What Dog Breed Is Best for Me?

Considering becoming one of the over 48 million individuals in the United States who share their lives with at least one canine companion? You're joining a substantial community, as America's affection for dogs continues to deepen each passing year.

Which Dog Breed Suits Me Best?

With over 38% of U.S. households enjoying the company of one or more dogs, whether they are chasing sticks, showcasing tricks for treats, cuddling on the couch, or simply bringing joy to their human companions. The onset of the global pandemic witnessed a significant surge in dog adoptions, doubling the numbers, and consequently leaving pet shelters in need of more canine companions. This surge also led to a scramble among purebred dog breeders to meet the heightened demand for puppies. Puppy finder websites, some unfortunately involved in scams, experienced an overwhelming influx of traffic.

Given the limited availability of dogs during this time, some prospective pet parents eagerly welcomed any dog into their homes, choosing mixed-breeds from local shelters to shower with affection. However, others opted for a more thoughtful approach, pondering the question, "What's the best dog breed for me?"

Veterinarians, acknowledging the immense commitment involved in dog ownership, typically advocate for a more deliberate and informed decision-making process.

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• How to Choose a Dog Breed
• Best Dog Breeds
• What Dog Breed is Best for Me FAQs
• The Bottom Line

How to Choose a Dog Breed

How many dog breeds exist? Seasoned pet owners often claim the number is as diverse as the individuals who choose to be dog owners. Whether you envision sharing your home with a delicate lapdog or seek the most affectionate canine companion, or perhaps you identify as the "quiet type" and prefer the calmest dog breeds, the quest for the perfect dog involves self-awareness and a touch of luck.

To guide you in this search, we've compiled essential considerations. Ponder these questions thoughtfully. Gain insight into your own priorities, empathize with a dog's perspective, and you'll be well on your way to refining your choices and discovering a furry friend with whom you can happily coexist.

Home Environment:

Begin by assessing your living situation. Does your space already feel confined, leaving little room for a pet? In a compact studio, a small breed dog may be more suitable, perhaps even one you can carry in a tote bag or backpack.

Contemplate the available space for your dog to run and play. While your yard may be modest, the growing prevalence of public dog parks provides additional options. Keep in mind that all dogs require exercise for optimal health, with larger breeds needing more activity. A spacious, fenced yard and regular walks can accommodate dogs of various sizes. Living near a dog park or wooded area further enhances the possibilities. The ideal dog for you aligns with the size that suits your home.

People in Your Household

Prioritizing safety is crucial when selecting the ideal dog breed for your family, taking into account both human and pet members. Dogs, like people, can exhibit unpredictability and, at times, unintentional hazards, whether through jumping, demanding attention, or even displaying annoyance and potential for biting. Evaluating a dog's personality, size, and trainability becomes essential in this regard.

If you have children in your household, particularly young ones, opting for a dog breed known for its friendliness becomes paramount. A dog tolerant of tail tugging or interaction with toddlers is preferable in such scenarios.

For individuals or households with physical frailty or a tendency to fall, choosing a dog with a calm demeanor and less physical strength is advisable. Aligning the dog's energy, activity level, and strength with those of the household members ensures a harmonious match. In homes with cats, a dog with minimal prey drive and a relaxed personality could be appreciated.

Considering the amount of time a dog will spend alone is another crucial factor in breed selection. Some dogs thrive on human companionship and may experience separation anxiety during prolonged periods of solitude.

Training

Certain dog breeds exhibit ease in training and quickly grasp the concept of doing their business outdoors. These breeds thrive on communication, enjoying the time invested in learning tricks. On the contrary, some breeds may appear aloof or stubborn. Consider the amount of time you're willing to invest in training and the level of complexity you desire.

If spending Saturday afternoons engaged in activities like duck hunting or canine agility competitions appeals to you, there's undoubtedly a dog breed suited for such pursuits. For those seeking a guard dog, it's crucial to invest in proper training to prevent protective behavior from escalating into aggressiveness. While guard dogs often display remarkable loyalty, some may exhibit excessive fidelity, potentially reacting defensively even in non-threatening situations.

Whether you aim for basic commands like "come," "sit," and "stay," or more advanced training, various dog breeds are available. However, all dogs benefit from basic obedience training, contributing to their happiness and enhancing their companionship. Basic training can often be handled independently, but professional assistance may be necessary if patience is limited, and the dog is particularly stubborn.

Consistency and patience are key elements in training, regardless of the chosen dog breed. Opting for a breed renowned for superior intelligence, such as Border Collies, Standard Poodles, Golden Retrievers, or Doberman Pinschers, can tilt the odds in your favor for achieving quick and effective training outcomes.

Grooming

Do you have that friend who always seems to be pampering themselves at the spa or shopping for luxury beauty products? Well, the canine world has its equivalents. Certain dog breeds require regular grooming not just for aesthetics but also for their overall health and comfort. Neglecting grooming can lead to painful and potentially hazardous skin conditions caused by matted fur.

