Adding a new furry family member is a big decision. You will be responsible for the well-being of your new canine companion for possibly over a decade, or in the case of some smaller breeds, almost 20 years. This includes training, enrichment exercise, and veterinary trips (both for general wellness checks and emergency care).

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Part of committing to a breed is conducting thorough research. Real research, not choosing the cute, funny dog you follow on TikTok. With all the content available on social media, it is easy to fall into the trap of choosing a breed like a husky because they look like wolves. However, if you are not a runner and live in an apartment, that beautiful husky will  become bored and destructive, creating an unhappy living situation.

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This is just one example of why you should carefully consider a dog that matches your specific lifestyle, not based on their looks or what you see on Instagram. In this article, we will discuss how to choose a dog that is compatible with the life you already have!

Lifestyle Over Looks

How can a dog’s breed clash with an owner’s lifestyle? Different breeds have different purposes. For example, pugs were meant to be lap dogs for aristocracy, while Border Collies were bred to herd sheep outside with farmers all day. Meanwhile, mastiffs might seem lazy, but as guard dogs, they are vigilant with big, scary barks.

Boredom caused by a lack of mental stimulation and exercise can lead to barking, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior in any dog. However, some breeds are more prone to these issues than others. Because breeds are developed for specific purposes, purebred dogs often have distinct temperaments that influence their personalities, as well as their exercise and training needs. Your lifestyle needs to match your dog’s temperament rather than their looks matching your aesthetics.

Breed Traits: Temperament and Personality

As someone who has Border Collies, I can attest that they are not for everyone. While my two Border Collies have different characteristics, they both need a job, or they will drive me crazy. We hike, do agility, obedience, and tricks almost every day. Luckily, I live a lifestyle that can keep up with their busy personalities.

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Meanwhile, my husband’s pug is the opposite. She loves to lie around the house all day, and a short walk full of good smells and snacks is enough enrichment for her. She is easy-going as long as breakfast and dinner are served on time.

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High-drive dogs like herding dogs are often too high-strung to make good family dogs without good socialization. Meanwhile, laidback pugs often love children and can easily go with the flow. Don’t worry, with all the breeds that exist, there is something for everyone. Are you an athlete who wants something that has lots of energy but also loves your kids? Check out the Golden Retriever!

Exercise And Training Requirements

Now that we understand the varied differences in breed temperament and how that can affect their personality and daily needs of training and exercise, how do you use this information to help choose the right breed for your family?

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Ask yourself these two big questions: Does your daily activity level match the needs of the dog breed you think looks beautiful, and how much time can you realistically and willingly commit to training and enrichment? Yes, huskies are very striking, but they were bred to run miles and miles pulling a sled all day in the Arctic. Can you, as a dog owner, provide that kind of exercise for your dog?  If you are a runner, you probably can! However, if you work a 9-5 job and your idea of exercise is a quick walk around the block, both you and your husky will be very unhappy. Instead, consider a lower energy dog such as a pug or Shih Tzu!  

Living Space

With a few notable exceptions (like the Jack Russell Terrier), toy breeds are not only better for people with a less active lifestyle, but also for smaller living spaces like apartments. Bigger, high-energy dogs might be too wild in apartments, especially on days when they get less exercise and enrichment.

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Let’s face it, we cannot be perfect dog owners every day, and personally, I am so grateful to have my yard where I can play fetch and let my Border Collies sniff and play when I am not feeling up to our normal activities.

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However, if you live in a smaller space and still want a bigger dog, there are some great choices. Retired racing Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Bulldogs are all infamous couch potatoes of the dog world!

Grooming Commitments

Another factor to consider about your lifestyle matching your dog is your commitment to grooming. Short-haired dogs like Staffordshire Terriers will need much less grooming than a long-haired Golden Retriever that needs to be brushed several times a week.

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Don’t forget, Poodles and doodles will need to be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. Are you able to commit that time and money for your dog’s well-being and comfort?

Financial Commitments

Besides grooming, there are many financial commitments that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on your breed of choice. Upfront costs include buying your dog, veterinary fees, toys, crates, and food. Feeding a Saint Bernard is going to cost a lot more than feeding a Chihuahua. Is that in your monthly budget?

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Furthermore, veterinary bills can look very different depending on your dog. Brachiocephalic dogs like French Bulldogs  tend to have a lot of health issues that need to be addressed on an annual basis. Meanwhile, big-chested dogs like Great Danes are more susceptible to bloat.  Not to mention health issues that all dogs are prone to as they get older. It is important to research your breed of choice so you are aware of any potential health issues and always have a fund for emergencies!

Puppyhood vs Adult Adoption

Before investing in the dog of your dreams, remember that pretty much every breed of puppy is going to have energy, test boundaries, and take up a lot of your time. Puppyhood is a crazy journey, and might not be for everyone.

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If you are not sure you can dedicate time to training a puppy, instead consider giving a home to an adult dog. Rescues and animal shelters are full of dogs that are beautiful, have grown into their personality,  and need a loving home. A good adoption agency will help match the perfect dog to your lifestyle.

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If you have your heart set on a specific breed, there are many breed-specific rescues out there. For example, you want a husky but don’t run 10 miles every day? Consider a retired senior sled dog that doesn’t need intense exercise anymore!

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dog means looking beyond appearance and considering how a breed fits into your real, everyday life. By researching temperament, exercise needs, grooming, space, and financial commitments, you can find a companion that truly thrives in your home, creating a happier, healthier relationship for both you and your dog.