Choosing what kind of dog is right for you is a huge decision. One which many different things factor into. Lets dive into a some of these things so you are able to decide what kind of dog is right for you!
Size and Activity Level
Dogs are usually put into four different size groups, small (5 to 22 pounds) medium, (24 to 55 pounds) large, (55 to 99 pounds) and extra large (100+ pounds). Something to note is that size does not equal the amount of exercise. For example, a Great Dane can do well on a 30 to 45 minute stroll daily, while a Australian Cattle Dog, which is a significantly smaller dog, will do best on at least an hour or two of vigorous playing every day.
If you are looking for a running companion and a small dog, Beagles, Jack Russel Terriers and Fox Terriers are all good options. If you are looking for a big dog with low energy, you may want to consider a Great Dane, Bullmastiff, or St. Bernard.
Allergies...
Looking for a hypoallergenic pup? Well, the truth is no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. What usually causes these allergies is dander, which sticks to the hair, dogs who shed spread their hair (and dander) around and causes those with allergies to have a reaction. However, there are many dog breeds to who are less allergenic for those with allergens. Some of these dogs are Afghan Hounds, Poodles, Schnauzers and Portuguese Water Dogs. The American Kennel Club has a complete list, to view it, click here.
Why are you getting a dog?
The reason you are getting a dog is a big influence in choosing the breed of your dog. Are you looking for a family pet? Or a therapy dog? A running companion? Security dog?
Research what dog will work best for you, the internet is a great resource for finding out which dog breed will work best for your lifestyle.
Another thing to consider is whether you are interested in a puppy or an adult dog.
With puppies you have to train and raise them, and their personalities may change as they grow up. However, like I said above, you get to train and raise them in the way you like best.
With adult dogs, what you see is what you get, their habits; size; color; everything you see is what you will get.
Rescue vs. Breeder
Choose whether you want a dog from a breeder or a rescue should be important. Dogs from rescues are likely to be very eager to please and grateful to you for rescuing them. These dogs can have habits or tendencies that are not desirable and you may have to work through these with them, while it is hard, it is also very rewarding and you may find the perfect dog for you in a rescue. If you want a certain breed, there are breed specific rescues that you can get a dog from.
A good breeder will provide you with a wonderful puppy, they put a lot of time into providing their families with the absolute best puppy. With a breeder, you will get a lot of support and help with your puppy.
Make sure you put a lot of research into the breeder or rescue that you are looking at getting a dog from, while some may look nice on the outside, they may be a scammer or may be a 'backyard breeder' which is someone who only breeds for profit and not to raise high-quality dogs of the breed they love. Look at their website, read reviews, google them, and ask for recommendations from owners of the breed of dog you are interested in.
Conclusion
Finding a dog is exciting time! There is no one-size-fits-all breed and knowing what you want in a dog is important. I hope this article helps aid you in your search, good luck!