Choosing a new pet is a big decision.
If you’re thinking about getting your first dog, there’s lots to think about to make sure you find your perfect furry friend.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the questions you should ask yourself, before choosing a dog as a pet.
We’ll discuss things like whether or not a dog is the right pet for you, different types of dogs, and things to think about before getting a specific breed of dog (yep, there’s a lot of things to think about!).
By the end of this post, you should have a pretty good idea of what to look for when choosing a new dog and how to find your perfect doggy match đŸ™‚
Table of Contents
- Deciding If A Dog Is The Right Pet For You
- Different Types Of Dogs
- Should You Get A Small Or Big Dog?
- Things To Think About Before Getting A Specific Breed Of Dog
- Which Dogs Are The Easiest To Train
- To Conclude
Deciding If A Dog Is The Right Pet For You
Before rushing off and buying a dog, it’s important to really think about it what it means to own a dog..
- Do you have enough space for a dog?
- Are you prepared to handle daily walks and other exercise?
- Are you comfortable with some level of obedience training (ALL dogs need to be trained)
- Can you afford a dog? Dogs need food, shots, toys, etc.
- Are you prepared to handle some level of shedding (most dogs shed)?
- Do you have any allergies? Some people are allergic to dog hair or even saliva.
- Dogs can live 10-12 years, are you prepared for that type of commitment?
Think about your lifestyle and if having a dog is really compatible with it. If not, there are plenty of other pets out there that might be a better fit!
If you want a deeper dive into if you should actually get a dog as a pet, check out our full post here.
But if none of the above scared you off – awesome, then a dog might be a perfect pet for you đŸ™‚
Different Types Of Dogs
Dogs come in all sorts of sizes and shapes (well mostly sizes), which means that there is a dog for everyone.
Some dogs are easy to train, while others may require a bit more effort.
There are different types of coats that a dog can have. For example, some dogs have soft fur while others may have a thick coat – perhaps another consideration – some dogs require a lot of vacuuming up after them!
As far as personality goes, most dogs are friendly and good with kids, but not all of them – so make sure you do your research before getting a dog.
Here are some popular dog breeds:
- Labrador Retriever – One of the most popular dogs in the US. They are friendly, good with kids and other animals, and easy to train.
- Golden Retriever – Similar to Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are also very popular in the US. They are gentle, smart, and have a lot of energy.
- Bulldog – Bulldogs are muscular dogs that can be stubborn at times, but they are also very loyal and loving.
However, it’s worth noting that not all dogs will get along with other animals.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s good with other pets in your home (or neighborhood), be sure to research the different breeds before making your purchase.
Should You Get A Small Or Big Dog?
When it comes to choosing a dog, size is definitely an important factor.
So, should you get a small or big dog?
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that doesn’t require as much exercise, then a smaller dog may be best for you.
On the other hand, if you want a dog that’s more active and has lots of energy, then a bigger dog may be better suited for you.
And finally, if training is something that you’re worried about (small dogs can be easier to train than larger ones), then getting a dog of medium size may be a great option for you!
There are a lot of great small dog breeds out there, such as:
- Boston Terrier
- Yorkie Poo
- Shih Tzu
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beagle and
- Welsh Corgi
These small dogs are typically low maintenance and easy to care for, making them perfect for first-time dog owners or those who don’t have a lot of time to spend walking their pet.
On the other hand, there are also some great medium to large dog breeds out there, such as
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog (GSD)
- Labrador Retriever and
- Siberian Husky.
These dogs typically require more exercise than smaller dogs but they’re also usually very friendly and easy to train.
Some great large dog breeds that are relatively new to America include
- Irish Wolfhound
- Argentine Mastiff and
- the Neapolitan Mastiff.
That said, these larger dog breeds can be a bit of handful, especially when it comes to training. So a larger dog is probably not the bets choice for a first time dog owner.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet or someone that requires more effort in training but is still friendly and playful, there’s a breed out there that’s perfect for you!
Things To Think About Before Getting A Specific Breed Of Dog
Before getting a specific breed of dog, it’s important to think about the size of your home and how much space you have for a pet.
As well as different sizes you’ll find that different breeds have different temperaments, but there’s no such thing as a best dog breed.
For example, some breeds like the Labrador Retriever are known for being very friendly family dog, while others like the Chow Chow can be more ‘aloof’ – although still affectionate, don’t get me wrong…
You’ll also want to think about how much time you’re willing to spend exercising your dog.
Some purebred breeds, such as the Greyhound, don’t need a lot of exercise, while others like the Border Collie need to be active for most of the day.
Something most people don’t consider (but should!) is what kinds of activities you and your family enjoy. If you love hiking, then a breed that loves hiking, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, would be a great fit.
If you’d like some tips on child friendly breeds, check out our post on how to chose a family dog.
Certain breeds make better guard dogs than others—something to consider if you live in an area where crime is common or you’re looking for extra protection.
Believe it or not, some dogs may have specific dietary requirements that must be met—something to keep in mind if you have allergies or food sensitivities.
If you’re after a specific breed – make sure to check the American Kennel Associations list of vetted dog breeders.
Which Dogs Are The Easiest To Train
If you’re looking for an easy to train dog, try breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Pug.
These dogs are small, quiet and have a relaxed temperament, making them perfect for first time pet owners.
For slightly more experienced dog owners, medium sized dogs like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers can be trained relatively easily.
Certain larger hypoallergenic dogs like Bichon Frises or Standard Poodles are also fairly easy to train in obedience.
Generally speaking, avoid ‘toy breeds’ (like Chihuahuas) as well as large Guard Dog breeds (like Dobermans) if you’re looking for an easy to train pet.
On the other hand, some dogs are a lot harder to train and really only for experienced dog owners.
For example, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are notoriously difficult to obedience train, while Boxers and Bull Mastiffs can be very stubborn.
If you do get a dog that you are finding hard to manage or control, it might not be the best idea to try and train it at home yourself – you might end up doing more bad than good! Instead, seek out a professional trainer who specializes in training difficult dogs.
To Conclude
From size and energy level to coat type and personality, there is sure to be a breed of dog that is perfect for you. So, don’t hesitate – go out and find your furry friend today!