Hello! If you are here, you are most likely considering getting a pup or a sweet dog of your own. Congratulations on that decision! Whether you are a first-time dog owner, or your new addition will be another one in a long line of family pets, we are here to guide you on this journey. Our quiz will help you decide what kind of dog is best for you.
There is much to think about before getting a dog. You need to consider your lifestyle, the size of your house, how much time are you willing to sacrifice for training, grooming, and many, many other things. Going through these things is crucial for the sake of your future dog’s happiness, and your own too. For example: if you work long hours in the office, and spend time relaxing in front of the TV when you’re home, a dog that is energetic and needs tons of exercise will be miserable with you. A new animal is a very important decision, so it mustn’t be taken lightly.
Think about the way you live your life. Is your lifestyle more sedentary, or are you an active person? Are you a homebody, or do you spend a lot of time out of the house? Do you travel a lot? You want a dog that has a temper and personality that fits yours.
Do you live in an apartment or a house? Is it big or small, spacious or cramped? Do you have any outdoor space for an animal, for example, a yard? Do you have any neighbors nearby? All those things are important to consider. A bigger dog will need more space; a dog that is more prone to barking might irritate your neighbors, and a small lap dog might be the most suitable for your tiny city apartment.
What type of area do you live in? Some dogs take readily to life in cities and towns. On the other hand, some dogs just have to have lots of open space to keep them happy.
Are you able to keep your dog secure? Watch out – some dogs are ‘wanderers’ by nature, while others are protective of their territory. Keeping your dog secure is important when selecting the most suitable breed.
Are there children in your home, and how small they are? If you are a parent, you need to think about getting a family-friendly breed. Some breeds have infinite patience, others can play endlessly and still, and others are naturally protective of children. It would be beneficial to also teach your children how to interact with your new family member. They need to know how to treat animals well!
Do you have any elderly and/or disabled people living with you? If you do, it might be appropriate to choose a breed of dog that is not too rowdy or noisy and is suitable for an older person’s temperament.
How much money can you spare to pay for vet visits, dog food, supplies, and more? Every dog requires some kind of expense, but some breeds are more high maintenance than others. For example, some are more prone to diseases. Consider your finances and how the dog care fits into your budget.
How much time do you have to socialize and train a new puppy? Certain dogs are easier to handle than the others, but the fact is, they all require some kind of training. Even more so, if they’re going to be around other pets or children.
Do you prefer large dogs or small dogs? Note that even if you live in a small apartment, you do not have to get rid of your dream about a big doggo friend. As long as your pet’s exercise needs are being met (through long walks, activity sessions, and the like), they will be fine in a smaller space.
You have to consider how much time are you willing to spend grooming your dog and how do you feel about shedding. Some breeds don’t shed as much, and there are even hypoallergenic ones. Also, do you or anyone of your family members have allergies?
Are you looking for a dog for a specific activity (such as hiking, agility, running)? If you like long hikes in the wilderness, for example, and you dream about taking your dog with you, you will need to pick the breed suitable for that. Border Collie will probably be better for that kind of activity than the Chihuahua, for example.
Do you want a dog that will protect your property? Some dogs naturally have the “guard dog” instinct, while others will greet every visitor with a friendly wag of their tail. Consider if you need a defensive dog at all.
There are a lot of factors coming into play when you decide to get a dog, and they are all important. Which dog breed is best for you? Take the quiz we prepared and find out the answer now!