Beyond the Cute: How to Choose a Dog Breed That Fits Your Lifestyle (9 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself)
If you love dogs, you’ll understand how strongly I feel about the responsibility that comes with dog ownership.
The last thing you want to do is bring home a puppy just because it has a cute face. Yes, I understand. Puppies are ADORABLE. However, they also come with a unique set of needs, characteristics, and personalities that may not be the right fit for your lifestyle.
Are you considering getting a dog? Whether it’s a puppy or a full-grown rescue, it’s important to do a little soul-searching before committing. Want to learn more? Keep reading!
Caution – You Can’t Mold a Dog to Fit Your Lifestyle!
I’ve known people who have chosen dogs on a whim, only to discover that the dog needs more exercise than the person can provide. I’ve also had friends adopt dogs with severe separation anxiety (even though that person worked all day), only to have to rehome the dog later.
It’s not that these people didn’t have good intentions. They simply didn’t take the time to research the breed. As a result, they wound up with under-exercised dogs full of anxiety issues and behavioural problems.
Let’s Dig Deep and Do Some Soul-Searching
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new pet, and it’s important to do a little soul-searching to ensure you find the right match. There’s so much to think about before bringing a dog home!
There are no “right’ or “wrong” answers to the following questions. I’ve designed them as a way to open your mind to dog ownership in ways that might not have occurred to you before.
Remember, at the end of the day, all anybody wants is a happy and healthy dog. The best way to do that is to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility, no matter the breed.
#1: Are You Willing to Take the Dog Out Early in the Morning or Late at Night?
This is an important consideration if you live in an apartment or condo. Unless you can train your dog to go on a pee pad on the balcony, you’ll have to bring your dog outside.
Depending on your geographic location, that can mean taking your dog outside on cold nights with slippery sidewalks.
#2: Do You Have Other Pets?
It’s important to consider the comfort of your current pets before bringing a new dog into your home. They may need to be introduced gradually.
#3: Are You Allowed to Have Pets in Your Residence?
Not all apartment buildings or condominiums allow dogs. If they do, they may have a size or breed restriction. If you own your home, you can do what you like!
#4: Are You an Experienced Dog Owner?
Some dogs are much harder to train than others. Look for breeds that are easy to train unless you’re confident in your skills.
#5: Do You Have Someone Who Can Take Your Dog in Case Anything Happens to You?
It’s important to have a plan for any eventuality. If you buy a purebred dog, there could be a clause in the contract that says the dog must go back to the breeder if you can no longer care for it.
#6: Are You Prepared for Unexpected Vet Bills and Pet Expenses?
Dogs are expensive, even without unexpected vet bills. Toys, crates, food, pet insurance, doggy daycare, deworming, tick medications, and grooming are just a handful of expenses you’ll encounter.
#7: How Do You Feel About Fur All Over Your House (and Clothes, and Furniture)?
If you have allergies or a strong aversion to a house full of dog fur, consider a hypoallergenic dog breed. Otherwise, let the fur fly and have fun!
#8: Can You Provide the Exercise and Mental Stimulation a Dog Needs?
Most dogs need a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise a day. Toy breeds need much less, and high-energy breeds (like my 14-pound Parson Russell Terrier) have higher demands.
#9: Do You Know the Difference Between a Working Dog, a Sporting Dog, a Herding Dog, Terriers, and Other Categories?
I only mention this because a dog will do what it was bred for.
For example, if you bring home a working dog but fail to give it meaningful play, mental stimulation, and daily exercise, there’s a good chance the dog will tear up your house and yard.
Are You Ready for the Commitment?
Dogs are amazing creatures with unique needs. They just want to love and be loved. Of course, love isn’t enough. Bringing a dog into your life is a lifelong promise to provide consistent care, attention, exercise, training, and medical support.
It means accepting the good days with the challenging ones, from puppyhood through their senior years.
Are you ready?
If you’re also a plant lover, why not check out Lisa’s Substack blog on How to Propagate Zig Zag Cactus in 5 Easy Steps from Stem Cuttings.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How many pets do you currently care for? Have you had dogs? How did you choose what breed to get? Did you choice turn out well?
Thank you for posting this- as a retired pet service provider I have seen many pups returned to breeder or rescue because potential pet parents are wowed by the cuteness without taking everything into consideration. These are meaningful questions that are not judgmental.
