What type of dog is best for me?

Long or short coat? Active or nice and lazy? Each type of dog has its own characteristics. That is why some breeds may be better for you than others. In order to help you choose your dog, we will be discussing several features. Discover what type of dog is best for you.

Large or small: what dog will you choose?

Living in an apartment or a small home? A small dog might be a better fit. The larger the dog, the more space it needs in order to lead a comfortable life. Smaller breeds, such as the Jack Russell, Shih Tzu or Chihuahua, are suitable for a small home or a flat. You can keep a large dog in a small home, as long as you make sure it gets enough exercise. Keep in mind that puppies shouldn’t walk any stairs so if your apartment building doesn’t have an elevator, you’ll need to carry your pup.

Dogs that require a lot of grooming

Dogs have one of several types of coat. From short and woolly to long and smooth or even frizzy fur. Some types require more grooming than others. Something to take into account in view of how much time you want to put in. Short, smooth coats generally require little grooming. Examples of breeds with a low-maintenance coat are Beagles, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Jack Russells and Pugs. Long, silky coats generally require more grooming. These dogs may need to be brushed on a daily basis. Examples of breeds with such coats are the Irish Setter, the Afghan Greyhound and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Character

Your choice of dog may also depend on its character: another source of considerable differences between breeds. For example, sheepdogs are very reliable and alert, but they also require a lot of mental stimulation. Retrievers are known to be very social dogs, but they can be quite stubborn too.

Social dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese and Pug are generally very playful, affectionate and sensitive. Their character may vary per breed as well as per individual dog. Make sure to inform yourself well, in order to discover whether your character and wishes match those of the breed.

Pedigree or mixed

A pedigree dog can be very expensive. A pedigree pup may set you back anywhere between 400 and 1200 Euro. A mixed breed is a lot cheaper. This may play a role in your decision. Consider adopting a dog from a shelter. Do keep in mind the age and health of the dog.

Pedigree problems

The process of breeding has rendered a lot of breeds prone to illness and health problems. For example, French Bulldogs have a very short snout which causes respiratory difficulties. Poor breeding practice has also left Golden Retrievers with frequent hip and elbow dysplasia. The same goes for Labradors. There are several websites that go into greater detail about health problems associated with dog breeds. This may help inform your decision.