Are you wondering what pet fits my lifestyle?
Well, Getting a pet is a nerve-wracking experience. Apart from the cute and cuddles, you have to look into a bucket load of factors. If you do not do proper research before getting a pet – especially a dog – things can go south real fast.
Dogs are a person’s best friend. But not every dog will be suited to your lifestyle and personality.
To get a good fit, get a dog that will be able to thrive in your home, ‘with’ you. You must match their energy levels.
Otherwise, you will end up entrapping a misfit dog in your abode.
Beware!
They do not play with toys or showpieces!
Forcing an active dog to a lazy lifestyle and vice versa will eventually be detrimental to the dog’s health. Even if you don’t have any ‘human’ cells in your body, try to consider the vet bills this misfit will generate.
Are You New to Dogs?
Before choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle, make sure you know how to handle a dog. You must have witnessed people who put their pets upon adoption asking one main question. ‘Do you have experience with dogs as pets?‘
Many individuals find this question offensive. However, we strongly urge you to think otherwise. Trust me, dogs are nothing like cats. Cats are known for their independent nature. They have perfected their self-care regimens. Never have we seen a feline begging to open doors to do their business outside.
Dog ownership is very demanding. You will need to put in countless hours of your day, especially when new to keeping dogs. People who currently have dogs or have had the experience of keeping them in the past know the requirements needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Research Dog Breeds
Do Your Homework!
There are numerous quizzes or polls you can opt for online that help you pick dogs. As we mentioned before, bringing a dog into your home will have a huge shift in your lifestyle.
Things like your family, kids, home and even your job will impact choosing the right dog for your family.
‘What is my ideal dog breed? ’
The answer to this question is simple if you know ‘WHY’ are you getting a dog for yourself in the first place.
Is it a gift to your kid?
A guard dog for a challenged individual?
Are you getting a dog to add security or just a buddy to play around with?
Will you get a puppy or rescue one from the shelter?
There is a vast range of canines one can get, from German Shepherds to wee little chihuahuas. You cannot expect a Labrador to keep you safe or the ever-famous couch potato, or a Bulldog to go on hikes with you.
Research common types of breeds or visit your local vet and have an in-depth discussion.
Purebred vs Mixed
Animal lovers don’t care about what breed they get. They simply see a tiny soul in need of love and nourishment, and they get ready to offer it to them. However, for all the picky Peters out there, who go deep into the argument of Mixed vs Purebred, this one is for you.
Generally, mixed breeds are sold for reasonable rates and are known to adapt to any habitat. However, Pure breeds are considered a luxury. It’s not a one-time investment with this breed. They may have a predictable temperament in contrast to mixed ones.
However, beware of the maintenance bills. Maintaining their physical health and grooming them, will cost you major bucks!!
Are pure breeds that bad?
Not at all! There have been rumors about pure breeds being open to health problems. Well, in actuality, the ratio of both breeds getting diseases is almost the same. The catch is that you get a dog from a breeding expert.
Breeding in itself is quite technical. The reason is genetic technicalities. Proper experts make sure mixed breeds hail from healthy individuals from both sides and have dominant healthy traits. However, Pure breeds do come with the risk of inherited congenital diseases. The reason behind it is the constricted gene pool with which they have to stick to.
Large or Small?
To each their own, but certain factors are specific to small and large dogs. When finding a dog breed to match your lifestyle, size matters. It has a huge impact on training efforts, lifestyle, health, and activity issues.
Large Dogs
Who doesn’t love a Great Dane?
Large dogs are lovable oversized teddy bears that you can bury your head into. They tend to have large litters, answering the question of many bigger breeds always available for adoption. These breeds are known to deliver naturally. Whereas the smaller ones mostly deliver through C-sections hence the higher breeding price tag.
They are great at taking care of and keeping watch. People with kids, do not miss your chance to adopt larger breeds. The intimidating size makes them excellent guardians for your little angels. Lastly, their relaxed state and accepting nature give them an upper hand. Larger breeds are excellent for long walks and all adventures outdoors.
That’s not all!
They are so easy to train. They love to please their owners and tend to have the upper hand in temperament.
However, they do cost a little more. Large size comes with a big appetite, and healthier vet bills as handling is a tricky aspect in the doctor’s office. If you plan on traveling with your pet a lot, it’s better to get a smaller breed. Many hotels and stores do not allow breeds over 25 pounds! When it comes to society, it has it hard for our big teddy bears. People scare easily even if they jump in excitement.
If you have a huge heart, you will easily cater to the tonnage of love these dogs offer.
Small Dogs
When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle, smaller breeds rule. They are far more popular due to lower maintenance costs. Small size, smaller appetite, smaller vet bills. Handling these dogs is simpler too. The need for sedation, like that in larger dogs, isn’t necessary at all. When traveling, their boarding charges also cost way less than larger dogs. You will be welcomed with open arms in retail stores, as smaller breeds are considered lovable and timid. People with limited activity are perfect candidates for smaller breeds. Peoples who dwell in apartments and complexes love to get smaller breeds as they are easier to handle.
However, with a small size comes great responsibility! If you have a habit of going to dog parks, you need to be on the lookout 24/7 as they are prone to getting injuries and getting bullied by the larger breeds. These firecrackers are packed with energy. Be ready for the day and night barking sagas as they have zero chills.
You can easily curb the barking problems. Though let us warn you, if you delay the training process, they get difficult to train as they age. Lastly, they can be aggressive. They deal with their small demeanor by being assertive.
With all said, smaller breeds are still more likable. You can even treat them like a cat and train them to do their business in the litterbox! The possibilities are endless.
Is Age a Factor?
Well, yes and no. It all depends on one’s individuality. Many find it convenient to get a puppy once they start a family. This way, the kid and puppy both can form an everlasting bond. Don’t restrict yourself.
