What Is The Best Dog Breed For Me
All countries do not recognize the same breeds of dogs. What may be a separate breed in one country is not recognized by other international kennel clubs and breed registration organizations.
The largest registry that is accepted worldwide is called the World Canine Organization. At the time of doing research for this article the WCO recognized 339 dog breeds which is then divided into 10 groups.
Another organization recognized is the American Kennel Club. They recognize over 300 different breeds but break them down into 7 groups.
So that is a lot of different types of dogs to choose from. Add on top of that dogs that are cross breeds. They may have a bit of poodle, a bit of lab, a bit of German Shepherd etc. Well you get the picture.
So out of all these breeds of dogs you have to be wondering what is the best dog breed for me?
Process of Elimination
To start eliminating different breeds of dogs you are going to have to ask yourself some questions and you need to answer them honestly.
1. Do you have any dog related allergies?
2. Do you want a dog that is low maintenance when it comes to grooming?
3. Are you physically active?
4. Would you prefer a big dog or a small dog?
5. Do you know the cost of owning a dog?
6. Is the dog just for you or for a family with kids?
7. Do you intend to breed this dog?
8. Do you plan on showing this dog?
9. Why do you really want a dog?
There are many more questions you may think of and when you sit down and answer these questions you will have narrowed down your choice of which dog breed to choose.
If you have no intention of showing or breeding your dog, then unless you have your heart set on a certain breed you could seriously think about adopting a dog from the shelter. Even if you do have your heart set on a certain purebred you could go to a rescue that specializes in the breed you are interested in.
Every breed of dog has their own uniqueness about them. Some dogs are very high energy and have a high prey drive. Some dogs are very sociable while other breeds may be standoffish. Some dogs are very easy to train while others not so much.
Before you bring your new furry friend home you need to do your research. Whatever type of dog you decide on they all do have one thing in common. They are a lifetime commitment not a throwaway object or a disposable piece of property. So please make sure this is what you want before bringing your new companion home.
Good luck finding your perfect companion! Check this out for more help on selecting your forever friend.
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Great post!
Very useful indeed! Sometimes people dont spend enough time thinking about this, and they end up regretting a bad choice.
20 years ago my father thought that best pet, was going to be a Doberman… They are really great dogs, but our house was a small one, so the poor animal was very sad. Few months later we have to give it to another family 🙁
What I want to point, is that is important to think a lot a big decision like this, and your post is very helpful in that!
Cheers!
Dobermans are great dogs. As you can tell by my pic they are my favourite breed. We recently lost our last female dobe and although we have a dog from the pound it is just not the same. Dobe’s aren’t for everyone and I am glad to see you put the dog’s needs ahead of yours.
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for this article. the list was particularly helpful. I’ve owned dogs that weren’t a good fit for me before. I’m curious if you know why the WCO and AKC have different views on how many dog breeds there are and the groups they’re in? Do you happen to know which groups/breeds the two organizations differ on?
Hi Matt thanks for the comment. I don’t think the two organization differ that much per say but I do think the WCO breaks the dogs down further into more groups. The WCO tends to just call they groups Group 1, Group 2 etc and then they assign certain breeds to each Group while the America Kennel Club divide the groups on what the dogs are basically used for – Working Group,Sporting Group, Non-Sporting Group. Really it just the way they categorize their groups.
I once used an online puppy finder tool that I answered questions in order to learn what would be a good dog for me and my family. Do you know of one that works well? We’ve got a Rottie, but I also want a staffie that’s more friendly with our kids. We’ve got the guard dog, now want the laid back family dog.
Sorry Sarah I have never used a tool like that when looking for a puppy. You could probably do a search for family friendly dogs online. Of course you will need to socialize and train the new addition to ensure it is good with kids and with your older dog. It would be a good idea to introduce your Rottie and your new dog away from your house. When we adopted our last dog from the shelter we had to bring the dog we already had to the shelter so they could meet first. Cesar once said you sometimes don’t get the dog you want but the dog you need. Good luck with your search!
First of all, I find it interesting that not all countries recognise the same breed of dog. I never knew that!
I love your article and it’s so important to find the best dog type that suits you, your lifestyle and family. It breaks my heart that there are so many dogs in shelters or abandoned because the animal and family dynamix don’t mix.
Thanks for your comments Stacey. This time of year can also be bad for puppies. People get them as a surprise Christmas present and then the dynamics don’t mix as you say. Before getting a dog it is important to do your research.
This article contains some good information. I’m especially interested in your last paragraph and would like to see you elaborate on the subject of people not doing enough research or putting enough thought into getting a dog, what breed of dog, or how it will impact their lives on countless levels. Too many dogs end up on ‘rehoming sites’ or at shelters simply because people had know idea what they were getting into. Dogs are wonderful additions to your family. They are a commitment. Please educate people on the importance of knowing what they are really getting and getting into when they choose to get a dog.
i’m a pet lover and whenever you find me going to town my car use to be filled up by dogs and whenever i sees them playing it use to please me a lot even if something bad was going through i just use to turn my anger into happiness once i see my dogs playing
would you mind providing me with any other group/breed again i want atleast to add ten more dogs
cheers
Jose
I think most people just don’t give it much thought.
They, for whatever reason, decide to get a dog. So, they do just that only to realize a few months down the road there are responsibilities come with dog ownership. Or, they come to realize the dog does not mesh with their particular lifestyle. Or, they just loose interest in the dog.
People have to do the due diligence and research before the make a commit to become a dog owner. Many don’t realize that owning and caring for a dog is like having a child to care for.
When people are knowledgeable and make the decision and commitment to own a dog, the right dog for the right reason, it becomes a member of the family.