Find The Right Dog For You!

🏡 Consider the size of your living space. Large breeds like Anatolian Shepherds are not suitable for small apartments. When considering if the living space meets the dog’s needs, make sure to think about what the dog was bred for. This doesn't mean that you need an acreage to have a dog, it just means that you should take extra care considering the right breed for your living situation.

⚡️ Assess your own fitness level. High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds or German Shorthaired Pointers, require frequent exercise and mental stimulation (I’m not talking about frozen kongs or food puzzles… It has to be real mental work that challenges them on the regular). These dogs thrive with a purpose in a sport or working household. Low-energy breeds, like Chihuahuas, Basset Hounds or even Saint Bernards, may be more suitable for a more relaxed lifestyle.

🪮 Different breeds have varying grooming requirements. Long-haired breeds like Afghan Hounds and Schnauzers need regular grooming, while short-haired breeds like Beagles or Great Danes often require less maintenance. Poodle mixes (doodles, aussiedoodle, bernedoodle, etc.) often have complicated coats and are high maintenance for grooming. Consider your willingness to invest time, effort and money into grooming when choosing your next dog. Groomers are often full, make sure you have a groomer lined up if you are planning on a breed with high coat maintenance.

🧬 Research a breed's temperament traits. For example, some breeds are known for being more independent (e.g. Siberian Huskies), while others are more social and affectionate (e.g. Golden Retrievers). Some have high prey drive (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier), are prone to dog aggression (e.g. Akita Inu), dislike strangers (e.g. Cane Corso) or can be same sex aggressive (e.g. Dobermans). Are you willing and able to meet your dog's breed purpose in any shape or form in a sport or job? Assess how a breed's temperament aligns with your expectations and lifestyle.

💪🏻 Certain breeds, like Dalmatians or Jack Russell Terriers, thrive on intense physical activity. Others, like English Bulldogs or some Mastiffs, may have lower exercise needs. Determining how much exercise you can regularly give your dog is extremely important when choosing the right breed. Lack of exercise can result in behaviour problems and other challenges with certain breeds, specifically working breeds.

🩻 Be aware of potential breed-specific health issues. For instance, the German Shepherd can be prone to hip dysplasia while Boxers can be prone to heart problems. Researching health concerns helps you prepare for potential veterinary expenses and ensuring you acquire a puppy from a breeder who health tests their breeding dogs for these breed-specific health issues.

👋🏻 Reach out to breed clubs and organizations for in-depth information on specific breeds you are interested in. They often provide resources, breed standards, and can connect you with experienced breeders. Attend events or shows where you can meet different breeds and their owners.

📣 Familiarize yourself with ethical breeders. Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Visit them to observe the living conditions, ask questions, and interact with the dogs. Avoid supporting puppy mills or irresponsible breeding practices.

🤝🏻 Connect with current owners of the breed you're interested in. They can offer practical insights into daily care, behavior, and challenges. Reliable social media groups (not “German Shepherd Lovers” groups…) specific to the breed can be valuable resources. Navigate these groups carefully because there is a lot of misinformation and bad advice out there.

✨ By thoroughly researching these factors and seeking input from experienced sources, you'll be better equipped to choose a dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle, ensuring a happy and harmonious relationship with your new companion!