7 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Dog Breed

A practical guide to understanding energy levels, temperament, grooming needs, and other important factors before bringing a dog into your home.

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    Dogs bring incredible joy to our lives, but choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you can make for the dog. Many people choose a dog based on appearance or popularity, only to realize later that their new friend requires way more time, training, and exercise than they can provide.

    Before bringing a dog into your home, it's important to do your research and consider how a breed's traits will align with you and your daily routine, living environment, and experience level. In this guide, we will explore the key factors you should be thinking about when choosing what furry friend to bring into your home. 

1. Energy Level and Exercise Needs

    One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed is energy level. Some dogs require HOURS, yes hours, of exercise every day, while some may only need a short walk and some indoor play. It is crucial that whatever breed you choose, you can meet their exercise needs. An exercised dog is a happy dog. For example, some dogs were bred for particular jobs, such as livestock herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship. While most dogs now live primarily as pets, they still have those instincts to perform their job, and their energy levels match that. They need a certain level of physical activity and mental stimulation each day to stay happy. 

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    High-energy breeds, particularly those in the working class, like Boxers, Mastiffs, and Siberian Huskies, require daily exercise to stay healthy and content. Activities such as long walks, running, hiking, and training sessions can all help to meet those needs. Without enough stimulation, these kinds of dogs become bored, and with boredom comes destructive, problematic behaviors. Chewing, barking, digging, you name it. But on the other hand, you have breeds that need only a short walk once a day to be content. These types of dogs often adapt well to individuals with a less active lifestyle. 

    When considering a dog breed, it's important to be honest with yourself and evaluate how much time and energy you can dedicate to exercise on a daily basis. If you can't commit to walking a dog multiple times a day, then it's best to choose a more laid-back dog. 

2. Size and Living Space

    Another important factor to consider when choosing a dog breed is its size and how it would fit into your living environment. While most people assume that large dogs always require large homes/yards, the reality is often much more complex. In fact, a dog's energy level and daily exercise needs tend to have a greater impact on how well they may adapt to a living space rather than just their physical size. For example, some large breeds, like Great Danes or Saint Bernards, are usually relatively calm and may be more content just relaxing indoors for most of the day, but, of course, they still need daily walks and mentally stimulating toys. Whereas there are some small breeds that can be extremely high-energy and may benefit from being in a larger home. 

    That being said, living space does still play an important role. Large dogs still require more room to move comfortably. You may not want to fit a Great Dane into a 400 sq ft apartment. Large dogs are also very strong, and sometimes that can pose challenges of its own in a tight space. Someone who is living in an apartment or smaller home will want to consider breeds that fall in the middle of physical size and exercise needs. 

    Regardless of size, and I can't stress this enough, every dog benefits and requires regular exercise, outdoor time, and mental stimulation. Providing outlets for these helps ensure that your dog is physically healthy and mentally engaged, no matter what size home they live in. In addition, it can also be helpful to consider if there are nearby parks, walking areas, and outdoor spaces where your dog can safely exercise. 

3. Grooming and Maintenance

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    Grooming and general maintenance are also important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed. Different breeds have very different coat types, which can significantly affect how much time and effort are required to keep them clean and healthy. Some dogs have short coats that require only occasional brushing, while others have long or dense coats that need daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. 

    Shedding is another factor to consider when discussing grooming. Some dogs shed heavily throughout the year, while others shed less but may still require frequent brushing to keep their coat in good condition. For many owners, managing shedding and keeping up with regular grooming become part of their daily routine. But for some, it can be a bit more challenging. So when choosing a breed, be very mindful of how much time you are willing to put in for daily grooming. It can be helpful to research what the typical grooming requirements are and consider whether those needs fit comfortably into your schedule and lifestyle. Regular grooming can often strengthen the bond between you and your dog as long as it's introduced gradually and paired with positive experiences. 

4. Temperament and Personality

    Temperament and personality are key factors to consider when choosing a dog breed. While every dog is an individual, many breeds share general behavioral tendencies that developed through generations of selective breeding for specific tasks. For example, Border Collies were bred for herding, and that shows in their very energetic, workaholic personality. Or Belgian Malinois, which were bred for guarding, herding and now police work, which can be seen in their high-strung personality. 

    These tendencies can influence how a dog interacts with family members, strangers, children, and other animals. Some dogs may be highly social and eager to greet everyone they meet, while others may be more cautious or selective in their interactions. You will want to take this into account because if you are a social person who loves being around people, getting a more reserved dog breed may not be a good fit for your lifestyle. A dog whose natural temperament aligns well with the household's environment is more likely to feel comfortable and develop a strong, positive relationship with their owner. 

    It's also extremely important to remember that breed tendencies are only one piece of the puzzle. A dog's individual personality, early socialization, training, and life experiences all play a significant role in shaping behavior. Even within the same breed, dogs can have very different temperaments. Taking the time to research typical breed traits and honestly considering what type of personality best fits your household can help create a better match for both dog and owner. 

