How to Choose a Dog: Tips and Resources to Help

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Maybe the time has arrived when it’s time to add a family pet to your family and you’re wondering how to choose a dog? To find just the right new member of the family, there are many considerations to think about.

Dogs are probably the most popular pets around the world. Extremely resilient animals have the tenacity to survive harsh climates, unfavorable habitats, not to mention temperamental human beings. When acquiring dogs as pets, as a given, most people think of their own needs.

Dogs make great companions for the elderly as well as children and are perfect family pets. What the majority of people forget is that each dog has a distinct personality, even though they might belong to the same breed or litter.

Something to think about is the size of the home, the amount of activity the dog needs, grooming requirements, members of the family and the size and breed of the dog.

You want a dog that is the perfect fit for your own living situation and you also want your home to be the perfect fit for your new dog. Also, be sure to check out the list of books at the end of this post for extra resources for finding the right dog.

How to Choose a Dog Breed?

When considering how to choose a dog you need to think about providing the best living situation for your new furry family member. Just about any size of home is good for a dog, as long as the right size and breed is matched to the home.

For example, if living on a farm, a Bearded Collie, Australian Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, and Shetland Sheepdog would be good choices as they love to work and make great herders. However, none of the above mentioned breeds would be good for apartment living.

Medium sized and large sized dogs do better living in a home that has some type of backyard where they can get their daily exercise. If cooped up in a small environment, they can tend to have behavioral problems.

There are several breeds of dogs that do great living in an apartment including the Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Bulldog, and Boston Terrier.

Popular Dog Breeds

The most popular breeds in the United States are the Labrador Retriever, the Cocker Spaniel, and the English Springer Spaniel. In the United Kingdom, the Labrador Retriever, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the German Shepherd (Alsatian) make it to the top three. In Canada, the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, and the German Shepherd top the popularity charts. Labrador Retrievers and Alsatians, therefore, seem to be hot favorites across the globe.

Labrador Retrievers

The Lab or the Labrador or the Labrador Retriever has its origins in Newfoundland, Canada, now a part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Originally, they were used to retrieve fishing nets to the shore. Available in yellow/gold, chocolate, and black, they harbor a great temperament and are extremely energetic dogs. They enjoy swimming, running, playing, and eating and easily adapt to a variety of situations. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog and is often used to assist police for hunting, tracking, and detection, guide the disabled, and of course, as a family pet.

The Labradors’ intelligence and friendliness make it extremely attractive as a pet. They have a life span of 12-13 years, and potential health problems include epilepsy, hereditary myopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. In comparison to golden retrievers, labs are more independent and dominating.

German Shepherds/Alsatians

The first German Shepherd or Alsatian was registered in 1899, and as the name suggests, the breed was primarily used to herd sheep in Germany. Extremely active, intelligent, and brave, these dogs are used very often for military purposes. Available in sable as well as black and tan, Alsatians tend to be territorial and must be socialized appropriately if kept as pets.

They tend to be very attached and loyal to their owners and require frequent contact. Owners must ensure adequate physical and mental exercise to keep the breed happy. They have a life span of 10-12 years, and potential ailments include hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and bleeding disorders.

Dog Breeds Good with Children:

If wanting a dog that is good with children, a Labrador Retriever, Pug, English Setter, Poodle, and Golden Retriever are excellent choices. (See also: Pet Safety Around Kids: Try These Helpful Tips!)

Looking for a Guard Dog?

If the hope is to find a good guard dog, consider a German Shepherd, Puli, or Rottweiler.

Dog Breed Care

Regardless of the breed, it is of utmost importance that a dog is treated as a family member with a distinctive personality. It’s a good idea to consider the physical and mental space, the living arrangements, training opportunities, and schedules, as well as attitudes of family members before bringing home a dog, or, for that matter, any pet. The dog’s generosity, affection, and loyalty make it a special animal and so taking one under your care as a pet should be something you carefully consider and plan for accordingly.

Dog Breeds and Climate:

When deciding on what kind of a dog to get, take into consideration the climate the dog will be living in. Dogs like the Akita, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundland do fine in a colder climate, but have little tolerance to heat. (See also: How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs?)

On the other hand, breeds like the German Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, and Chihuahua have a much higher tolerance to heat.

Reason for Getting a Dog:

What is the purpose for getting a dog? If looking for a dog that will spend a lot of time in public around other people, a Golden Retriever and Beagle are good options as they are very people friendly.

