Which Breed is Best for Me?

Choosing a breed to match your lifestyle…

I’m planning on getting a dog and wondered which breed would be best for me and my circumstances.

Research into the best breed to suit your lifestyle is absolutely the right way to prevent behavioural problems occurring!

Dogs have been bred with different abilities and characteristics. These include retrieving, guarding, herding, tracking and so on. You need to consider the natural behavioural traits of the breed to see if they will fit with your lifestyle. For example, if you live in a built up area, you may decide to avoid a breed known for barking. Working dogs will require a great deal of attention and mental stimulation, so are not suited to being left alone all day.

You’ll also need to consider the size, coat type and sex of the dog. You must be realistic about the space you have available and the amount of time that you can commit to exercising and training your dog. Dogs that moult or need regular grooming may or may not be the right one for you. With regard to the dog’s sex, if you have another dog already, it’s advisable to consider getting a dog of the opposite sex to join them.

All family members should take part in looking after and meeting the needs of the dog. You can research breeds together as a family. There are plenty of resources on the internet for you to look into different breeds and their characteristics. The Kennel Club website has a quiz you can complete where it lists the best breed for you given your lifestyle answers.