A Breed Apart

You’ve made the decision to add a dog to your family, and now the fun process of selecting what breed would work best for you begins. Whether you choose to adopt from a breeder, a shelter, or a rescue organization, you will need to consider practicalities such as allergies, lifestyle and living conditions, size, temperament, noise, and trainability.

Don’t just visit a shelter or breeder right away, as it’s easy to be swayed by emotions when seeing all the furry possibilities. Adding a new family member should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Do your research ahead of time to make an informed one. It’s a fantastic opportunity to involve the whole family. Search online or get some books to familiarize your children with the basics of different breeds and their required care.

Your choices will be limited if any family member has allergies. While no breed is truly hypoallergenic, a few are known to cause less allergic reactions due to the kind of coat they have and amount of shedding they do. These breeds typically include poodles, labradoodles, Maltese, and Schnauzers.

The size of your living space will be another significant factor in choosing a breed. A larger dog might work better in space with a yard. A quieter breed might be good for those living in apartments. Be sure to find out if any dog on your list is from a breed that might be restricted on a lease and need to be included in a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.

The amount of time you must spend with the dog is also a factor. Be sure you will be able to keep up with the breed you choose, as an active dog will require daily exercise and walks, while some breeds will need daily grooming upkeep. An older dog might be a good fit if you don’t have time to care for a puppy.

Some breeds will require specialized care due to their health conditions. For example, flat-faced breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, can be prone to breathing issues and skin conditions. This could lead you to incur more medical costs. Another thing to think about is life expectancy of the breed you choose. Larger dogs tend to not live as long as smaller ones.

A pet’s temperament is important for a successful match. For some, a calm, quiet dog is ideal, while others might want one who is more lively and social. Select one who is a good energy fit for your family. Trainability should be another consideration as some dogs are easier to train and might work well with a first-time or less experienced owner.

Personal preferences are also important. Maybe you’ve always wanted a Chihuahua, or maybe a small dog is not for you. Be sure to keep those things in the front of your mind. Also, if you have another dog or cat, you will want to consider what breed would be a good fit for the family dynamic.

One great resource is the American Kennel Club’s online breed selector tool. After answering a few questions about your preferences and needs, you will be matched with breeds that would work best for your situation. Also, ask friends and your veterinarian for recommendations and do meet and greets with different breeds to see who meshes well with your family the best.