Thank you! I adore dogs and only want the best for them.
I’m on my second dog she was rescued by my friend niece who had care for her because she mistreated by the previous owner she so lovable my other dog was a rescue also from a home from home rescue who took on owners dog who had passed away he was very adorable I was so lucky as am disabled I got turned down by the RSPCA they said I would be unable to cope because of my disability I’m managing ok and have plans in place should anything happen to me
You sound like a perfectly responsible pet owner to me!
What I am about to write may not be popular. I have a dog and love Wally dearly. Why do so many female dog owners “infantilize” dogs by dressing them up in hats, jackets and sweaters? And don’t let me forget the shoes. I think of this stupidity as cruelty. The dog was never meant to be a dress up doll for an immature woman. Often these dogs are also poorly trained and socialized. The cringe factor is huge and I wish the manufacturers of dog clothing would all go broke and close their factory doors. If women want to play with dolls all of their lives, then get dolls and leave the dogs to their perfect, natural selves.
You’re not wrong!
I agree with you, with one caveat: some dogs with short, fine coats may need the extra warmth of a sweater to protect them when they go out. Also, where I live in southern Arizona, the pavement gets so hot that all conscientious dog walkers provide shoes; otherwise, the dogs’ paws will get damaged.
I agree. I always wonder if the dog might get too hot. On occasion, if it is -30C and we are going outside for a bit, we will put our dog’s jacket on him as he is a shorthair. Also his boots because it is so icy cold. But for “dress up” purposes – never. The groomer might put a little scarf on him, but that’s it. I read that wearing clothes isn’t good for dogs, because other dogs can’t read their body language as well; for instance the ruff around their neck stands up if they are suddenly on guard. It is a warning to the other dog. Even if the clothing doesn’t cover that up, it still might act as a distraction. So not safe. The English Bulldog breed needs to be kept cool so hopefully people who have them are aware of that, and I don’t know if there are other breeds where that is important.
I love Keeshonden and have my 3rd rescue!!! They are hypoallergenic and as sweet as can be. Also stubborn and I brush her every other day, so they are NOT for everyone!!!
As a longtime rescue volunteer I cringe when people want to buy a pet instead of adopting. There are over 3 million dogs and cats euthanized annually in the USA. Don’t be a part of the problem. SPAY, NEUTER, ADOPT.
Agree 100%! Stop going to breeders! Pennsylvania and many other states are full of puppy mills – people please stop buying puppies or any dog from a breeder. ADOPT!
Absolutely! I should have added that to my post.
While I understand your concerns about the number of animals waiting to be adopted, (it is heartbreaking), I also think it’s wrong to shame people who have chosen to purchase a purebred dog from a reputable breeder.
Many who buy from reputable breeders have a love of the breed, knowledge of the breed, and have most likely had many of the breed over the course of their lifetime. Some are specifically sought after for various jobs and sports (agility, dock, etc). Most who buy from reputable breeders are exceptional dog parents, care deeply for their dogs, and provide the necessary training for those dogs. And a reputable breeder will include in their contract a clause preventing surrendering the dog to a shelter or re-homing, the dog is returned to the breeder who will do the appropriate re-homing. This happens rarely because the new parents have not only invested money but their heart, into these animals.
I love rescue dogs as well, have parented many, but they are not for everyone. As their 60% recidivism rate shows, many suffer from trauma and other issues that the new owner simply cannot overcome. And that is where the real heartbreak lies.
Hopefully, instead of shaming those who choose to get their dogs from a reputable breeder and invest the time into proper training, etc. we can demand more action on shutting down puppy mills and backyard breeders. There should be action taken on eliminating oopsie litters. We can ensure we educate others on the importance of spay and neutering as well as the importance of training.
No one way of obtaining an animal should be considered more noble than another. But we can all be educated on what it takes to have a loyal companion and to provide the best for that companion throughout their lives.
In Canada, we don’t have kill shelters as far as I know; however, I think we might be heading in that direction as so many of our shelters are full to the brim. People are letting their pets loose out in the country, at campgrounds, etc., which is cruel. So at some point, if we don’t smarten up, we will end up having to euthanize pets which is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine having to do that to a domestic animal simply because no one wants it. I would end up hoarding them for usre.