You’ve made up your mind that you want to add a dog to your family, but you have no idea what dog breed would be right for you and your lifestyle. Make sure you purchase a dog breed that fits in with who you are. If not you run the risk of buying a dog breed that is not compatible with you. People who are not compatible with their dogs usually end up taking them to the pound or giving them away. Since neither of these is going to happen to you ask yourself a series of questions to ensure you get the right type of dog for you.
Are you looking for an active dog breed? If you are interested in a dog that will want to go outside and catch a Frisbee disk, be your jogging partner, or go for long walks then you are going to want a larger dog breed. German Shepherds and Labradors make great dogs for the active person. They have the ability to run for long periods of time, walk on rough terrain when you go hiking, and are intelligent enough to fetch or catch Frisbees. If you are a hunter hound dogs will make great companions as well. They are adept at chasing down small animals and have a heightened sense of smell that will be invaluable on the hunting grounds. They are a great dog breed for the sportsman.
If you want an active dog make sure you are an active person. If you are not willing to go outside and play with these animals they will get depressed and become restless. This can lead to acting out i.e. you come home to find your house or apartment destroyed. Also make sure you can house an active dog. If you live on the 10th floor of an apartment building and there is no grass near you, a big dog may not be for you.
Are you looking for a small dog breed? Certain small dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Pugs are very active and hyper dogs. On the other hand they can also be extremely caring and cuddly and have fragile personalities (don’t shout at them they will get very depressed). These dog breeds can be fun to play with and don’t require a lot of space. They are perfect for apartment dwellers because they can get plenty of exercise running circles around your couch or bed. But like any dog you cannot leave them along for long periods of time or they will destroy your shoe collection.
Of course there are numerous other questions to consider when purchasing a dog, but these should give you a nice stepping stone. Be realistic, larger dog breeds need a lot space to run freely. If you want to buy a Rottweilers or Doberman Pinchers don’t confine them to a small apartment. There is a dog breed for everyone, with a little research and some careful consideration you will make the right choice. Good luck!
