The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dog For Your Family

Finding the right breed of dog for your family comes with its challenges. There are so many dog breeds out there, and it can be complicated to know which is the best match. 

That is why we have put together this ultimate guide to help you find your new best friend. 

If you have ever brought home a new pet, you might have found yourself struggling to understand the personality of your new furry friend. 

Do they like playing rough? Do they have endless energy that they need to get out? How should I discipline them? 

There are more than 200 recognized dog breeds in the world today, but that does not mean every breed is suitable for every owner. 

Read on to find out how to pick the right breed for you.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Dog

Before you even begin thinking about getting a new pet, you will want to consider a few things. The first thing to think about is your lifestyle. 

• What are your daily activities? 
• Where do you live? 
• How much exercise do you get on a daily basis? 
• How long will your dog be alone during the day? 
• Are you an active person who likes to go on hikes and runs?

Different Daily Situations

If you are looking for an all-around dog that is great for hiking and fetching but not so great at sitting next to you while you watch TV, you probably will want to look for a breed that is a little more energetic.

Whereas if you are a homebody, you may want to opt for a low-maintenance do that does not require a lot of exercise. 

If you are an avid traveler, you will want to make sure you choose a dog that can easily accompany you on your adventures. 

Think About Your Budget

Another thing to think about is your budget. If you are looking for a purebred dog, you will want to know how much that is going to cost you. 

When thinking about cost, the initial purchase price and the ongoing care expenses must be thought about. 

How much are you able to spend on a new dog?

Purebred dogs cost much more money than mixed dogs (must). 

Also, large dogs cost more than smaller dogs due to how much they eat in a day.

Another significant expense is going to be vet bills. Dogs need to go to the doctors just like humans do. 

What is a dog breed?

Before you head to the local pet store, you may find it helpful to understand the basic differences between dog breeds. 

Humans create dog breeds, and varieties of dogs have been selectively bred over many generations. 

Dog breeds are usually divided into categories based on breed standards that set out the characteristics each breed should have. 

These categories include: 

Purebred dogs: A purebred dog is a dog that has one parent that is 100% of that breed.

Mixed breeds: A mixed breed has two or more parents that are not purebreds.

Crossbreeds: A crossbreed is a mixture of two breeds.

What is a purebred dog?

Purebred dogs are dogs bred through selective breeding. 

The idea is for each purebred dog to have a specific ancestry or “lineage” dating back to the original dog that was bred. 

There are many reasons why people may choose to buy a purebred dog. 

More predictable in 

Size

Appearance

Temperament 

Purebred dogs may also be less likely to experience health problems than mixed breeds. 

However, purebred dogs can be more expensive than mixed-breed dogs and may require more grooming and exercise. 

Before you decide to buy a purebred dog, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. The genes of the dog does matter! 

What is a Mixed-breed Dog?

A mixed-breed dog is a dog that does not have 100% of one breed in its ancestry. 

The most common are mixed-breed dogs with one or two purebred dogs in their ancestry. 

This is the most common type of dog in the United States, and hundreds of thousands are out there. 

Important to Consider

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that mixed-breed dogs can inherit health problems from either or both of their parents. 

For example, if one parent is a purebred with a genetic health problem, there is a chance that the puppy could inherit that same condition. 

Another important consideration is temperament. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit the temperament of either or both of their parents. This can lead to uncertainty about how the dog is going to behave. 

If you can, meet both of the parents and ask the breeder about their personalities. 

Last but not least, mixed-breed dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing a size that will fit your lifestyle and home is important. 

What is a Crossbred Dog? 

Crossbred dogs are becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly is a crossbred dog? 

A crossbred dog is a canine that has been bred from two different purebreds. 

For example, a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle would produce a Labradoodle- one of the most popular crossbreds. 

Many people choose crossbreds because they want the best of both worlds – the size and temperament of one breed with the coat and coloring of another. 

Benefits of a Crossbred

There are many benefits of having a crossbred dog:

• Genetic Diversity which can lead to healthier offspring
• Superior Intelligence and Trainability depending on who the parents are
• Inherit the best physical traits from both parent breeds

For example, a Goldendoodle (a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross) may inherit a Golden Retriever's gentle temperament and the Poodle's non-shedding coat. 

However, it is important to remember that crossbreds can inherit health problems from both of their parent breeds. 

Helpful tips for finding the right dog breed for you

With over 200 different dog breeds to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. 

However, a few things to keep in mind can help you find the perfect pup. 

Consider your lifestyle. 

Alternatively, a smaller breed might be a better fit if you live in a small space or have limited time for walks. In this case, a Chihuahua or Corgi may be a great option. 

Consider what kind of personality you are looking for in a dog. Do you want a cuddly companion who will always be by your side? If so, a Golden Retriever or a Pug may be a good fit.

Or do you prefer an independent dog who is content to lounge around the house? Then a Basset Hound or Maltese may be a great option.

Once you have married down your options based on these factors, you can start looking at specific breeds in more detail. 

Popular dog breeds

In the United States, there are a variety of popular dog breeds. 

Some of the most common include: 

• Labrador Retriever: Labs are often used as service dogs or guide dogs.
• Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family pets. 
• Bulldogs: Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. 

These breeds are popular for various reasons, including their friendly temperaments and versatile nature. 

However, these dogs may not be the best option for your family. Labrador Retrievers are dogs that love to be right up in your face and may even end up licking you the entire time you are sitting on the couch. 

Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat and may not be able to accompany you on your long hikes. 

Therefore, it is very important to do your homework on these dogs. 

Have Patience When Picking Your New Friend

The last thing to remember when you are looking for the right dog breed is to have patience. 

It is important to remember that no two dogs are the same, and they will develop at different paces and have different personalities. 

If you pick the wrong breed, it may lead to many issues down the road, such as poor pet health, poor temperament, and poor socialization.

Conclusion

With so many dog breeds out there, it can be complicated to know which one is best for you. This guide should give you a start on finding the perfect breed for your family. 

So, how do you find the perfect dog breed for you and your family? 

Start by considering what traits are important to you.  Do you want a playful pup who will always keep you entertained or a cuddly couch potato who loves nothing more than spending time with his people? 

Once you know what kind of personality is right for you, research breeds that fit that description. 

There is a perfect pup out there for everyone. Just make sure to do your research before getting a new dog.

Have you found your perfect breed? Let us know in the comments below. 

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