Schedule
You must understand your schedule before choosing a dog. This will increase the time you can spend with your dog for bonding. Giving attention to the dog it needs is very important to keep him happy and calm. Young dogs are filled with energy, so you will have to take them on walks during the day. On the other hand, senior dogs like to be left alone most of the time.
Activity Level
While looking for a dog, search for breeds that match your energy level. If you are not that active and get an energy-filled dog, you will get exhausted pretty quickly, which eventually will affect your bond with your pet. On the other hand, if you are active and get a dog that is low-energy you might get frustrated, which can lead to dark results.
History
The history of your dog can have a great impact on his personality. If you are adopting a dog from a shelter you might not get the authentic story. Otherwise, if you are buying from someone you will most probably know the older habitat and living conditions of your doggo.
Some dog owners don’t give much thought to this factor. But it is very important to know so that you can deal with the dog accordingly. If a dog has been a victim of abuse he might have developed aggressive behavior. So, it demands different dealing techniques than needed for a calm dog.
Family-Oriented Nature
Some breeds show loving and affectionate behavior towards the kids, while others are better at outdoor activities than with kids. This is not applicable to all the dogs of the breed but it’s a common behavior for it.
For instance, Labrador Retrievers are famous for their good behavior between families. On the other hand, Alaskan Malamutes are considered best for outdoor work.
Trainability and Intelligence
Choosing a breed of dog also depends on the nature of the relationship you are looking for with your dog. You should ask yourself some questions like:
Do I need a walking partner?
Do I need a playing partner?
You must know the intelligence and the ability of the dog for the training you are planning on getting.
Assess Your Own Habitat First
When assessing how to select a pet dog, your own habitat has a large role to play! Is it an apartment, a house with a confined yard, or a large one? Is your abode surrounded by bustling city life or quite rural?
Wait, there is more!
The weather where you live has a large impact, and specific breeds are fit for specific areas. You cannot expect a Husky to thrive in areas with heat waves. In the same way, Chihuahuas and Greyhounds won’t bear cold and harsh weather too.
Personality and Tolerance Go Hand in Hand
Your temperament has a great part to play, my friend. Sure, all canines are lovable, but do you have what it takes to love them despite their flaws?
Factors that might clash with your tolerance include:
Shedding Rates
Shedding can be way more irritating for some than others. Different breeds shed hair at different rates. Although the dog’s hairs are not the cause of allergies, they can get on nerves pretty quickly.
Dachshunds shed a lot fewer hairs whereas Huskies are known to lose locks of hair. Are you a keen groomer or admire breeds that don’t require much maintenance?
Shedding can also make you run around twice a day vacuuming the whole space. If you don’t have time for that you can opt for a short-haired dog. On the contrary, if you are capable of putting in that much energy then there are always dog breeds with long silky coats.
Barking and Howling
Well, dogs will bark. That is a fact. But how much are YOU ready to bear? People new to dogs may find even the least amount of barking a little unpleasant. They aren’t fish that swim in silence or cats that sleep for 12 hours a day.
You can always train your dog to bark less or when wanted. What you cannot control is the loudness. Make sure to have good communication with your neighbors too. They will be at the hearing end of your dog’s barking sessions as well!
Humping
When the season is nigh, get ready for some hormones! Dogs are infamous for humping anything that comes their way when they want to. You can always join groups or go to dog parks where they can release their hormonal frustrations. Neutering or spaying your dog may reduce the urges but never finishes it.
Dump Times
Cats may have the edge in litter box training. Where cleaning and training sessions for you get much easier. Not the same for dogs, at least not the larger ones. Get ready for training sessions and open doors to let them do their business outside.
Dynamics Worth Looking Into
Already Got a Pet With You?
You may have selected the best dog suited for your lifestyle, but what about your other babies? You need to be aware of the chances that your new dog may not like the present residents in your humble abode.
Breeds that are great to consider if there are already other pets include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Cocker spaniels
- St. Bernard’s
These species are gentle, affectionate, and confident in making new friends and settling in.
Family Activity
Family types also have an influence on picking your dog breed.
Active Family
A family that runs with active kids and a high-energy lifestyle is better suited to fun-loving dogs. Dogs like Labradors and Beagles are great choices. A senior or shy do may not be the best choice, but hey, even they can turn over a new leaf!
Couples
Long hours away from home do not bode well for dogs. They need attention and constant expression of love. If you have your heart set on getting a dog, then a previously trained adult dog may be your best bet. It will cost more as well, as you will need a dog sitter, or dog walker to tend to their needs when you are absent.
The Seniors
Dogs are popular health detectors. Many nursing homes are getting dogs to lift seniors’ spirits. Best to get them a senior dog. They tend to have a relaxed temperament and established behaviors, apart from low cost.
Keep the Whole Family In The Loop
Families these days prefer to visit shelters and rescue centers to look for suitable dogs. In this way, all the family members can agree upon one dog and can give more love and affection to the pooch collectively.
This can also help you instill the habit of loving animals in the kids of the family.
How Much Are You Ready to Invest
Financial investment isn’t all that is needed. Your physical, mental, and emotional presence is also vital in keeping them happy. Be ready to invest your time in vet visits, continuous training sessions, diet changes, and grooming trivia.
‘But is it worth it?’
DEFINITELY!
Having a dog is an extension of your family. You can rely on them to turn your gloomy, stressful day around, simply by the flick of their tail and goofy habits. You develop a spiritual connection with them. For the dogs, you are their entire universe. They put their entire faith and trust in you, for the investment you make is so worth it. Not to forget the reduced suicide rates noticed among dog owners suffering from anxiety or clinical depression.
Is Life tough?
A dog might make it right.
So, we hope this article helped you find a dog breed to match your lifestyle. Good luck!
