In this month’s article we will go over the biggest question that every new, aspiring dog owner wonders initially, “Which dog breed will suit me best?” There are many different breeds, along with sizes. Certain breeds have been conditioned overtime to be more obedient than others. Some more active than others, and some outdoors vs indoors. The decision of which breed will best suit your needs and lifestyle is a very important question each person should ask themselves before adopting and gaining the responsibility of a life on their hands. Choosing the right breed can make or break the amazing experience of having a pet in your life and friendly companion to share activities with. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is if you wish to have a dog that is just as outdoorsy as you are, or if you wish to have a furry companion that stays indoors mostly as you do. If you live in an apartment or condo, an indoor dog may be a better option overall. For those who live in a house with a back or front fenced yard, a larger dog is a possibility to keep in mind, along with small breeds too. If you already have children or older family members within the household, would they be comfortable around a large dog or would a smaller dog be easier to handle? Some breeds are more vocal than others. Huskies are one among many types of dogs that are famous for making various unique sounds and being very vocal. If you’re looking for a quieter dog that doesn’t bark too much, then maybe a Husky is not meant for you!

If you are an adventurous person, who loves to go camping and on hikes, then a larger, active dog may be a better fit for your lifestyle. In this case, dogs like German Shepherds are known for being very active and alert to commands. If you already have other pets in the house, no matter which species, it may be a good idea to consider what type of new family member would help in keeping peace within the household. A more active, hyper dog may create a bit of chaos if the rest of your pets are not as active upon the same level. There are always exceptions to all the generalized information we are providing towards this article; however, we would like to still touch base on the most common scenarios we see arise in our field of expertise.

Besides exercise and noise levels, another major factor to consider is how much time you are able to provide towards the new dog you wish to adopt. As much as we would all love to divide our time properly and give as much attention as possible to every aspect of our life, we are only human at the end of the day. Certain breeds require a lot of attention and time, such as Huskies, Border Collies, Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, Dalmatians, Jack Russels, Labrador Retrievers, etc. However, some breeds do not require as much attention at all and are very sufficient at self care while owners are gone to work. Basset hounds and bulldogs are both very affectionate and relaxed breeds, however as much as they both love to go for walks and exercise, they can not tolerate extreme amounts.

With the amount of time you have for your dog depending on your lifestyle, another thing to keep in mind is the grooming process. Some dogs require regular maintenance of being groomed, such as Poodles, however others require almost none at all, like Beagles. Choosing a breed may feel like a difficult task at hand, however you should always feel free to contact your local veterinarian and discuss which options are best suited for you. Selecting the right breed that is meant for you can make the experience of having a pet dog a beautiful journey. It is better to have done your research and decided fully which breed you wish to adopt than to sometimes go in blindly not knowing what to expect. Such cases can lead to neglect or anxiety that can cross into the borderline area of abuse. To avoid such, it is always important to educate ourselves and better prepare for what is ahead.

Dr. Hakam Bhullar

(DVM)