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What Dog Breed Should I Get? Top Things To Consider When Choosing A Pup

March 16, 2023

By pawTree Home Office

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There is nothing more exciting than the moment you decide you’re ready for a new puppy. Wet kisses, sweet companionship, and a celebratory “Gotcha Day” are on the way!

When looking for a four-legged addition to the family, you want to find a pup who’s compatible with you and your existing life. This includes schedule, home arrangements and desires.

All new fur babies take work, but when you choose a dog breed that’s compatible with you, you and your new pup will be healthier and happier in the long run.

So what dog breed should you get? Here are a few of the most important aspects to take into consideration as you look for the right fit:

Energy & Activity Level

Every fur baby comes with a different amount of energy. High-energy puppies love to romp around, go on hikes, and play often, while lower-energy dogs are perfect for sleeping and snuggling.

The biggest consideration when it comes to activity level is your capacity! Do you have a tiny apartment with no backyard? How much time can you commit to taking your fur baby out to play? Higher energy dogs need exercise and thrive with space. They might become destructive otherwise.

Lower-energy puppies love to snooze and can often spend significant amounts of time alone. That being said, all pups need at least 30-45 minutes of active play or exercise.

The Australian Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, or Siberian Husky will be your dreamiest adventure companion. If you’re looking for a snuggle buddy that you don’t need to run, a Bulldog or Pomeranian might be your type.

Size

Closely related to energy level is size. Your fur baby could be as large as an English Mastiff (30+ inches tall) or as tiny as a Chihuahua (6 inches). Don’t forget that size also includes weight — a St. Bernard can weigh up to 240 pounds!

How big or small a puppy is an important consideration as you choose your new family member. Do you want to be able to carry them around in a purse? Or, are you looking for a guard dog to help you and your family feel safe?

Whether you need a teacup breed or an extra extra large puppy, there’s a range of sizes for you to choose from! You can absolutely find a fur baby that is the right-sized fit for your life.

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Hair and grooming care are a huge factor in hooman-pup compatibility. Hair can require a lot of work and attention from a pet parent! Grooming costs money and takes time — not to mention the vacuuming and lint-rolling a pup household requires.

On top of that, while there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic puppy, dogs with hair that is prone to shedding are more likely to trigger allergic reactions in their hoomans.

As a general rule: Short-haired dogs shed less than long hair, and wire-hair sheds less than silky hair!

If you’re looking for a fur baby that doesn’t shed as much, look at Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, or Scottish Terriers. If you don’t mind the hair (and prefer a gorgeous coat), maybe try a Chow Chow or Siberian Husky!

Trainability

Some dogs love to please their hoomans … Some puppies prefer to do exactly what they want, when they want it. When choosing the right breed for you, consider how trainable you’d like your future fur baby to be!

Trainability comes down to nature, nurture and intelligence. As a pet parent, you’ll be able to successfully train any puppy with a little patience.

However, if you’d like to teach your wet-nosed companion to heel or jump through hoops, choose a more easily trainable breed. Similarly, if you’ve got a busy life or family at home, it might be nice to choose a pup that learns quickly.

Here are a few of the most trainable breeds:

  • Border Collies
  • Poodles
  • German Shepherds
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Miniature Schnauzers

Vocalizations & Barking

One of the most frequently talked about matters when choosing a dog breed is how vocal your pup might be! While many pet parents don’t mind at all, some hoomans prefer a quiet household.

For our hoomans that like quieter puppies, you might choose an English Bulldog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, or a Greyhound. If you don’t mind the noise, be the hooman that makes a Samoyed Dog’s day.

Overall

Ultimately, it comes down to this: What role are you hoping your pup will fill in your life? What kind of bond are you looking for? A hiking companion is a very different breed than a purse puppy. The dog breed that is right for you will be one that fits best into your life.

Each puppy breed is distinct. And even more nuanced than that, each fur baby is unique! Whichever breed you end up choosing, you’ll want them healthy for the long run.

PawTree’s puppy starter kits are the perfect way to protect your new fur baby’s future. With vital supplements, dental sticks, food, waste bags and more, you’ll have everything you need to love your brand new family member.


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