Consider your lifestyle
When deciding what dog is right for you, first consider your lifestyle and the amount of time and space you have available. One of the most important factors is your activity level and how much exercise and playtime you can regularly provide for a dog.
Some breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers require a lot of daily vigorous activity such as running, hiking, fetch, or agility work. They may not do well in a sedentary home. Other breeds like Greyhounds and Basset Hounds have lower exercise needs and do fine with just a daily walk.
The space available is also a key determinant. Large and energetic breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds need room to move around safely. Small apartment dogs like French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas require less room.
Also realistically consider the time you can devote each day to exercising, training, grooming, and playing with your dog. High maintenance breeds need more of your hands-on attention. Make an honest assessment before choosing a dog.
Review the typical exercise requirements for breeds you’re interested in. Choose an activity level that matches your lifestyle to find the right dog for you. Provide adequate outlets for exercise to keep your dog happy and well-behaved.
Think About Size
When deciding what size dog is best for you, consider breeds that fall into these general categories:
Small breeds – Usually under 20 pounds. Examples include Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians. According to EntirelyPets, small dogs range from 4-22 pounds and 6-15 inches tall.
Medium breeds – Usually 21-50 pounds. Some examples are Corgis, Beagles, and Schnauzers. Medium dogs range from 23-70 pounds and 12-25 inches tall per The Spruce Pets.
Large breeds – Usually 50-100 pounds. This includes breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. The AKC states large dogs weigh about 55-90 pounds.[1]
Giant breeds – Over 100 pounds. Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards fall into this category. Giant breeds can weigh 100 pounds or more and stand over 25 inches tall.
Consider your lifestyle and home size when deciding between different breed sizes. Larger dogs require more exercise and space, while smaller dogs may do better in apartments.
Factor in shedding and grooming
When choosing a dog breed, shedding and grooming requirements are important considerations. Some breeds shed very little hair, while others shed constantly and heavily. Non-shedding breeds like the Poodle or Kerry Blue Terrier require regular grooming and clipping to maintain their hypoallergenic coats. Heavy shedders like German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes blow their coats seasonally and will fill your home with hair. Weekly brushing can help control shedding in heavy shedders.
In general, non-shedding dogs require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Their hair continues growing and needs to be clipped. Heavy shedding breeds only require occasional brushing and bathing. Shedding habits can vary within breeds too based on coat type. Research the specific shedding and grooming needs of any breed you are considering.
Choose the right energy level
When deciding what dog is best for you, it’s important to consider the dog’s energy level and exercise needs. Dogs come in high, medium and low energy levels.
High energy dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Jack Russell Terriers, require a minimum of 60-90 minutes of exercise per day and thrive with owners who are athletic and can give them vigorous workouts [1]. These intelligent dogs need mental stimulation as well and do best when given a job to do.
Medium energy dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Bull Terriers, need 30-60 minutes of daily exercise. A few good walks and some play time will satisfy their exercise requirements. This makes them ideal for moderately active owners.
Low energy dogs, including Basset Hounds, Pekingese, Maltese, and Greyhounds, require only 30 minutes or less of exercise per day. Their relaxed temperament makes them suited to apartment living and less active owners. However, they still need some daily walks and play time.
Make sure to choose a dog whose energy level matches your lifestyle and activity level. An energetic dog paired with a couch potato owner will likely lead to behavioral issues and an unhappy pet. Do your research to find the right energy level for your home.
Consider specific needs
When choosing a dog breed for an apartment, it’s important to consider specific needs like being good for apartments, good with kids/seniors, and easy to train. Some breeds that fit these criteria include:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great apartment dog. They only weigh 13-18 pounds and do well in small spaces. Cavaliers are also gentle and patient, making them one of the best dogs for seniors. They’re eager to please and respond well to positive training.
The Havanese is a lively and affectionate toy breed that adapts easily to apartment living. They only weigh 7-13 pounds but are sturdy enough for gentle play with kids. Havanese are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
The French Bulldog is playful, smart and affectionate. They thrive in apartments as long as they get daily walks. Frenchies are great family dogs, gentle with young kids. Their eagerness to please makes training fairly easy.
Decide on a breed or mix
When selecting a dog, one of the biggest decisions is whether to get a purebred or a mixed breed. There are pros and cons to each:
Purebred dogs have predictable traits and characteristics based on their breed. You’ll have a good sense of their future size, appearance, temperament and potential health issues if you research the breed. However, some purebreds are prone to inherited diseases due to narrow gene pools. They may also have high grooming needs if the breed has a long or high-maintenance coat.
