How Do You Choose the Best Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle?

How Do You Choose the Best Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle?

A Large Variety of Large and Small Dog Breeds

The phrase “man’s best friend” aptly describes the loyal companionship dogs offer us every day.

But how do you choose the best dog breed for your lifestyle?

A Lifelong Decision

Woman and Dog Hiking in the Mountains

Choosing a new dog to add to your home, family, and life is an important decision for a lifelong relationship that is happy and fulfilling for both human and dog! The dog breed you ultimately choose should fit your lifestyle and energy level.

• For example, are you a weekend warrior?
• Or are you a couch potato that loves to binge-watch your favorite show?

While neither lifestyle is “right” or “wrong,” it is important to carefully match your dog’s breed with your day-to-day lifestyle to ensure a happy and close relationship with your four-legged best friend!

Why is Choosing the Best Dog Breed So Important?

Much like in human relationships, when certain needs, lifestyles, or goals do not match what the other person wants, this usually creates problems in the overall relationship which only exacerbate if they are not addressed and resolved. The same is true with the relationship with your dog.

With each K9 breed, certain traits and characteristics are already embedded. For example, some breeds are bred to work for hours a day. Other dogs like peace and their own space and independence. If their human parents do not consistently fulfill these genetic needs, the dog may become frustrated, anxious, and worse without the proper outlets for his energy. Left unchecked, pent-up energy, frustration, and anxiety can lead to more dangerous behaviors like aggression toward other dogs, pets, and even humans. In addition, these dogs may become overweight, suffer from poor muscle tone and be prone to more injuries.

Border Collie Herding in the Field

Before you choose a new dog, take some time to compare his breed to your current lifestyle. Too often, people adopt a dog planning on becoming more active. But all too often, those intentions get left behind. If you’ve adopted a high-energy dog, behavioral issues are going to take root and begin to intensify.

Conversely, if you are very active and choose a breed that is not built to endure the daily physical or mental exercise, both you and your dog are going to end up frustrated and alone.

Next, let’s take a closer look at dog breeds for two opposing lifestyles.

Best Dog Breeds: Weekend Warriors

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, a dog may well be the best companion you could have; if you choose the right breed! The breeds below live to be active:

• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Border Collie
• Dalmatian
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Labrador Retriever (America’s #1 Dog)
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Russell Terrier
• Siberian Husky
• Vizsla
• Weimaraner

But please remember, these high-energy canines are bred for active lifestyles and jobs! If you fail to regularly address their high-energy needs with appropriate outlets, you may both pay a high price!

Vizsla Hunting in the Field

Best K9 Breeds: Couch Potatoes

If you find yourself on the other end of the spectrum, it doesn’t mean you cannot add a canine to your life! Some dogs will fight you for space on the couch as the ultimate furry couch potato!

These include small and large breeds:

• Basset Hound
• Bichon Frise

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Resting

• Boston Terrier
• Bullmastiff
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Dachshund
• English and French Bulldog
• Greyhound and Italian Greyhound
• Havanese
• Japanese Chin
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier and others

Other Situations to Consider

Finally, consider the following when choosing your next dog’s breed.

• Kids, family, and seniors.
• Lots of travel.
• Living Space (both large and small).
• After-school activities, etc.

Sad Dachshund Looking Out Window

Does Your Active Dog Need More Exercise?

Check out our:

• Day Training Program.
• Board to Train Program.
• Daycare.
• Swim Lessons.
• Scent Work Classes.

Black Dog Playing Fetch in the Pool at East Valley K9 Services

Call 480-382-0144 or send us an email to schedule.

Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona.