If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering adding a new puppy or dog to your household. Congrats! Whether it’s your first dog or the latest addition to a long line of family pets, we’ll guide you through how to choose a dog breed that’s right for you. 

Just like people, every dog is different. Each has their own quirks and personality — some are active, some are couch potatoes, some are outgoing social butterflies, and others prefer a quieter home with fewer visitors.

Picking a dog may take time, but finding your perfect match will be worth the wait. Read on to learn how to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality.

Assess Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle plays a very important role in determining the right pup for you. Here are just a few questions you should ask yourself when picking a dog (it might help to jot down your answers for future reference!):

• Are you an active person or more laid-back?
• Do you have children or plan to have children?
• Do you have the income to pay for vet bills (regular exams and shots, plus any unexpected visits that come up), pet insurance, dog food, supplies, etc.?
• How much time do you have to socialize and train your new dog or puppy?
• How long are you away from home each day?
• How often do you take business trips and vacations, and what are your plans for the dog during these times?

Define Your Preferences

Next, think about what you’re looking for in a canine companion. Do you prefer large dogs or small dogs? Your living situation doesn’t necessarily have to dictate this answer — even apartment dwellers can easily share their space with some larger breeds, as long as the dog’s needs are met through daily exercise.

Another thing to consider: dog hair. How much time are you willing to commit to grooming? How concerned are you about shedding? Do you have allergies? Noting your preferences in these areas will help you narrow down your options and find the right pup for you.

How To Choose The Right Dog

Once you’ve answered the above questions, you should be able to really narrow down your options.

For example, if you’re looking for a dog that matches your very active lifestyle and are interested in agility training, you might choose a Border Collie. If you prefer a smaller breed with the same interests, you could go for a Papillon. 

If you want a family-friendly dog that needs moderate exercise and little grooming (but you don’t mind shedding), a Lab might be the right breed for you.

Of course, mutts also make excellent companions. You could adopt a dog that’s a mix of the breed(s) or qualities that you’re interested in.

No matter which route you choose, always spend time visiting with the dog, and speak with their breeder, foster, or shelter/rescue employees to get a better sense of the pup’s personality before bringing them home.

Understanding the Different Dog Breeds

After you narrow down which breed you’re interested in, learn everything you can about that type of dog. Although each dog is different, this info can be valuable in determining whether or not a particular pup is right for your lifestyle.

Spend some time looking at breed characteristics at different ages and in both sexes. Besides researching your chosen breed’s temperament and needs, you should also make yourself aware of any common health issues they might have, as well as inherited diseases. 

Keep reading to find out our recommended breeds for active and busy lifestyles.

Best Dogs For Active Lifestyles

Any healthy, playful pup can participate in outdoor activities — but not all dogs can run for miles, hike a mountain, or tackle agility training. Here are a few breeds that thrive on action and adventure:

• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Labrador Retriever
• Vizsla
• Siberian Husky
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Weimaraner
• Portuguese Water Dog

When considering any of the breeds above, it’s important to note that these high-energy dogs can develop behavioral problems if their activity needs are not met. A quick walk around the block won’t do the trick for these action-loving buddies — they require daily exercise, and they need to run. If this doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle, then it’s best to be honest with yourself and consider another breed.

Best Dog Breeds for Busy Lifestyles

If you want a canine companion but have a busy lifestyle, you’ll need a lower maintenance breed. Look for a pup that requires less exercise, grooming, and training. Lower maintenance dogs can be big or small, so you're sure to find a good match no matter your preferences. Here are a few breeds that we’d recommend:

• Dachshund 
• Greyhound 
• French Bulldog
• Chihuahua
• Cavalier King Charles
• West Highland White Terrier
• Brussels Griffon
• Mastiff
• Bullmastiff
• Poodle

Keep in mind that while these dogs may be considered lower maintenance, all dogs can develop costly health issues — especially the long-bodied dogs and flat-faced breeds mentioned above. Pet insurance is a great option to make sure your pup is covered, and offset unforeseen medical costs.

Adopting a Rescue Dog

Some people believe that buying a young, purebred dog means that their temperament will be more predictable — but it would be a mistake to think that all dogs of a certain breed are exactly alike. For example, Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being great with kids, but there’s no guarantee. Pups, like people, each have their own distinct personality. 

So many amazing dogs are in need of homes, so you may consider forgoing the breeder and adopting instead. There are many rescue organizations that focus on particular breeds, like Labs, or you could adopt a mixed breed dog (which often means that you get the best of multiple breeds in one). If you have a busy schedule, you may consider adopting an older dog that requires less exercise and playtime than an energetic puppy. 

Again, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, and how much time and money you have to dedicate to things like exercising, grooming, and training your dog. Spend time with the individual pup you’re interested in adopting, and get to know their personality and needs before bringing them home. You may even have the option to foster first, giving you a chance to live with the pup before committing to forever. 

Find a Reputable Rescue Group

If you’re looking for a purebred rescue dog, be cautious of organizations charging high “adoption fees” or selling rescued dogs over the internet. 

The AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of reputable, trusted dog rescues in the United States. Many breed-specific organizations, like the Bulldog Club of America, handle rescues directly, while others, like the Golden Retriever Club of America, provide resources like online listings, fundraising, and grants to dozens of local breed rescue organizations.

Picking a Purebred Puppy

If you’ve decided to get a purebred puppy, you likely have a specific breed in mind already. However, every dog is different, so you may want to expand your search and explore a few different breeds before choosing the one that’s right for you. As always, it’s important to define your needs, as well as the puppy’s needs. Don’t just ask yourself, “What type of dog is right for me?” but “Will this puppy be happy living with me?”

Find The Right Breeder

After you’ve chosen a dog breed and done all of your research, the next step is finding a responsible breeder to sell you a puppy.  You should be able to visit the puppies before they’re ready to come home (at 8 to 12 weeks of age) and meet at least one of the parents, either in person or virtually. 

Meeting With A Breeder

When meeting with a breeder, talk openly with them about your expectations for a dog. Your breeder will have experience in predicting a dog’s temperament, and can help you pick the best puppy from the litter to fit your lifestyle. The breeder can also give you advice on socializing and training your puppy —  as well as their exercise needs — to ensure that your dog is exactly what you hoped for in a pet and best friend.

What Dog Suits My Lifestyle? Key Takeaways

All in all, picking a dog requires having an honest conversation with yourself. Take a moment to sit down and reflect on your lifestyle, needs, and expectations for getting a dog — and use this information to narrow down your options.

Remember, simply thinking that a dog is “cute” or liking a particular breed doesn’t guarantee that they’ll have the personality or traits that you’re looking for. Take some time to get to know a dog before committing to buy or adopt it — whether that be through scheduled visits with their breeder or rescue organization, or through fostering. If you take these steps and do your research, we’re confident you’ll find your perfect match, and have a furry best friend in your future.