How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed

A complete guide to picking the perfect dog breed just for you












Guard Dogs
Some dogs have a natural instinct to protect their home and family and they make excellent Guard Dogs. Consider Rottweilers, Boxers, German Sheppards, and Doberman Pinschers. These dogs are natural guardians since they don’t trust strangers easily. Just remember that these breeds need proper training and socialization due to their strength and size.
Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Huskies and Pugs aren’t a good fit though. They are just too playful and friendly.
Family-friendly Dogs
If you have a big family full of children, you want a dog that is friendly, outgoing, and gentle during interactions. They should be highly social and eager-to-please. Of course, all dogs love children, but this is where a Labrador or golden retriever would be unbeatable.
Huskies aren’t a good fit though. If you adopt a Husky, be ready to have another child who is energetic, and demands tons of attention.
And if you like Chihuahuas, you should think twice here. The Chihuahua is attached to one owner and may compete with your kids for care and affections.
Dogs Breeds That Don’t Smell
If you’re looking for a dog breed that scores low in the doggy-odor department, you should consider getting a Bichon Frise, Doberman, Husky, Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Dachshund, or Havanese. These dogs’ coats produce less dander and natural oils.
Basset Hound falls into the smelly dog group though. Hounds have coats designed to be weather-resistant, which means they are oily and release doggy odor.
Likewise, Pugs and bulldogs have a wrinkled head can trap food, dirt, drool, and moisture, which can produce unpleasant odor an odiferous. These dogs also tend to be gassy because of their body composition.
Dogs That Don't Shed or hypoallergenic dogs.
If you are looking for a furry friend that won’t coat your sofa, you should consider getting a Poodle, Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Maltese, or Bichon Frise.
Most Poodle crossbreeds such as labradoodle, Poochon, or spoodle are also a great choice.
Breeds associated with low-shedding quality are generally those with single-layer coats.
Breeds with double coats on the other hand, like retrievers, German Shepherds, Siberian huskies, or Corgis, have protective dual-layer coats that shed significantly.
Dogs for Apartments
Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Pugs and Bichon Frise make excellent companion dogs for condominiums or apartments. These dogs adapt well in confined spaces, and a walk in the neighborhood is usually enough exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Beagles are famously loud barking dogs who don’t do well with neighbors.
Dogs that do well in Cold Climate
These breeds prefer cold climate since they have a thick double coat and more body fat. Your option includes Malamute, Husky, Saint Bernard, or Samoyeds.
Dogs that do well in Hot Climate
Pushed-in face breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Boxers are extremely prone to heat stroke due to their narrow airways and nostrils.
Likewise, some long-hair breeds such as Huskies, Shih Tzu or Alaskan Malamute have very thick coats so hot weather is not exactly a suitable environment for them.
Dogs for seniors
Getting a Boston Terrier, Pug, Malties, Bichon Frise, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the right option for retired people.
Dogs for Multi-Pet Households
If you already have pets at home, you should choose a breed carefully, as you don't want any friction between your pets. Retrievers, Collies, Spaniel, and Poodles won't mind sharing the home with other breeds; they love to have company.
However, Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Akita Inu and fighting dogs are very competitive in nature.
Dogs for Active Owners
One of the most important pieces of advice you’ll hear is to choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle.
If you are looking for an athletic and high-energy pooch who you can take them with for morning runs, then you should consider getting a Pointer, Border Collie, or an Australian Shepherd; these dogs are built for running. If you want a smaller companion, consider the Jack Russel Terrier which is also fit for the morning run.
Dogs for first-time owners
If you are starting with dogs, it is safe to begin with a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, or Poodle. These breeds are friendly, intelligent, and relatively easy to train. They require little socialization and are not stubborn.
Dogs For Busy Owners
If you are a busy owner who won’t be spending much time at home, you may consider getting a Shar Pei or a Basset Hound.
On the other hand, Retrievers and Collies are not a good fit as these types of breeds prefer and require constant socializing.
Lap Dogs for Maximum Snuggle Time
Do you need a cuddle buddy? These types of dogs are comfortable resting on the couch with you when you are relaxing. Your options include French Bulldog, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Shih Tzu.