How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle

The Wrong Way to Choose a Dog

Most people choose a dog breed because they think it is cute, they saw one in a movie, or a friend has one. This leads to predictable problems: active breeds stuck in apartments, high-maintenance coats on owners who hate grooming, and guard dogs in families with young children.

The Right Questions to Ask

1. How Much Exercise Can You Realistically Provide?

Be honest. If you work long hours and your idea of exercise is a 15-minute walk around the block, do not get a Border Collie, Husky, or Australian Shepherd. These dogs need 60-120 minutes of vigorous daily activity.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need? (By Breed and Age).

2. How Much Grooming Are You Willing to Do?

A Poodle or Doodle requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($50-$100 per visit) and daily brushing to prevent matting. A Beagle needs almost no grooming. A Husky sheds enough fur to build another dog twice a year.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle.

3. Do You Have Young Children?

Some breeds are exceptionally patient and gentle with children (Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels). Others are better suited for adult-only homes (many terriers, some toy breeds that are fragile, guarding breeds that bond to one person).

4. Do You Rent or Own Your Home?

Many rental properties and insurance companies have breed restrictions. Pit bull-type breeds, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are commonly restricted. Check your lease and homeowner’s insurance before committing.

5. What Is Your Experience Level?

First-time owners should avoid breeds with strong independent streaks or complex behavioral needs. Great first-time breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bichon Frises.

6. What Will Your Dog Do All Day?

If the dog will be home alone for 8 hours while you work, you need a breed with low separation anxiety and low energy. If you are home all day, a higher-energy, more social breed can thrive.

Adopt, Don’t Shop (When Possible)

Shelters are full of wonderful mixed-breed dogs that may perfectly match your lifestyle. Mixed breeds also tend to have fewer genetic health problems than purebreds due to greater genetic diversity.