It's not always easy to decide What Dog breed is best for you and your family. Here's everything you need to know about deciding on What Dog Breed suits you.
Things to Consider
Many dogs are brought home to enthusiastic families only to be given back - or worse - a few months later. Don't let your new pooch become a statistic by choosing the wrong breed. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Relationship - What kind of relationship are you hoping to have with your new pet? If you're looking for a fun and friendly companion, be careful not to choose a breed that's known to be stand-offish (yes, there are dogs who act a lot like cats). If you want a running partner, choose an active, energetic breed that loves to run. If you're planning on doing lots of training and/or competing with the dog, choose a breed that's known for its smarts and trainability. There are plenty of resources at the bookstore, library and online. Do some homework about the energy levels of various breeds before making any decisions.
The time factor - How much time will you spend with your dog? If you're a workaholic with no family at home, don't choose a breed that's known for separation anxiety and a need for constant companionship. In fact, if you're never home consider why you want a dog in the first place.
Exercise - Are you a couch potato? Or are you training for a triathlon? These are important things to consider when deciding on what breed of dog you want. Breeds vary greatly in their need and capacity for vigorous exercise.
Grooming - Do you love the idea of spending long hours brushing out your pet's silky coat or would you rather be out frolicking with your pet than grooming him? Short-haired dogs can be just as fun and beautiful as long-haired dogs.
Space - If you live in a small apartment, don't sentence a dog that was born to run to a lifetime of solitary confinement. If you have your heart set on a Greyhound and have acres of uninterrupted fields for running, go for it.
Training - Planning to take your dog show on the road? Be sure to pick a breed that's known for trainability. Looking for a hunting companion? Make sure you choose from the many breeds born to hunt. Want to take home some blue ribbons? Look for show dog lineage. Again, doing some homework will help you find the right breed for your needs and desires as a dog owner.
