Getting a dog means expanding your family. It is one of the most rewarding experiences, but also comes with a lot of responsibility. Choosing the right dog that fits your lifestyle will set up everyone for success and a long and happy life together.
Choosing a BREED
The most critical consideration is choosing a dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle. For example, if you live in an apartment and work long hours, choosing a large high-energy dog is a recipe for disaster.
Aspects to consider:
- Energy levels: Dog can have differ amounts of exercise requirements. Make sure the breed matches your weekly activity levels.
- Size: Larger dogs realistically need larger living spaces, even with proper exercise.
- Time: Some dog breeds require a lot of training, while others require frequent grooming. Make sure to consider your availability.
- Family: A single adult home vs. a home with small children are vastly different, making different breeds better suited for each.
✅ RECOMMENDED
Research a breed before committing to it. Look for what others owners like or dislike about the breed. Learn the history of what the breed was originally intended for. Then use the criteria above to understand if the dog will be a good fit for you.
❌ NEVER DO
Never choose a breed based purely on how it looks, or because your parents or friend had one, or because you saw it a movie. These are often short glimpses or dogs in an environment that will not necessarily be the same as the one you can provide.
Adoption vs. breeder
Whether to adopt from a shelter or buy from a breed is a deeply personal decision, with merits to both.
✅ Adoption
Benefits of adoption:
- Providing a happy home to a dog that needs one
- Reputable shelters will have information about the specific dog to make an informed decision
- For adult dogs, avoiding the hectic puppy years
- Much cheaper than buying from a breeder
Downsides:
- Time commitment and experience needed to address behavioral challenges
- More unknowns on size, health, and temperament for mixed breeds
- Realistically fewer breed options
✅ Breeder
Benefits of buying from a reputable breeder:
- Detailed health testing and genetic history for peace of mind
- Early socialization for easier training and smooth adulthood
- Can help fit you with the right temperament to match your lifestyle
- Prevent a dog from ending up in a shelter in the first place!
Downsides:
- Usually much more expensive
- Longer wait time to get matched to a litter and dog
- A reputable breeder for the breed you want may be far away and require travel
❌ NEVER DO
Never buy a dog from a pet store or non-established breeder. In addition to supporting an unethical practice, the risk of health and behavioral issues is extremely high.