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What Dog Breed Should I Get?
Making the decision that you want a furry friend to be a part of your family is so exciting! But the first question you’ll probably ask yourself is ‘what dog should I get?’ It’s best not to rush this in all of the eagerness, as you want to make sure you get the right breed for you!
The next step is to do a lot of research to ensure that you pick the best-matched dog for you and that you can be a great owner to your pooch. You need to take into consideration the lifestyle and the type of home you live in to ensure that both you and your dog are happy. Then you can think about going to pick out your pup and buying everything you need for your new furry family member.
How to Choose a Dog Breed
Getting a dog is a big responsibility and there are so many things to take into account when getting one. You need to ensure the breed you choose is suitable for you, but it's also worth considering if your home and lifestyle is right for your chosen breed. Some dogs need much more interaction than others, and some need to be kept occupied, such as the working dog group. Dog breeds fall into these seven dog groups:
Sporting
Hound
Working
Terrier
Toy
Non- sporting
Herding
There is a breed out there for everyone, and with hundreds to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect canine companion!
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Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will have such a big impact on the type of breed you pick. If you work from home a lot, then you are able to choose a breed that needs more attention and interaction from humans, such as Labrador retrievers.
However, if you work in the office full-time, then it would be worth considering a more laid-back and calmer breed that doesn’t need much interaction, but is happy if given it!
If you have a very active lifestyle and want a canine companion to join you, then breeds such as German Shepherds are a great fit, as they love being active and have a lot of energy to use up!
Think About Your Living Arrangements
When thinking about which breed to get, your biggest consideration will be your living arrangements, as this is where you will share your space with your pooch!
If you live in an apartment, then it may be best to consider a smaller breed or a very calm breed that doesn't need as much exercise. You also need to ensure that the surrounding area is suitable to take your dog for walks and to the toilet. If there's no park nearby for your dog to do their business or run around, then it wouldn't be an ideal situation.
You may also need to consider the amount of stairs needed to take to get to your apartment, especially if there is no lift! Some smaller breeds may find it difficult climbing the stairs or may be too tired by the time they get to the top. Another important factor to bear in mind is choosing a breed that doesn’t bark a lot or cause lots of noise, as this could potentially lead to complaints from neighbours.
Houses are more suitable for bigger dogs and breeds bursting with energy, as they give them enough space to move around in and often have a garden. A space with a garden allows a dog to have more freedom and come and go as they please. It would also mean that you don't necessarily have to worry about taking your dog out to do their business like you would in an apartment, as you can have a dog flap fitted to make this easier for you and your furry friend!
Talk to Other Members of Your Household
When thinking about getting a canine companion, it's important to consider all of the members of your household too. The best way to find the perfect furry friend to fit into your family is to think about who they will be around.
Whether you have older children, younger children, individuals with allergies or members that are scared of dogs - there will always be a breed that will fit into your family, it's just about finding the right one!
The Best Dog Breeds for Households with Allergies
Most allergy sufferers can still have a furry friend, as there are plenty of hypoallergenic breeds that don't shed fur, so there is less of a worry about triggering your reactions.
It’s worth noting that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and therefore can only reduce reactions. Some people may not have any symptoms around these breeds, but some may still find they still suffer with allergies but experience reactions that are much milder than usual.
Here are some of the best breeds for households with allergies:
Basenji
Tibetan Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog
Poodle
Schnauzer
Maltese
Bichon Frise
These breeds have short coats and they don’t shed as much, which is essential for those with allergies, so you may still be able to fulfil your wish of being a dog mum or dad!
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Breeds for Those with an Active Lifestyle
If you have a very active lifestyle, then an energetic dog would fit right in! If you find yourself up and about a lot and are wanting a canine companion to join you on your adventures, these are the perfect breeds that need plenty of exercise:
Labrador Retriever
Dalmatian
Jack Russell Terrier
Border Collie
Boxer
English Springer Spaniel
German Shepherd
Siberian Husky
Weimaraner
Border Collies are very active as they are farm dogs and were bred to spend a lot of time herding sheep, so they have a ton of energy to release! With plenty of stamina, these breeds have an abundance of energy to channel and some even require extra attention to ensure that they are being exercised enough! You’ll need to make sure to have a frisbee or ball to hand so that you can play fetch and keep your pooch busy, they are sure to keep you on your feet!
The Best Breeds for Families
Are you looking for a furry friend to add to your family? There are plenty of family-friendly breeds that would make a great addition!
When considering getting a dog, you should bear in mind who the dog will be living with and if they are good with babies and young children. If you have small children, then you have to think about the safety of the kids and dog, especially when left alone - even for a short period of time.
Here is a list of some of the best family-friendly breeds:
Labrador
Poodle
Bernese Mountain Dog
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These breeds are often well-suited to being around children and with an excitable dog and energetic kids, you are sure to have a busy household! Your children will love their new furry friend who will be just as playful and match their energy!
Whilst these breeds are amazing with children, there are certain types of dogs that won’t enjoy being around little ones or within a busy family environment, such as Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Shih Tzu’s, Saint Bernards and Weimaraners.
Greyhounds are one of the calmest dog breeds, but are not playful, so wouldn't be a great combination in a household with children. Additionally, some of the breeds listed are quite large and don’t have the awareness of their strength, which makes them less suitable for a family with little children running around, as they may get knocked over.
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Dog Breeds Suited to Apartment Living
If you live in an apartment and are looking to get a canine companion, there are a number of things to consider, such as how much space you have for your canine companion to roam around and if they get the zoomies, will there be any furniture in the way that could hurt them?
As most apartments don’t have a garden, your pooch won’t be able to come and go as they please, so you need to think about whether the area surrounding the apartment is suitable for dogs to be able to go to the toilet. It’s also worth seeing if there’s a local park that you can take your furry friend to for walks or to run around in!
A huge consideration if you have a balcony is if it would be safe for your furry friend to be on there, as there may be gaps that they could potentially get through if they’re small enough.
Additionally, some apartment complexes don't have lifts, so you and your dog may have to constantly be up and down the stairs. Certain breeds can find it difficult to use stairs and as your pooch reaches old age, it may even be harder for them.
Smaller dogs are much more suited to apartment living than larger breeds, where the space would be too cramped for them - some of the best-suited breeds include:
Yorkshire Terriers
Papillons
MiniatureDachshunds
Pomeranians
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Basset Hounds
These dogs are all quite small, so better suited to smaller spaces and don’t need hours and hours of exercise to tire them out!! We’re sure that they would also be very happy with a few dog toys to play with whilst in the apartment!
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Now that you know what you need to take into consideration when thinking about which dog breed is right for you, you can make the best decision, knowing that the lifestyle and your home will mean you’ll have a very happy dog. You’ll need to shop for all of your dog essentials, such as dog food, collars, leads and beds, so explore our dog range and find everything you need!