Fantastic! You’ve decided that a dog is the right pet for you. Now comes the hard part – finding the perfect dog breed, that matches you. Although all dogs have the same ancestor, it’s no secret that their personalities vary a lot from breed to breed. Therefore it’s very important to weigh the different personality traits of each type of dog, to ensure that you and your dog will get along perfectly.
Before looking into each race of dog, it’s important to consider your own personality traits and daily routine. Think about things like where you live, what you like to do and how much energy you usually have after work.
Do you like nature
You are probably aware that dogs need daily walks, but some require much more outdoor time than other. If you like spending a lot of time in nature you can consider working or herding breeds. Breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepards and Sheepdogs all require some sort of ‘job’ where they can be independent and active, as they have been bred such through generations. On the other side of the spectrum is dog races such as Golden Retrievers and Great Danes who are overwhelmingly affectionate and want to spend as much time with you as possible.
Some dog breeds have been bred to hunt through many generations, but to activate their full potential, they will need extensive training. This might sound like a big mouthful, but if you’re able to commit to a lot of time outdoors, it can be a great way of bonding with your four-legged friend.
Medium active lifestyle
If your not the biggest fan of spending time in nature, but is fine with one or two daily walks, there are plenty of options available.
Although it might seem counterintuitive, some of the bigger breeds work well with a medium active lifestyle. Dog breeds such as Newfoundland, Sct Bernhard and Mastiff are happy with a few leash-walks a day. This is a great option for those living in condos or apartments or those living with limited outdoor areas.
If you’re not interested in the bear-sized dog breeds, Corgis, Beagles or Terriers also work well with a medium active lifestyle.
Less active lifestyle
If you’re older or just looking for a dog breed, which doesn’t require the same level of activity then some of the smaller breeds might be the option for you. French Bulldogs, Basset hounds, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas all work well with mostly indoor environments.
Although their size is mostly the same, the personality varies greatly among the different kinds of breeds. Some breeds such as Pekingese and Pugs are mostly friendly and like lounging on the couch, while Pappilons and Shih Tzu’s are known for their fiery temper and territorial traits.
Another option is to adopt or rescue an older dog from a shelter, as they often work well with a calmer lifestyle. Senior dogs often share the same personality traits as their younger peers but require less exercise.
Do some firsthand research
Although there’s plenty of information available online, the best way to find your perfect match is to meet them in real life. Most people look for purebreds when considering their next pet, but they forget that there are thousands of dogs in shelters waiting to find a family to love. The exciting thing about adopting from a shelter is that a lot of the dogs are mixed breeds. This allows for some unique and loveable personality traits, which ensures that you can find the very best match for you.
Most importantly it’s important to take your time. Finding the dog who perfectly matches your lifestyle can take time, so there’s no need to rush – and don’t worry, the perfect match for you is out there!