Puppy Prep 1- Choosing a breed
Choosing the Right Dog Breed: Finding Your Perfect Canine Companion
Bringing a dog into your life is an exciting journey, but it’s one that comes with important decisions—the first of which is choosing the right breed for your lifestyle. It’s crucial to ensure that you choose a breed that’s suited to you- not just one that you find cute, or one that you’ve seen a friend/family member/social media influencer thrive with. With hundreds of breeds to choose from it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But by considering a few key factors, and taking time to learn directly from those who live with these dogs every day, you’ll set yourself (and your future dog) up for a happy, harmonious relationship.
1. Size Matters—But So Does Space
A dog’s size affects everything from feeding costs to where your dog can comfortably live. Large breeds like Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs often need more room to stretch out, while smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or French Bulldogs are typically well-suited to apartment life. That said, a small dog doesn’t always mean a quiet or low-energy one (more on that next).
Before deciding, ask yourself:
Do I have enough space for this dog indoors and outdoors?
Am I physically able to manage a large dog on walks or in emergencies?
2. Energy Levels and Exercise Needs
Some dogs are born athletes; others are more couch potato than sprinter. Border Collies, Huskies, and Pointers thrive with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, while breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Bulldog are generally content with shorter, leisurely walks. Within many breeds there are two types of dogs- show line and working line. Show line dogs are calmer and suit most families well, whereas working line dogs need several hours of exercise every single day (not just at weekends!).
Consider your own activity level:
Do you want a jogging partner or a dog to mooch around the local park with?
Do you have time each day for consistent exercise and play?
If you get a high energy dog, what will you do on days that you’re unable to walk them- e.g. if you’re ill or doing overtime at work? Do you have someone who can step in and meet the dog’s needs?
Will you still want a dog with your chosen energy level in 5 years time?
3. Grooming, Shedding, and Maintenance
Grooming is another factor that’s often underestimated. Long-haired dogs like Cockerpoos or Old English Sheepdogs are adorably fluffy—but they require daily brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks which can be expensive. Double-coated breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers or Huskies) shed heavily, particularly in spring and autumn.
If you have allergies or just prefer a tidier home, consider low-shedding breeds like Poodles or Portuguese Water Dogs, but remember: low-shedding doesn’t mean low-maintenance. I chose a dobermann because I wanted a dog who was easy to clean, who had low grooming requirements and who would shed relatively little.
Ask yourself:
Am I prepared for regular grooming, or do I prefer a wash-and-wear coat?
How tolerant am I of dog hair on furniture and clothes?
4. Personality: Velcro Dog or Independent Thinker?
Some breeds are famously clingy—Labradors, Vizslas, and Italian Greyhounds, for example, love being close to their humans and may struggle with being left alone. Others, like Shiba Inus, terriers or Chow Chows, tend to be more aloof or independent.
You’ll want to match your dog’s personality with your lifestyle and expectations:
Do you work from home or spend long hours away?
Do you want a dog that follows you from room to room or one that’s more self-sufficient?
5. Don’t Just Read—Meet the Breed
Once you’ve narrowed down a few breeds that fit your lifestyle, the next step is getting some firsthand experience. Books and websites can give you a general idea, but there’s no substitute for talking to people who live with these dogs every day.
Here’s how:
Attend Crufts or Similar Dog Shows: Events like Crufts offer a rare opportunity to see hundreds of breeds in one place. More importantly, you can speak directly with breeders, handlers, and owners who know the ins and outs of each breed's temperament, health concerns, and day-to-day care.
Visit Breed-Specific Meet-Ups: Many communities have local meet-ups for popular breeds—like Doodle gatherings, Corgi walks, or Greyhound meet-ups. These are ideal for seeing how dogs behave in real-life settings and chatting with owners about their experiences. Social media is a great way to find these groups, particularly Facebook.
Talk to Breed Clubs: Most established breeds have dedicated clubs with passionate members happy to share advice and answer questions. They can also help connect you with reputable breeders or rescue organizations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog breed is as much about self-awareness as it is about the dog. Take time to reflect on your daily routine, home environment, and what you’re looking for in a canine companion. Then, do your research—not just online, but in person. See the dogs. Speak to their people.
The more informed your choice, the more rewarding your relationship will be—for both of you.