How to Find a Puppy:

There are many important aspects to consider when trying to find a puppy to add to your family. You want to make sure that the breed of puppy you choose is one that you can provide proper care for and that they will fit well into your current environment.

Before You Get a Puppy:

Make sure you have the resources available to take care of them.

1. Dog Food

They make specific kinds of dog food for different dietary needs, so be sure to think about the breed you choose and how their needs may vary. Make sure you also have lots of puppy treats! (We recommend our homemade Baby Food Dog Treats. They’re the perfect DIY puppy treat!)

2. Safe Shelter:

Make sure your new puppy will have a warm place to sleep, ideally in your home. Keeping your dog outdoors all the time may not be in the best interest of the dog. Take their breed size and temperament into consideration when determining how much time your puppy will spend indoors and outdoors. The goal is to do what is best for your puppy.

3. Exercise and Enrichment:

It’s important for all dogs to have time to play and release energy. Having lots of fun puppy toys really helps with enriching their environment. (Check out this fun DIY Water Bottle Dog Toy!)

4. Medical Care:

Making sure your new puppy has proper veterinary care such as vaccinations and emergency care is very important. You should also really consider getting Pet Insurance for your new puppy.

5. Time and Love:

Before getting a puppy it’s important to make sure you have the time available to devote to training and taking care of your new furry addition to the family. Puppies need lot of extra time and attention as they transition to being a part of your family. Patience and consistency is key! (See: What to Look for in a Dog Trainer)

We recommend printing out our New Puppy Checklist to help you prepare for your new canine family member.

How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need?

When selecting a dog, bear in mind that different breeds have different exercise requirements. Dogs like the Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier can usually get all of the exercise they need running around and playing in the house.

In contrast, breeds like the Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Irish Setter require a rigorous amount of exercise each day.

Dog Grooming:

The Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Mastiff, Bull Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher are all breeds of dogs with minimum grooming requirements. Dogs like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog, require frequent brushing. In addition, some breeds of dog need monthly clipping.

Does the amount that a dog sheds come into play when contemplating what kind of dog to get? Some dogs love to leave their furry calling cards all over the house, especially in shedding season. If excessive shedding is a problem, consider getting a non-shedding dog.

There are numerous factors to consider when picking out a new dog. Sometimes it can seem a little overwhelming, but in the end it’s best to consider all aspects so just the right dog is chosen for everyone.

Now that you’ve read our tips on how to choose a dog, we hope you find your perfect pet companion to fit you and your family!

Recommended books for tips on how to choose a dog:

Check out these other great pet articles:

The views expressed across the blog are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Pet Coupon Savings. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice. Pet Coupon Savings may earn a small commission via affiliate links. Read more about our policies.

