Getting a new dog can be an exciting move. However, there are a lot of factors that you first need to take into consideration to choose the right dog for you. One of the most important factors you should think of is the breed. There are many different breeds out there and each one has specific pros and cons that you should be aware of. There are some breeds that are high maintenance while others have fewer needs. The following guide will help you choose the right dog breed for you.

Amount of Exercise

Did you know that different dog breeds require a different amount of exercise? If you are a really active person and you wouldn’t mind exercising with your dog for hours, you should look into getting a dog that enjoys a lot of physical activity such as a border collie. On the other hand, if you cannot spare a couple of hours each day to ensure that your dog gets the physical activity it needs, you should look into other breeds that require less exercise and are content with lazing around indoors.

Training Requirements

Another factor that you should consider when it comes to picking the right dog breed is trainability. Some dogs are easier to train than others. Depending on how much time and effort you want to spend on training your dog, you can narrow down the list of options to choose from. An easily trained breed can ensure that you do not have as many issues with your dog if you decide to get a puppy rather than a grown dog. If you have a breed in mind but believe that it will be hard to train because of its level of intelligence, getting a mixed breed can give you exactly what you are looking for. For example, a mix of poodle and a Bichon Frise will make for an extremely intelligent cute dog that you are guaranteed to fall in love with at first sight.

Size

If you do not have a lot of space around your home or you want to be able to carry your dog around wherever you go, your options are going to be limited to smaller-sized breeds. You should also keep in mind that the expenses associated with having a pet will depend on the size of your dog. Generally, bigger dogs need more space and require bigger collars, beds, and other pet-care products. Nonetheless, if you have space and do not mind the extra costs then you do not have to worry about getting a dog that is a bit bigger in size.

Cost

As mentioned above, costs will vary depending on the size of your dog. However, this is not the only factor that influences the cost. For example, pure breeds will definitely cost you more since you are most likely going to be purchasing the dog from a breeder or from a pet shop. Not to mention, some breeds will require more healthcare than others, which will definitely add to the overall cost of owning a dog.

Shedding

Shedding can be a pain, especially if you want to have an immaculate looking home and do not want to spend hours trying to get dog hair out of your clothes using a lint roller. There are some breeds out there that can shed quite a large amount of hair because they have long hair and are more used to cooler climates. Other breeds have shorter hair that does not shed as much. Shedding can also promote dormant allergies in children. If your child already has allergies then it might be better for their health if you get a breed that does not shed as much.

Family-Oriented Temperament

Speaking of children, another factor that you might need to keep in mind when choosing the right breed is how well a breed does with young ones. Some breeds are more likely to be family-oriented than others. This is because different breeds have different temperaments. For example, a Labrador is well-known for its compatibility with all ages. Other breeds, however, are intended for outdoor work and will not do well in a family setting surrounded by children.

Choosing a new best friend requires serious thought and research. Using this simple yet effective guide, you will be able to choose the right dog breed for you in no time. While the breed you end up choosing will largely depend on your personal preferences, these factors will help you narrow down your search considerably.