At Prudent Pet, we know the right pet is out there for everyone. That is why we have decided to put together a guide designed to help you find the perfect canine companion.
Which Dog Breed is Right for me?
This is a question potential pup owners may ask themselves when beginning the search for their next family member. How can one be certain their new friend will be the right fit?
There is no guarantee when it comes to selecting the right pooch for you, but you can put in the research to match your temperament with that of your dog’s so that a loving bond can be given a chance.
How to Select a Breed of Dog
Selecting a dog should include an approach based on the head and the heart. So how do you know when you’ve found the right one? Some people just know, and the rest is history. Other times a more calculated approach is needed. If you want to let an algorithm do the work, IAMS and Pedigree have created quizzes you can take to help initiate the matchmaking process.
There are many factors you can consider when selecting a dog for you. Whether you’re picking from a litter, or from a shelter, there are noticeable traits, such as a calm temperament, gentleness, and energetic, to name a few, that will help you make the tough decision–picking out your pup.
Choosing the Right Puppy Breed
While selecting an older doggy might be in your best interest, others may want to raise their dog from the puppy stage! The younger you meet your new best friend, the more you’re able to develop a connection and match each other’s personalities.
Do Your Research
The first step to being a responsible dog owner begins with prepping and identifying what breed will be right for you. If you are purchasing from a breeder, it’s imperative to conduct your due diligence. Investigate which type of breeds fit well with your personality. Your energy level, family, and lifestyle choices need to be taken into consideration. Are you a couch potato who is more likely to Netflix and Chill during the weekend, or an avid athlete who needs a running partner who can keep up? This is an excellent resource for discovering the different temperaments of a wide range of dog breeds.
Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog
We encourage heading to your local shelter to find your new best friend. For those who are open to their next family member being a mixed breed or mutt, you’ll open your home to the love these pups can provide. Shelter workers are specialized in matching their dogs to potential owners. Workers and volunteers spend time with the dogs during their stays and are well versed in matching the right dog to the right person. If you provide the workers with temperament preferences, they can help you decide which dog may be the best fit.
QUICK TIP: Look beyond a dog’s physical appearances and talk with the volunteers about how the dog behaves. That gorgeous Cattle Dog you fell in love with on the shelter’s website, might be too high energy for your laid back lifestyle. Consider the calm Basset Hound mix with soulful eyes, just waiting for you to notice him instead. Remember if your personalities click, you’ll never think twice about what type of package they came in!
Read further into our guide on rescue & shelter animals to understand the benefits of adopting a shelter dog and how shelter workers look to better the lives of the pets that come into their care.
Dog Breed Sizes – Pros & Cons
A defining factor for many people when searching for the perfect companion is the size of the pup. Different people like different sized dogs. It’s critical to know which size animal you can handle because this is one thing that can’t be changed!
Below are the different pros and cons to consider when you have a small, medium, or big dog in your family.
Dog Breeds – Small
- Easy to transport and make excellent travel companions
- Simple to groom
- Lower costs to feed
- Can be less sociable
- More fragile – supervise children
- Tire out easier – fewer activities to enjoy with your doggo
Dog Breeds – Medium
- More active – long walks, runs, fetch
- Make for great family dogs
- Adaptable – excellent apartment dogs
- Hard to transport than smaller dogs
- Tend to dig more often than other sized dogs
Dog Breeds – Big
- Friendlier and interactive with children
- Awesome suburb dogs – more room to enjoy themselves
- Good watch/guard dogs
- Higher risk of health issues
- Needs more room in general
- Add to a higher cost of living
Best Dog Breed for Apartment?
One of the most asked questions when seeking out a new companion is how they will fare in apartment settings. If your dog will spend the majority of their time in your residence, it wouldn’t make sense to get a dog that requires intense daily exercise.
Consider the Dog’s Energy Level
By keeping in mind the mental health and energy level of the dog you are considering, you can save yourself the frustration, time and monetary cost of damage and behavioral issues associated with an animal who is not getting enough exercise or socialization.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Taking responsibility for your animal doesn’t mean reprimanding them for taking out their frustration on the couch when they’ve been locked up in your apartment for the last 10 hours. It means learning from mistakes and getting them enough exercise and people/other dog interactions to suit their specific requirements. It’s up to us humans to provide for all the needs of the animals we choose to bring into our lives. They are not a cute purchase or a fad. An animal is a living being that deserves the same respect you would give to yourself.
Below are some qualities of dogs you’d want to look for when picking the perfect pup for your apartment.
- Consider how ample your living space is! Larger dogs need more room to roam while little dogs can live in smaller apartments
- Understand the energy level of your doggy. Larger dogs are typically less energetic, allowing them to chill on your couch without a problem.
- Consider your animal’s mental well-being. Do they crave companionship, enjoy alone time, or need a buddy to feel most at peace?
- Are you only considering tiny dogs? Remember, tiny dogs have tiny bladders. How many potty breaks are you willing to take in the heat, wind, rain, and snow?
- Think about your neighbors. A dog that barks or whines, when left alone, can be a nuisance. You’ll want to consider training, a dog walker, or daycare options. You also want a pup that’ll be sociable with the other dogs in your building and friendly when meeting other residents. A good doggy temperament is key to be a good doggy neighbor.
Dogtime put together an extensive list of breeds that adapt well to apartments. Review this resource before picking your pup to live with you in your unit. Make sure to conduct extensive research when deciding who will be your canine companion to help you both have a smooth transition.
Once you’ve found the perfect loving pup, ensure their health by enrolling them in a dog insurance policy that can put your worries at bay; knowing your furry friend’s health is in Prudent Pet’s trusted hands. What are you waiting for? Get a free dog insurance quote today. Your new best friend will thank you for it!