Mixed breeds exhibit more variation since they inherit genes from different breeds. They are generally healthier with fewer inherited conditions. Their appearance and size can be unpredictable though depending on which parents they take after most. You may not know which breed traits will be most prominent as an adult.
Some popular mixed breeds include:
Make sure to research both parent breeds to understand the range of possibilities if you choose a mixed breed. This will give you insight into size, shedding, activity needs and temperament. Responsible breeders should provide health clearances for both parents too.
Find a responsible breeder
When looking for a dog breeder, finding one that is responsible and reputable is key. Responsible breeders make health and temperament their top priorities. Here are some signs of a responsible breeder to look for:
Health testing of parents – Reputable breeders will do genetic and health testing on breeding dogs to reduce the chances of inherited diseases. At a minimum, the breeder should test for issues common to that breed. They should provide proof of testing and be willing to discuss results.
Breeding for health and temperament – Responsible breeders focus on producing healthy, well-tempered puppies over breed standards and appearance. They carefully select breeding pairs to pass on good traits.
Socialization and enrichment – Puppies from responsible breeders are exposed to positive experiences like handling, sounds, and environments during a critical socialization window. This helps them develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs.
Lifetime support – A good breeder will offer resources and be available to buyers long after purchase for the dog’s entire life. They want to ensure their puppies have good homes.
Limited breeding and litters – Quality over quantity. Responsible breeders breed infrequently and allow their females to have only a few small litters in their lifetime.
Screening of buyers – Reputable breeders vet potential buyers to find the best homes for their puppies. They ask questions and may require applications.
Contracts and health guarantees – Responsible breeders provide contracts covering things like genetic health, re-homing if needed, etc. Most offer health guarantees.
Check shelters and rescues
Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue has many benefits compared to buying from a breeder or pet store. According to the ASPCA, approximately 4.1 million animals are adopted from shelters each year1. Adopting gives an animal in need a second chance at a happy life. Most shelters and rescues thoroughly screen potential pets before adoption to ensure good health and temperament. Their fees typically cover initial vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and other veterinary care. Adoption counselors can help match you with the right pet for your lifestyle. Many rescued pets are already house trained. Shelters and rescues rely on volunteers who socialize and care for the animals. By adopting, you free up space and resources for them to save more lives.
Check the websites of shelters and rescues in your area to see available pets. Narrow your search by age, size, breed, and other factors important to you. Shelter staff can tell you about each animal’s personality and needs. Be prepared for an application process, vet checks, and home visits. Let the adoption counselor know what kind of environment you can provide. With so many loving pets waiting for new families, you’re sure to find your perfect match.
Prepare your home
Before bringing your new dog home, it’s important to prepare your home to help them feel comfortable and safe in their new environment. Some key steps include gathering supplies, dog-proofing potential hazards, and planning a proper introduction to the home.
You’ll want to stock up on essentials like food and water bowls, leash and collar or harness, crate, bedding, toys, grooming supplies, and more. Make sure you puppy-proof the home by putting away any hazardous items like household cleaners, covering exposed electrical cords, securing trash cans, and blocking off unsafe areas.
When bringing your dog home, start them off in a limited area like a crate or small room so they can get acclimated at their own pace. Introduce them to one room at a time and allow them to explore while keeping an eye on their behavior. Be ready for potty accidents and have an outdoor bathroom area designated. With proper preparation and a slow introduction, you can help your new dog feel right at home.
Learn about ownership costs
Owning a dog comes with both short-term and long-term costs. According to The Cost of Owning a Dog: Annual and Lifetime Cost, the average annual cost of dog ownership ranges from $1,270 to $2,803 depending on the breed. The main costs include:
- Food – Depending on the size of your dog, expect to spend $150-$600 per year on dog food.
- Medical care – Annual vet visits, vaccinations, and preventative care add up to around $235-$400 per year according to the American Pet Products Association.
- Supplies – Initial costs for leashes, bowls, toys, crates, and beds range from $350-$1000. Ongoing costs for treats, toys, licensing, and grooming range from $400-$700 per year.
When budgeting for a new dog, be prepared for unplanned medical expenses as well. Accidents, illnesses, and emergencies happen, so having pet insurance or an emergency fund of $1000 or more is recommended.
Over the lifetime of your dog, the average total cost is around $25,000. However, costs vary widely based on factors like breed, medical needs, and expenses incurred during the puppy years. Do your research to estimate both short and long term costs before making the commitment of dog ownership.