Comments

Hindy Pearson says
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Very helpful tips to get people thinking, rather than seeing them as an impulse item. For me it’s so important to choose a dog that matches your energy level. If you prefer sitting on the couch to hiking every day, a high energy dog will suffer and he will drive you mad!!
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Monika says
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If only more people would think about what kind of dog suits their lifestyle before adopting, that would be great! And there would be less abandoned pets. Thank you for reminding us of this important topic!
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Jen clifford says
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These are some good considerations. I do hate seeing a great p or Newfie sweltering in the summer heat, lol. I think one piece of advice you emphasize is what kind of coat care your dog will need. So many people get a dog and then discover that they don’t want to deal with getting them groomed. Much better to pick a breed with low grooming needs first, right?
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Michelle says
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There are so many things to consider about when thinking about getting a dog. I alway knew I wanted smaller dogs and ones with character, but I considered how much exercise they needed, how much grooming they needed and after research discounted a couple of breeds that I thought I would like. It’s a shame that there is not some public service in which anyone thinking about getting a dog, go to speak to someone who asks them all these questions and gives them pros/cons for the breed they are considering, it might reduce the amount of dogs handed to rescue centres.
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Anita Aurit, Purrsonal Assistant to The Tribe of Five says
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I’m sending a link to this blog to a few friends who are in the process of looking for a dog. Great advice and resources!
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Amy Shojai, CABC says
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Terrific tips for choosing a dog. I have several of the books on your recommended reading list, too. The Dog Selector is one of the best (and loveliest) books on the subject I’ve seen in several years.
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Ruth Epstein says
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I only rescue here but when looking I knew what I wanted and went for that although I sometimes feel people must really think before getting a dog as like your points the list is long with the pros and cons.
Great post
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Michelle & The Paw Pack says
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Great post! I wish more people put more thought into finding the dog that’s best for them before bringing a new pet home. I bet then we’d have a lot less dogs ending up in shelters.
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JoeHx says
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Great tips! My wife and I aren’t currently looking for a dog – we’re happy with the two we have – but we’ve talked about when and if we are to get another dog. It probably won’t be for awhile, especially since we just had our first child.
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Sherri says
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I’ve never really chosen any of my pets – including me dog. The universe just sends them to me. I had to figure out my dog but he requires A LOT of exercise (any terrier cross is usually high energy) even though he’s smallish and that’s part of the reason I’m his fourth (and final) home.
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The Dash Kitten Crew says
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Any dog begot would have to be prepared to have a houseful of cats lording it over them MOL!!!
People often just go to the ponds or the SPCA and find the dog that ‘speaks to them’ like we do our cats. So it is useful to have some sensible tips!
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The Dash Kitten Crew says
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Oh no I blew it with a typo. I am so sorry * growls *
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Ruby and Kristin says
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Great tips especially the weather one, which sometimes people forget. Our dogs (and cats) have always kind of chosen us in the same way we have chosen them.
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Holly Anne says
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Very good tips – I don’t think people always consider all the necessary factors when choosing a puppy, they just go for cute.
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Beth says
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Those are all important considerations, but I think the most important one is finding one you love. Adopting an adult dog is a great way to go in my opinion.
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Tenacious Little Terrier says
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There’s a lot of factors to think about before choosing a dog! Unless you have a lot of acreage though, I don’t think yard play is sufficient for most dogs. We have a couple of neighbors who never walk their dogs and just leave them in the yard and they’re always crazed and barking at all hours of the day.
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Bernard Lima-Chavez says
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Great tip son some topics most peeps aren’t thinking about when they adopt or buy a dog! I will say that when I lived in NYC, we had 2 Australian Shepherds- another high-energy herding dog- and they did just fine in apartment living with LOTS of daily exercise!
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Jana Rade says
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Many rescues help with making the right match. We love Rotties and always stuck with them. But in the future, we might need to consider something smaller.
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Maureen says
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Great tips. I wish everyone could have access to this information before they get a dog!
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Sandy Kubillus says
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One thing I tell potential pet parents is to be wary of the time commitment. A young dog needs about 2 hours per day of attention and walks (can be spread out of course), while you can probably get away with 1 hour for a senior dog. People don’t think about the time they need to exercise a dog. Great post.
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Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
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Excellent tips for folks to think about before they bring a dog into their family! With Siberian Huskies, I always emphasize the “blowing” coat amount of shedding, their need for exercise, and more about this breed’s particular traits. I just Pinned this over on my “Bark About” board to share and hope folks take time to read it and ask themselves the important questions so their new family addition will be a forever family addition! Great post!
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Kamira says
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These are some good tips. Also people need to consider the behavior history of the breed of dog they are getting. Are they good with kids/families or better with singles? Also as a volunteer I’ve heard of stories where pet parents surrender their dogs because they didn’t do their research and estimate how big their dogs would grow, only to realize they didn’t have adequate space to have a grown adult dog. There are many factors to consider.
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Cathy Armato says
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These are all good considerations when you choose a dog for your family. Shedding is often a huge concern for many people as well. The point about grooming is a great one, I can’ t believe how expensive it is to groom my Maltese mix dog Phoebe!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
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Katie Sample says
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Very good tips! It’s always important to consider what kind of lifestyle you have before getting a dog. I’ve seen several huskies lately that were in shelters because of barking. If they would have researched beforehand those owners would have known Huskies are loud dogs and would have thought twice before getting one.
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Sweet Purrfections says
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People truly need to research breed characteristics for both dogs and cats before bringing them into their home and life.
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esther morgan says
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Thanks alot the post is so great and with lots for important informations
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- Pet Coupon Savings says
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  You’re welcome, thanks for stopping by!
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Ellie Davis says
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I was not aware that when you looking to adopt a dog, you need to consider that a medium or large-sized dog will develop behavioral problems if you don’t give him enough space. My husband and I are thinking about getting a dog for our kids, and we are looking for advice to choose the right breed. I will let him know about your recommendations to choose the right dog for our family.
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- Pet Coupon Savings says
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  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you can find the right dog for your family. :)
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Eli Richardson says
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It’s great that you talked about puppies and their sizes! Last week, my sister said she wants to find a puppy for her daughter. My sister’s excited to start looking for a puppy that fits her family, so I’ll share your advice with her right away! I appreciate your advice on considering your house’s size and living situation before choosing a pup!
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How to Choose a Dog: Tips and Resources to Help