How to Choose a Dog Breed Based on Your Lifestyle

Jun 20, 20233 min read

Updated: Nov 29, 2023

Choosing the right dog breed is an important decision to make that requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, your needs, and your dog’ needs. Dogs come in different sizes, temperaments, or energy levels, so it is crucial to find a breed that aligns with your lifestyle. It will ensure a fulfilling relationship for both parts.

Keep reading if you want a guide about the process of selecting the perfect dog breed based on your lifestyle. Paws n Klaws - Pet Services in Ilchester offers pet care services such as dog walking, day care, drop-in home visits, puppy play dates, and lately released their dog hotel.

Aspects to consider when choosing a dog breed

When choosing a dog breed, one of the things you must considerer is your activity level compared to the activity level of your future dog breed. Also, you must be realistic about the space, the living arrangements and to search for allergies or sensitivities on your family members.

Assess Your Activity Level

The daily routine and activity level of the owner is one of the most important aspects to considerer before choosing a dog breed. If you are an active individual who enjoys long walks, hikes, or runs, you can choose breeds like Dalmatian, Australian Shepherds, Vizslas, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shorthaired, among others.

If you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle with a low physical activity, a matching breed can be English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows or Pekingeses. Paws n Klaws - Pet Services provide additional pet services that exercise and stimulate all breeds, for example, puppy play dates, dog walking and day care services.

The trainability is other aspect you must consider. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies or Poodles are highly trainable and responsive to reinforcement training methods.

Space and Living Arrangements

Before choosing a dog breed, you need to evaluate the space you have available for a dog and the living arrangements. If you live in a house with a backyard, or even in a rural area, you can choose an active and larger breed because the dog will have an ample space to play.

Not all dogs can adapt well to smaller living environments. That is the case of Great Danes or Mastiffs may not thrive in compact apartments. In those cases, such as small apartments and houses without backyard, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or French Bulldogs can be more suitable.

Allergies and Shedding

Consider any allergies or sensitivities on your family members may be a great decision. Some breeds produce fewer allergens, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers. That is the case of breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises, or Portuguese Water Dogs. Additionally, there are dogs with minimal shedding like Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Basenjis.

Paws n Klaws offers pet care services with the dog hotel, which provide a worry-free stay for your furry friend if you have an allergic family member visiting you.

Family and Children

If you have a family or a young child, it's important to choose a dog breed that is known for being friendly, kind and patient. Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers or Beagles are often a great choice for families. These breeds tend to be affectionate, and the temperament is naturally friendly and sociable. The size is perfect because they can unintentionally knock over small children during play, but they won't hurt them.

Grooming and Maintenance

It is also crucial to consider the grooming needs and maintenance requirements of different dog breeds. Some dogs require regular grooming such as brushing, bathing, and professional trimming, while others have a lower maintenance.

Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, Border Collies, Beagles, Weimaraner or Yorkshire Terriers often require more grooming, whereas breeds like Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired or Beagles have shorter coats and require less maintenance. Paws n Klaws - Pet Services offers dog care services that can help you keep your dog's coat healthy and well-maintained.

Choosing the right dog breed based on your lifestyle, the maintenance, the space, and the family members is essential for a fulfilling relationship. By assessing your activity level, living arrangements, family situation and grooming preferences, you can find a breed that perfectly suits your needs.