Long-haired breeds, in particular, tend to shed excessively if not regularly groomed, turning your home into a perpetual grooming station. Even if you try to manage grooming tasks at home, these dogs will still need occasional professional attention. Some popular breeds, like the friendly Golden Retriever and the elegant Poodle, require frequent trips to the groomer for treatments, haircuts, nail care, and basic hygiene.

Before bringing a dog into your life, consider the time and money you're willing to invest in keeping your furry friend looking fabulous. Grooming stands out as one of the more expensive aspects of pet care.

Cost

When it comes to cost, the American Kennel Club estimates that the lifetime expense of dog ownership surpasses $23,000. Annual costs for dog food, toys, medications, veterinary care, and miscellaneous dog products can approach nearly $2,000. Additional upfront investments might be needed for safety measures like fencing. Can your budget accommodate these expenses?

To safeguard against unexpected costs, many dog owners opt for pet insurance. Fortunately, prices for medical coverage have been decreasing, with increased competition among companies providing more affordable options. Most insurance policies cover not only accidents and illnesses but also behavioral issues, dog therapy, and even pet telehealth. However, it's worth noting that insurance costs can vary based on the breed. Before choosing a dog, compare insurance policy costs for breeds you're interested in.

Lastly, owning certain dog breeds might raise your homeowners' insurance premiums or potentially lead to policy cancellation, so it's wise to be aware of these considerations.

Life Expectancy

While it may not be the most uplifting topic, it's crucial to acknowledge that life expectancy varies among dog breeds when considering the potential costs of dog ownership. The size of the dog often correlates with its lifespan, with larger breeds generally having shorter lives. Selective breeding increases the risk of genetic illnesses in certain breeds. In contrast, mixed-breed dogs, regardless of size, tend to live longer than their purebred counterparts. Opting to adopt from a shelter is a compelling choice since these facilities often house affectionate mutts.

A recent survey by Money.com discovered that 67% of pet owners would spare no expense to save their furry friend's life. If you share this sentiment, it should influence your decision when selecting a dog breed.

Drooling and Shedding?

While dogs bring immense joy, they aren't the tidiest creatures, leaving nose prints, paw prints, and outdoor debris in their wake. For those who value cleanliness, choosing a breed with minimal shedding and drooling can help. Breeds like poodles and Maltese hardly leave any fur traces, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. On the other hand, certain breeds, such as bloodhounds and bulldogs, are known for excessive drooling. If constant drool isn't your preference, these breeds may not be the ideal choice. Additionally, scheduling de-shedding treatments during grooming sessions can be a worthwhile investment, reducing the need for frequent vacuuming.

Best Dog Breeds

We've extensively researched the common ways people search for recommended dog breeds and identified eight popular dog breed categories. Our recommendations are influenced, in part, by insights from Martin Lee, the owner of K9 Citizens Dog Training in Toledo, Ohio, whose extensive career in the canine world spans nearly three decades. With experience in veterinary practices, dog training, the dog food industry, dog breeding, and dog grooming, Mr. Lee's expertise covers a broad spectrum of canine-related areas.

While there are over 350 breeds and sub-breeds of dogs, the AKC recognizes nearly two hundred of them. According to Mr. Lee, many breeds can fit into multiple categories. He emphasizes not to overlook mixed-breed dogs, highlighting that if they align with the size of your home, exhibit a temperament matching your own, and possess skills suitable for your lifestyle, mixed-breed dogs can become incredible companions.

Now, let's delve into our recommendations.

Best Family Dogs:

The world abounds with cherished family dogs, and with proper training and patience, almost every breed can be a great family companion. However, certain breeds stand out for seamlessly adapting to family life. It's worth focusing your search on these breeds that have proven to be exceptionally well-suited for family environments, starting with the Golden Retriever.

Golden Retriever

The beloved golden retriever rightfully claims the top spot in Money's Best Family Dog category, and it's no surprise they often lead in the friendliest dog breeds as well. Year after year, these affectionate companions secure a place on the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dogs. Renowned for their super intelligence, eagerness to please, and ease of training, golden retrievers make an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned dog owners. With a temperament that avoids extremes of aggression or timidity, they effortlessly become the perfect, amiable guests at any gathering. However, it's essential to note that they do demand a fair amount of grooming and exercise, requiring commitment from you and your family to keep them both beautiful and active.

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers, similar to other retrievers, are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that relish every opportunity for exercise. Possessing a playful and clownish nature, they infuse laughter into your home. While their coat is shorter than that of golden retrievers, Labs tend to shed quite a bit, featuring a different type of fur. Despite being a larger breed with a weight range between 55 and 80 pounds, Labrador retrievers boast a relatively long lifespan.

Poodles

Poodles, recognized for their politeness, high intelligence, and ease of training, are available in various sizes. However, experts often recommend standard poodles as the optimal choice for families. Sturdy enough to withstand the energetic activities of kids, they thrive on companionship and communication with various species. Their disposition is less prone to timidity, and they remain unflustered by sudden surprises. Ready to engage in playful activities with toddlers or keep pace on a brisk walk, poodles are also among the most hypoallergenic breeds, making them ideal for those with sensitive noses and throats.