

If you live in a condo unit or in an apartment with limited space, you should consider getting a small dog.

Here are some small dog breeds you may want to investigate:

• Chihuaha
• Pomeranians
• Pugs
• Maltese Dogs
• Dachshunds
• Havanese
• Beagles
• Corgi
• French Bulldog
• Border Terrier
• Silky Terrier

Just remember that some of these small dogs like the chihuahua could get loud.

If you only have walls separating you from your neighbor, be considerate enough to get a less barky dog.

A large dog, though cuddly, could take up a lot of space and make the room
crowded.

Do you live near pet-friendly places?
Some dogs are active, and you need to take them out for a walk more than once a day.

How’s the weather in your area?
Though most dogs can tolerate any weather, there are those who are better in a cold climate.
If you live in areas where winter can get bitter cold, you should look into adopting dogs with thick fur or those acclimated to extreme weather.

Choose these dogs that are not bothered by the cold:

• Siberian Huskies
• Samoyed
• Alaskan Malamute
• Caucasian Shepherd
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• American Eskimo Dog
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Shiba Inu
• Kuvasz
• Newfoundland
• Finnish Lapphund
• Akita
• Komondor
• Icelandic Sheepdog
• Chow Chow
• Great Pyrenees
• Pyrenean Mastiff
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Anatolian Shepherd
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Leonberger
• Keeshond
• Karakachan

If you live in places where the temperature can get very warm, these are the breeds that would thrive:

• Chihuahua
• Labrador Retriever
• Egyptian Hounds
• Chinese Crested
• Greyhound
• Great Dane
• German Shorthaired Pointer

Regardless of whether your dog can withstand hot or cold weather, be a
responsible owner and be sensitive to their needs.

Even dogs built for winter need a warm cozy home if the weather gets too wet and cold. And dogs who like the sun still need to cool down.
Don’t walk your dog in extreme weather. Remember to check if the pavement is too hot before walking as it may burn their paws.

2. Your Lifestyle

How to choose the right dog according to your lifestyle?
What is your idea of fun?
Are you an active person?

If you need a dog you can run with, choose these dogs who are great running partners:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Belgian Malinois
• Australian Shepherds
• German Shorthaired Pointers
• Vizslas
• Pit Bulls
• Dalmatians
• Greyhounds
• German Shepherds
• Weimaraners

These are big active dog breeds. If you want a small or medium-size dog that will fit your active runner’s lifestyle, these energetic dogs would be perfect for you:

• Jack Russell Terriers
• Border Terrier
• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Miniature Pinscher
• Fox Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Pocket Beagle
• Toy Poodle
• Schipperke
• Scottish Terrier
• Welsh Terrier

Know if getting a dog will fit or improve your lifestyle without sacrificing the dog’s needs.

Would your schedule enable you to take care of your dog and give him attention?

How much time can you put into training your dog? Can you spare a few hours for quality time with your fur baby?

Are you or some people in your home allergic to some dog breeds?
There are dogs that are considered hypoallergenic but it's best to check with your doctor first or get an allergy test.
Here are some dog breeds to choose from for allergic owners:

• Schnauzer
• Poodle
• Chinese crested
• Hairless Peruvian Inca orchid
• American hairless terrier
• Portuguese water dog
• Irish water spaniel
• Soft-coated wheaten terrier
• Afghan hound
• Bedlington terrier
• Xoloitzcuintli
• Bichon Frise
• Coton de Tulear
• Kerry blue terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Spanish water dog

Beware of dogs that shed a lot like these breeds:

• Golden Retriever
• Akita
• Doberman
• Alaskan Malamute
• Chow Chow
• German Shepherd
• Great Pyrenees
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Siberian Husky
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Samoyed
• Saint Bernard
• American Eskimo
• Old English Sheepdog

How much adjustment are you willing to make?
If you’re traveling a lot, would you be able to reduce your number of travels or at least bring your dog with you? You and your family’s lifestyle will be affected and changed by a dog’s presence.

Do you have small kids, an elderly, or someone who needs special medical
attention in your home?

Would their routine be disrupted if you add a dog to your house? Or are they willing to welcome a furry family member?

There are dogs that are great and gentle with kids. Dogs can show kids (and adults) lessons on compassion, friendship, and loyalty. They will also teach them to be responsible and how to care for others.

Dogs are great with retired elderlies giving them someone to look after and have fun with while the rest of the family are busy going on their days.

