Whenever you’re in doubt about which breed of dog would be suited for your family, make a decision on the basis of their characteristics which complement the dynamics of your home. It’s important to make sure that the breed you choose is a good fit and one that you can take care of or even handle for that matter. So to help you avoid any worries or confusion, we have created a list of the dog breed characteristics that you should consider when adopting or buying a dog.
Size
There are different kinds of dogs that come in different sizes. There are three categories when it comes to the size of dogs – small, medium and large. It is important for dogs to have enough space to live comfortably in. Some of the most popular and cutest small to medium sized dog breeds are the Beagle, the Spitz and the Corgi. While large dog breeds such as the Great Dane or German Shepherd may be intimidating, they can in fact be incredibly sweet! Take a look at the detailed information on Big Dog Breeds, Medium Dog Breeds and Small Dog Breeds to figure out which dog is best suited for you.
Adapts To Life In Apartments
It is not necessarily true that all small dog breeds adapt to apartment life. In fact, there are some small dog breeds that have really high levels of energy and need a big space for themselves to run about in. For a dog to be able to adapt to life in an apartment easily, the characteristics it needs to have are politeness, calmness, being quiet and a bit reserved. If you live in an apartment, it would be a great idea for you to get your dog a crate. Crates can be quite a bit of personal space for you companion, and crate training would also be helpful for dogs who often have to stay alone at home for a few hours.
Shedding
If you are taking home a puppy, you need to be prepared for and accept the fact that it sheds! It is a natural process for dogs and you need to be patient when it comes to cleaning your bedsheets, sofa or clothes. However, before you adopt a dog, you may want to take a look at the differences in the amount of shedding that various dog breeds have. There are breeds like the Afghan Hound, the Akita, the Collies and the Spitz who shed heavily. On the other hand, there are breeds such as the Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer for example which do not shed at all! Depending upon your priorities and the care that you can provide, bring a pup home that you think would be the best!
See also: List of Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed
Friendly Towards Children
If you have children at home, it becomes another important factor that you need to consider while bringing a dog home. It is best if you get yourself a breed that is friendly towards children. That way, you will not have to worry about how the dog and your child would bond. While the Labrador and the Golden Retriever are the most commonly known kid friendly dogs, breeds like the fiercest Boxers are also extremely friendly towards human kids! Check out Best Dog Breeds For Kids to know more.
Drooling
If you happen to be a neatnik, you probably would not like ropes of slobber on your hands all the time. Dogs and drools, when it comes to certain breeds, are inseparable! Once again, some breeds tend to drool a lot more than the others. Drooling would also depend on various scenarios. So bottom line, you might want to take a look at the breeds and bring home a puppy that you will be the happiest with.
Mouthiness
There are certain dog breeds which have a tendency to constantly bite or chew on something. The Retriever puppy is perhaps the most common example. If you are bringing home a breed that has a potential for mouthiness, you might want to bring along a lot of chew toys for your pet to gnaw on.
Grooming
Different dog breeds have different grooming requirements. Depending upon the quality and regular activity, the grooming requirements of dogs may differ too. It is advised to first do a lot of research about the grooming and maintenance of a breed before bringing home a dog.
Easy to Train
Training is an essential part of life for most dog breeds, and especially the guard dogs and watch dogs. A Doberman or German Shepherd requires regular exercise and play time, and strict training. How well your big dog behaves actually depends on how well you train it as a young puppy. It can be challenging when it comes to large sized grown ups, but training is important for your dog to understand commands.
See also: Best Guard Dog Breeds
Sensitivity
Some dog breeds are extremely sensitive by nature, which makes it important to give them the attention, love and care that they require. Breeds such as the Bulldog or the Pug, for example, need to be given a lot of attention and time. If you are someone who would have to leave your pet alone at home every day for long hours, it would not be a good idea to bring home sensitive breeds because loneliness can lead them to having separation anxiety attacks.
Intelligence
There are breeds that had been bred for work that requires decision making and concentration such as leading livestock. These breeds today work in the military and police troops. Such dog breeds require copious amounts of mental stimulation every day. So the physical and mental demands of taking care of such breeds might be a bit more extensive. If you are deciding on bringing a Rottweiler home, for example, regular exercise is a must.
General Health Conditions
There are various health conditions that are found in different breeds of dogs. It is important for you to do a thorough research on the general and common health concerns of the breed you are adopting. It is necessary to have the contact information of your vet, and go to regular checkups for your dog to have a healthy and happy life.
Friendly Towards Unknown People
Dog breeds that are friendly towards strangers or unknown people tend to wag their tails at the sight of anyone at all. However, this may not be the case for the breed you want to adopt. You may take a look at breeds and their friendliness towards strangers if you tend to have a lot of guests and friends over at your place too frequently. However, this characteristic completely depends on the socialization that a puppy receives.
Barking Tendency
If you are looking for the perfect watch dog who would bark or howl at the slightest sight of danger, the German Shepherd or the Rottweiler are very popular. Guard dog breeds or watch dog breeds are naturally very alert. However, there are silent watch dogs as well. You may choose a breed that is best suited for your security concerns.
Conclusion
Dogs are marvelous creatures who can be the most loving companion you ever had. Sure, there’s a lot of time, money and care that goes into raising them. But more importantly, adopting or buying a dog is a massive emotional investment. Which is why it is crucial that you make an informed decision and choose a breed that complements your family best. That way, you also can do your best to provide the furry friend with a loving home.
