Are you ready to share your life with a dog? Have you already imagined the weekend adventures, the puppuccinos and the matching sweaters for your holiday cards. But maybe you might not be able to picture your perfect pup just yet, especially with so many amazing dog breeds to choose from.
Here are 10 tips to consider to help you choose your ideal dog breed, which covers everything from your lifestyle through to your family.
Think about how much time you have to spend each day exercising your dog. If you’re an active person, constantly running or hiking, you’ll find your ideal match in a high-energy pup who’ll love to join you on your adventures. High-energy dogs like Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers typically need at least two 30-minute+ walks a day, plus playtime.
If you’re more low-key and have about 30 minutes to spare, look for a less active dog who’s happier snuggling on the couch and going for a gentle stroll than hitting the trails. Think Basset Hounds, Bulldogs and Greyhounds.
All dogs, regardless of size and breed, need at least some exercise every single day so make sure you’ve got the time to do this.
Dogs thrive on training and all dogs need it, some more than others. Some dogs, like German Shepherds, are highly intelligent, pick up on training quickly and need the physical and mental stimulation that training provides, every day.
Other dogs, like Pugs, can be more difficult to train, which will require plenty of time, patience and energy.
Training also includes toilet training and teaching your dog how to walk well on a lead. Factor training into a non-negotiable time commitment too.
It’s your job to help your pup look their best and that’s where grooming comes in. Dog fur falls into 2 camps: low-shedding and shedding. Dogs that only shed a little, like Maltese and Poodles, need regular trimming - every 4 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, because their fur doesn’t fall out much, you’ll end up with a very long-haired pup!
Most dogs shed. Their fur doesn’t need trimming (their hair falls out before it grows too long), but you’ll probably notice a lot of their hair on your clothes, furniture and floors. So the pay-off is lots of time spent vacuuming, especially if you’ve got a Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd.
But it’s not just the trimming or clean-up that takes time, it’s also the grooming itself. Most dogs need to be brushed, from as little as once a week to as much as once a day. You also need to factor in time for bathing and nail clipping. It’s a good idea to check how high maintenance a dog breed is before committing.
If you work outside your home, your dog might end up being alone for more than 8 hours a day. This might be too much for some dogs to handle, including Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies and German Shepherds. They can develop separation anxiety which can result in unwanted behaviour. This behaviour can range from the annoying (constant barking) to the destructive (goodbye furniture and carpet). It’s easily solved by looking into doggy daycare or a dog sitter or walker who can keep your pup company.
Other dogs, like Boston Terriers, Chow Chow and Lhasa Apso, won’t mind being left at home by themselves to catch up on some well-deserved zzzzs, especially if you’ve stocked up on a few toys.
It’s also worth considering your lifestyle. If you’re big into shopping, eating out and holidaying, remember that dogs can’t go everywhere with you. Think about how many times you’d end up having to leave the dog alone at home.
There are lots of family-friendly dogs out there, who love playing with kids and enjoy being part of a busy, energetic pack. Think Beagles, Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
Some dogs aren’t suitable for small children. This is normally because of their size. If they’re too small (any Toy breeds) they can be easily damaged or scared by grabbing hands and over-enthusiastic hugs. If they’re too large, they can accidentally bowl over little ones when they’re running around.
Some dogs aren’t suitable to live in households with children full-stop, as they can’t handle the noise and unpredictability of family life or have in-built guarding, hunting or protective instincts that don’t mix well with children. These include Akita, Pekingese and Siberian Huskies.
You might also have other fur children (another dog, cat or more) and you’ll need to consider how a new pup will fit in with them. Dogs that enjoy pack life and the company of other animals suit multi-pet households. These include Beagles, Maltese, Boxers and Dachshunds.
Not all dogs need a big garden with plenty of space to run around, but some do, especially German Shepherds and Vizslas. If you live in an apartment, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a dog, there are plenty of dog breeds that will happily live in smaller spaces, as long as they get regular walks and playtime. These include Greyhounds, Bulldogs and Bichon Frise. Although you might think small dogs are best suited to small spaces, some small dogs are prone to barking (a lot) which won’t please your neighbours.
Consider how much indoor and outdoor space you have before deciding on your perfect pup. This might influence how big or small of a dog you should choose.
All dog breeds are prone to certain health conditions. Purebred dogs especially are more likely to suffer from health problems, especially ones with flat faces like Pugs and Bulldogs who are more at risk of breathing, heart, teeth, skin and ear issues. Research breeds carefully to see what kind of health conditions they’re prone to and ensure you’ve got the time and money to commit to keeping them happy and healthy.
If you want a purebred dog, they’ll cost a lot more than a dog you adopt. But it’s not just the initial upfront cost of buying your perfect pet. Some dogs require a special diet and you also need to factor in regular flea and worm treatments, council registration fees plus all the things a dog needs, from a bed to bowls and treats. You’ll also need to consider pet insurance for if the unexpected happens.
Some dogs are great for first-time owners: they’re relaxed, easy to train, affectionate and are naturally people-pleasing. Think Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds and Poodles. Other dogs? Not so much. Some dogs can be very independent and stubborn and need a strong, experienced hand to be their best selves. Breeds including Chow Chow and Australian Cattle Dogs aren’t best suited to inexperienced dog owners.
All dogs bark, but some more than others. Small dogs especially can be big barkers and constantly yap while larger dogs might have deeper barks and enjoy a good howl. Although barking might be managed through training, some breeds will never have their barking trained out of them. Think about how much of an impact lots of barking would have on you (and your neighbours!).
We hope these tips help you find your ideal dog. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.