Here are great family dogs to choose from:

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Irish Setter
• Newfoundland
• Beagle
• Bulldog

3. Dog Breed and Size

How to know what dog breed is right for you?

There are places where dogs are not allowed unless you put them in a bag. If you frequent such places, a smaller size breed would be a wise choice.
Some breeds get warm fast because of their fluffy and long fur. Others prefer the cold.

Choose a dog breed that can tolerate the weather where you’re staying.
Do you prefer a small lap dog or a big cuddly bear?
Big dogs need more room to move around. Some dogs are high maintenance as they need to be groomed more often.

If you don’t have the time, money, and patience to groom or have your dog
groomed, don’t choose these breeds:

• Afghan Hound
• Bichon Frise
• Poodle
• Puli
• Komondor
• Portuguese Water Dog

If you’re the laid-back kind of owner and want dogs with minimal grooming needs, these are the right dog breeds for you:

• American Foxhound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Boxer
• Beagle
• Brussels Griffon
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Basenji
• Blue Lacy
• Chihuahua
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Dalmatian
• Havanese
• Rottweiler
• Boston terrier
• Great Dane
• Dachshund
• Weimaraner
• Bull Mastiff
• Basset Hound
• Yorkipoo
• Vizsla
• Greyhound
• Doberman Pinscher

Do you like long-haired dogs? Remember that long furs can pose a problem to people with allergies and are harder to maintain.

Choose the right dog breed and size for you based on the list above.

4. You and your dog’s activeness and energy level

Some dog breeds are more active and need to be walked often. There are those who prefer to lounge and rest. Active dogs would be prone to injuries. Some dogs are fond of swimming and running.

Are you more of a sporty dog parent or are you looking for someone you can binge-watch your show with?

You have the list of active dogs. Now here are dog breeds that are perfect for the couch potatoes:

• Chow Chow
• Bulldog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Coton de Tulear
• French Bulldog
• Saint Bernard
• Pekingese
• Clumber Spaniel
• Dachshund
• Newfoundland
• Basset Hound
• Japanese Chin
• Pug
• Brussels Griffon
• Bullmastiff
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Havanese
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Spinone Italiano
• Bichon Frise
• Lhasa Apso
• Bichon Bolognese

If you prefer dogs with the best temperament, aka the good boys and girls, choose these calmest dogs according to American Kennel Club:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Boerboel
• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Irish Wolfhound
• Bassett Hound
• Clumber Spaniel
• Pekingese
• Saint Bernard

What dog breed is right for you?

Choose the right dog breed for you depending on your activity level.

Dog Age

It’s fun to get a puppy with their vigor and cuteness. Their energy level is high and they have more needs like immunization and training.

They need looking after because they are practically babies. Depending on their background, most adult dogs have already been trained or housebroken.

They have a routine and are pretty much aware of what activity and food they want.

Senior dogs are also sweet and wonderful to have. They are “seasoned” and have years of experience loving their humans.

Just like a little puppy, senior dogs may also need more health care and attention. Aging can be tough for some dogs. They may have developed arthritis, heart problems, difficulty in hearing, elimination problems, and even dementia.

Are you ready to give senior dogs the best days of their prime life?

Dog History

Some rescue dogs have been well-trained. Others came from the streets and need to be taught how to be a proper dog.

How about your history with dogs?

Are you new to dogs? Have you had experience before or do you still have dogs under your care?

If it’s your first time being a dog parent, it’s best to choose a dog that will be easy to manage.

Choose the right dog according to your and the dog’s history.

Final Thoughts

Dogs are not home decors or mere pets you just keep alive. They’re the family we choose to have.

There’s no point in getting a dog knowing that you will not be able to care for it. Please don’t get a dog if you’re only going to neglect it.

Do you know what else you need to consider getting? A mutt.
They’re a great combination of breeds. Mutts are intelligent and fast learners. They are less prone to genetic diseases present in purebreds. With mutts, you’ll never know what you’re getting and that’s the fun of it. Some mutts have the most interesting combinations of colors, sizes, and characteristics.

If you’re on a budget, they’re also cheaper though that doesn’t mean they’re less valuable.

If you’d love to have a dog that’s one of a kind, a mutt is your best option.
How to choose the right dog for you? There are different factors to consider but, in the end, they should match your personality and lifestyle.
Happy soul mate hunting!