5. Trainability and Experience Level

    Trainability is another important factor to consider when choosing a dog breed, particularly for first-time dog owners. Once again, since different breeds were developed for different types of work, those historical roles can influence how easily a dog learns new behaviors and responds to training. 

    Some breeds are known for being highly responsive to training and eager to work closely with people. For example, my dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier, and she is one of the most intelligent dogs I have worked with. Her breed is very people-oriented and loves to please. To keep up with this, I teach her a new trick or command every week or so, and she usually has it down in about 5-10 minutes. I also run her through all of her tricks and commands every day to allow her to have the satisfaction of pleasing me and use her intelligence. I share this example with you to show you how much some dogs need significant daily mental stimulation to stay happy, as well as just how much time you may need to dedicate to this. 

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    In contrast, some breeds were bred to work more independently and may require greater patience, persistence, and experience when it comes to training. This does not mean that these breeds are "bad" or incapable of learning. Rather, it simply means that dogs may need more structured training, mental stimulation, and experienced handling to help them succeed. For individuals who are new to dog ownership, choosing a breed known for adaptability and trainability can sometimes make the transition into pet ownership just a little bit smoother. Regardless of breed, however, in my experience, all dogs benefit from positive reinforcement training, clear communication, and consistent routines. For new owners, it might even be helpful to enroll in training classes to teach you and your dog what works best. 

    In addition, it's important to honestly evaluate whether you can comfortably handle a large or highly energetic dog. When a dog's physical strength or activity level exceeds what an owner can realistically manage, it can sometimes lead to difficult or even unsafe situations for both the dog and the people around them. 

6. Time Commitment

    Bringing a dog into your life is a long-term commitment that requires consistent time and attention. While the amount of care can vary between breeds and individual dogs, all dogs rely on their owners to meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs every day.

    Daily responsibilities often include exercise, feeding, training, grooming, and providing opportunities for mental enrichment. Many dogs also thrive on regular interaction with their owners, making companionship an important part of their well-being. Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time or do not receive enough stimulation may become bored or stressed, which can sometimes lead to behavioral challenges. 

    This is why it is so important to realistically consider how much time you can dedicate to a dog each day, as well as how your schedule may change over the years. Choosing a breed whose needs align with your lifestyle can help ensure that both you and your dog are able to build a stable and fulfilling relationship. 

7. Adopt or Research Responsible Breeders

    Once you have considered the factors that influence which type of dog may fit best into your lifestyle, the next step is deciding where your future dog will come from. Many people choose to adopt from animal shelters or rescue organizations, while others may decide to purchase a dog from a breeder. Regardless of the path you choose, it's important to approach the process thoughtfully and responsibly. 

    Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization can be such a rewarding option for many people, and I'm not just saying that because I work at one. Shelters are often caring for dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities, and many organizations work to evaluate behavior and temperament beforehand to help match dogs with suitable homes. Adopting also gives dogs in need a second chance and a stable, loving home.

    For those who choose to purchase a dog from a breeder, taking the time to research responsible breeding practices is essential. Reputable breeders prioritize health, temperament, and the well-being of their dogs. They are typically transparent about health testing, breeding practices, and the living conditions of their animals. Responsible breeders are also committed to ensuring their puppies are placed in appropriate homes and are often available to answer questions throughout the dog's life. 

    In either case, taking the time to research, ask questions, and ensure the dog comes from a responsible source can help set the foundation for a healthy and successful relationship. No matter where a dog comes from, what matters most is ensuring that the dog's needs and the owner's lifestyle are a good match. 

Choosing the Right Dog For Your Lifestyle: Final Thoughts

    Choosing the right dog breed is about much more than appearance or popularity. Every breed comes with its own set of traits, energy levels, and care requirements that can influence how well a dog fits into a particular home. By considering factors such as exercise needs, living space, grooming requirements, temperament, trainability, and the time you can realistically dedicate to a dog, you can make a more informed decision about what type of companion will thrive in your lifestyle. 

    When the right match is made, both the dog and the owner benefit. Dogs are more likely to feel secure and fulfilled when their needs are consistently met, and owners are better able to build strong, lasting relationships with their pets. Taking the time to research and reflect before bringing a dog home helps ensure that the decision is not only exciting but also thoughtful and responsible. 

*New Dog Checklist*

Before choosing a dog breed, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How much daily exercise can I realistically provide?
2. Does my living space comfortably support the size and activity level of the dog I'm considering?
3. Am I prepared for the grooming and maintenance this breed may require?
4. Does the temperament of this breed fit well with my household and lifestyle?
5. Do I have the time and patience for training and socialization?
6. Can I commit to the long-term responsibility of caring for a dog?
7. Have I researched responsible breeders or considered adoption?

If you can confidently answer these questions, you're already taking an important step toward finding a dog that will fit well into your life.