Which Dog Is Right for You?
Bringing a dog into your life is a thrilling decision, but it’s also a huge one. There’s the responsibility of taking care of a sweet, furry soul, but there’s also this question: “How do I know which are the best dogs for me?”
In this guide, the team at Pet Dominion will help you figure out which type of dog will suit your lifestyle and personality the most.
Start With Your Space
Before you even start looking at different breeds, think about where you live. Your living space decides a lot about what type of dog you can get.
If you’re in a city or condo, you may want to look into apartment dogs. These breeds are known for being happy in smaller spaces and not needing acres of land to run on. Apartment dogs are also breeds that apartment managers are a lot more likely to welcome into the building.
They include:
- French Bulldogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pugs
- Greyhounds (yes, really!)
These dogs get plenty of exercise just running around the apartment, and they don’t need to go on lengthy, daily walks or romps through a yard.
If you have yard space of around a quarter acre or more, you can handle a more energetic dog like a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever.
No matter what type of breed you decide to get, make sure it’s a good fit (aka is allowed) in your home, especially if you rent or live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA).
Think About Your Routine
Ask yourself this: how much time do I have each day for exercise and training? High-energy breeds like German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, or Border Collies require a lot of both. Are you up for the challenge? Do you have time for hours of daily activity with your new dog?
If the answer is yes, then you’re that much closer to bringing home the perfect pawsome pal. If you’d rather not spend every spare hour making sure your dog gets enough exercise, you may want a more moderate-energy dog.
Look for a Cocker Spaniel, Newfoundland, or Golden Retriever. These breeds need at least a daily walk and play session, but they don’t have as many exercise needs.
If you want a sleepy, lazy pup to cuddle with, you’ll want a Basset Hound, Saint Bernard, or Bulldog.
Match Your Personality with Their Personality
Each dog is an individual, but breeds tend to share general traits. Are you looking for a snuggly lap dog? A protective pet to become a family guardian? A playful companion that’s great with kids?
When it comes to answering the question, “Which dog breed is best for my lifestyle?” think about which type of personality you’d get along with the most.
Each breed has a distinct personality:
- Golden Retrievers are famously friendly, and they make excellent family pets
- Shih Tzus or Maltese are small, affectionate companions
- German Shepherds are loyal pets who do well with owners who like to train, exercise, and provide structure
Do in-depth research about the dog breeds you’re interested in. Browse resources like the AKC Dog Breed Guide, Subreddit groups for each breed (take a look at r/Labs and r/pugs to see what we mean), and local veterinarians and pup parents.
The more you know about the breed’s personality, the better you’ll know if you’re a match.
Factor in Care Needs
Before you start looking for breeders or searching through shelter listings, keep care needs in mind. Some breeds need frequent grooming, nail trimming, and fur care. Others shed—a lot. Some dogs may have more health concerns tied to their genetics, their face structure, or their size.
Think about grooming time, veterinary care, and any potential medical needs.
Once you bring your puppy home, the first thing to do is set up a veterinary appointment to establish a baseline health profile for your pet. That way, you and your pet can lead a long and happy life together.
For veterinary care in the Maryland areas of Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac, and the greater Montgomery County, the friendly team at Pet Dominion is here to help. Call us at (301) 258-0333 to schedule an appointment today.