There are dozens of dog breeds to choose from – from tiny to giant, fluffy or short-haired. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and potential health risks. Some may need lots of physical activity, while others are fine with a daily walk. So, how do you know which dog breed will be the best fit for you and your loved ones?
Adding a dog to the family is an investment, not only in money but also in time, attention, and energy, and it’s important to select the right dog breed.
Continue reading our guide, so you can make an informed decision.
Breed Categories
Dogs are usually separated into different breed categories, which include:- Toy: Smaller, cuddly and adorable dog breeds, which are popular with young children and families. Can be kept indoors with daily walks and trips to the dog park.
- Terrier: On the smaller side, but with a very energetic side to them. Requires regular grooming and is best paired with active families who have no other pets.
- Hounds: Hounds were specifically used for hunting throughout history, and modern hounds have not forgotten this natural instinct. They have amazing stamina and energy, and work best in an active household.
- Working: These dogs are usually herding dogs and have no problem keeping unruly young children in check. They are intelligent and easy to train. Ideal for young, active families.
- Gundog: They are very active and adapt well to different outdoor environments. They are pleasant-natured but need an active family to keep up with their energy levels.
- Utility: These dogs have a natural instinct to guard, herd, and rescue. They are incredibly smart and make great pets for families with older children and for people who have the time to properly train these dogs.
Your Family
Consider your family. Do you have young children or teenagers? Some dog breeds have temperaments that are better suited to young children, while others do better with teenagers or older children. Do you have other pets? If so, you will need to consider how a potential dog will interact with other animals in the house.Best breeds for families with young children: Choose gentle, patient breeds.
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Beagles, Toy Poodles, Cavoodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.Best breeds for families with teenagers or older children: Look for active, intelligent breeds.
Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Border Collies, pugs and Poodles.Best Breeds for families with other pets: Choose breeds that are patient and gentle.
Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Beagles.Lifestyle
Is your family always on the go with multiple activities and outdoor excursions planned? Or is the vibe more laid back and relaxed? Some dog breeds have lots of energy and can easily keep up with an active family, while others are more content with a cuddle on the couch or a leisurely walk. What if you work long hours a day and your dog needs to be left at home more often? Again, some dog breeds are more independent and can handle being left alone for long periods.Best Breeds for Active Families: Choose breeds that are active, obedient and easy to train.
Labradors, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Vizlas, Boxers and Jack Russell Terriers.Best Breeds for Laid-Back Families: Look for calm, low-energy, and affectionate breeds.
Bulldogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzus.Best Breeds for Independence: These dogs are low-maintenance, calm and confident.
Greyhounds, Chow Chows, Shar-Peis, Shiba Inus, Basenjis, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds and Scottish Terriers.Environment
Do you live in a city apartment? Or do you have a house in the suburbs with a large backyard? Some dog breeds naturally have more energy and need space to run around, while others are fine with being kept inside and taken for daily walks or to the dog park.Best Breeds for Apartments or Town Houses: Go for smaller, quiet, low-energy breeds.
French Bulldogs, Bichon Frises, Pugs, Greyhounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.Best Breeds for Larger Houses and Backyards: Look for breeds that
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Beagles, Rottweilers and Boxers.Allergies
Does somebody in your family suffer from allergies to most things in life? (Or so it seems). There are certain dog breeds whose fur is hypoallergenic and better tolerated by people with allergies.Best Breeds for People Who Have Allergies: Look for short-haired breeds that are hypoallergenic. Avoid longer-haired dog breeds.
Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Malteses, Bichon Frises, Shi Tzus and Schnauzers.Grooming
If dog grooming is something that you don’t have time or money for, then there are certain dog breeds that are a better choice.Dog Breeds for Low Grooming and Maintenance: Look for short-haired, smooth-coated breeds.
Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Boston Terriers and Whippets.Training
Do you plan to spend a lot of time training your dog and sending them to puppy school? Then you will want to choose a breed that is easy to train and follows commands well.Best Breeds for Training: Look for dogs who are patient, intelligent and loyal.
German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Rottweilers and Australian Cattle Dogs.First-Time Dog Owner: Are you a first-time dog owner and don’t know what to expect? Then you might want to choose a breed that is calmer, gentle and loyal in nature.
Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises and Poodles.Other Factors to Consider
- Health considerations: Some breeds are prone to getting certain illnesses and conditions, which can be costly and emotionally challenging. Dogs with specific physical traits are more likely to suffer from conditions. For example:
- Bulldogs (English and French): More prone to suffer from breathing conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) due to their flat faces.
- Pugs: At a higher risk of suffering from breathing issues and spine problems.
- Dachshunds: Can suffer from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) due to their long spines and low stature.
- Rescue Dog or Breeder: Are you looking for a certain breed of dog and plan to get one from a reputable breeder? Or are you trying to save as much money as possible while also giving a rescue dog a good, safe home?
- Personal preferences: Have you always loved a certain dog breed? Have you always envisioned having a large dog? Or a small one? While you may have a personal preference about what breed you want, it’s important that your preference also lines up with reality and what you can handle.
- Age of dog: Do you want to get a puppy, or are you looking for a calmer-natured older dog with whom you can slow down and enjoy life?
- Financial considerations: Buying a purebred dog from a breeder can be pretty expensive, but that’s not where the financial commitments end. Some dog breeds require regular grooming, while others may have more health issues and require regular vet visits. These factors can quickly add to the financial burden of owning a dog.
Helpful Resources
If you are trying to choose between a few different dog breeds, or still don’t know where to begin, there are some resources that can help you make up your mind.- The Royal Canin Dog Breed Guide
- RightPaw Breeder’s Guide
- Hills Pet Dog Breed Catalog
- Talk to local vets: If you want to know more about potential health issues and the lifespan of certain breeds, talk to a local vet.
- Talk to the people around you: If you know people who own a breed that you are thinking about getting, ask them lots of questions, interact with their dog and observe their behaviour.
FAQs
Not necessarily, no. Some dogs (especially smaller dog breeds) handle being indoors just fine. But all dogs still need to get daily exercise and physical activity. If you live in an apartment, it’s important to take your dog for long walks or for regular trips to the dog park.
Important factors to consider include:
- Your family’s lifestyle
- Time commitments
- Whether you have other pets
- Whether you have young children or older children
- Whether you live in a home with a backyard or in an apartment
- Whether there are allergies in your family
Dogs Australia have a great website which lists reputable breeders found in each state. You can visit their website here: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/Breeders/find-a-breeder.
Both have their benefits!
- Mixed breeds: Known to have overall better health, lower adoption costs and a higher genetic diversity.
- Purebreds: More predictability in their temperament, size, appearance and potential health issues.
It depends on your lifestyle, time commitments and financial situation.
Puppies require training and housebreaking and may not be able to be left alone at home for long periods, while older dogs are usually well-trained and more independent. However, they may be more prone to health issues and need to visit the vet more often.