Selecting the Right Dog Breed for a Family

By Olivia Parker

Instructions

A Dog to Fit Your Lifestyle

Step 1:
The first thing to consider when deciding on a new best friend for you or your family is size and space. All puppies are cute, but when they grow up, they tend to grow into those oversized paws and become large animals. Consider your space: do you live in a house with a large, fenced yard? Then, a medium to large dog breed might be a good fit, but if you live in a small apartment, consider a smaller breed as your new best friend. Activity level is as important as space. If you spend a lot of time hiking in the woods or running, a medium to large dog might make the perfect companion for these outings, but, if you prefer strolling around the block or in the city park, a smaller dog might make a better companion. Big or small, all dogs need exercise for physical and mental health; a bored dog can become a destructive dog in a hurry.

Should You Choose a Pure Breed or Mixed Breed Dog

Step 1:
A pure breed dog comes with the added benefit of a long line of similar dogs, so determining adult size, characteristics and behavior in a puppy is not a total guessing game. However, pure breed dogs can have genetic defects associated with overbreeding, so finding a reliable breeder is important. Conversely, a mixed breed dog can prove more of a guessing game when considering a puppy; however, if you know what breeds are included in the mix, you can determine approximate adult size and probable characteristics. For example, a Labrador mixed with a Golden Retriever will probably enjoy fetching and be a medium large dog when fully grown, while a Border Collie crossed with an Australian Shepherd will likely be a high-energy dog with strong herding instincts. Mixed breed dogs tend to have fewer genetic problems than pure breed dogs due to greater genetic diversity.

Puppy or Adult

Step 1:
Puppies are adorable, but they are also a lot of work. It takes a serious time commitment for the first few months of puppy ownership in order to train and shape behavior. That bundle of adorable love might seem a little less cute when you are standing in the snow at 3 o'clock in the morning encouraging your new friend to go potty, while the puppy bounds around exuberantly, hoping to play. But, if you are willing to put in the time and the energy, raising and training a puppy can be a richly rewarding experience. Adult dogs, either from a breeder or from a shelter, are often already house trained and have mellowed out of some of the exuberant energy of puppyhood. A trained adult dog will be a better choice if you and your family lead busy lives and seek a companion that will fit seamlessly into your life. Keep in mind, all dogs take time and energy in order to lead happy, well-rounded lives, but, when they pay you back with unconditional love and joyful enthusiasm, no sacrifice will seem too great.

Resources

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