A dog will be a member of your family for 8-16 years on average, depending on the breed. Dogs are companion animals that thrive when given the opportunity to interact with people and other pets. Your choice of breed type or mix and then the individual dog will be an important one. Take the time to do your own research and to look for just the right pet. You and your canine will be rewarded with years of happy companionship.

To assist you in your decision, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about How to Choose a Dog Breed.

• So you want a dog, but you're not sure which breed is best for you. Many factors need to be considered when bringing a dog into your life. This guide will provide you with the information you need when deciding on a dog breed.

1. Get a dog that will match your energy level.
2. Get a dog that is a good fit for the members of your household.
3. Be sure to take the breed's physical traits into consideration.
4. There are two categories of dogs: purebreds and mixed breeds.
5. Use an online breed selector to aid in your decision.

• Think long and hard about your home, family and lifestyle. Certain breeds have certain traits, so decide which breeds are compatible with your life and be honest about which breeds will not work for you.

• Every dog needs routine exercise, but some breeds need more than others. Make sure you and your dog will be well-matched.

1. If you jog or bike regularly, an active dog might be your best bet.The Humane Society of the United States: Choosing the Right Dog
2. If you cannot take daily walks, you should consider a lower energy dog.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You
3. Keep in mind that excess energy can lead to behavioral problems.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You

• Many breeds were bred for a particular purpose, which is reflected in their behavior and temperament.K9 Web: Selecting a Dog Breed Temperament includes traits, such as loyalty, friendliness, protectiveness, independence and a tendency to bark. Locate a breed whose temperament matches the needs of your family and household.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog For example:

1. If you have small children, you should find a breed that is known for being good with kids.RaisingSpot.com: Choosing a Dog Breed
2. If you have a lot of people in and out of your house, you probably want a sociable dog.RaisingSpot.com: Choosing a Dog Breed
3. If you have additional pets, you'll want a breed that is not aggressive to other animals.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog

• When choosing a breed, think about the time you are willing to dedicate to training and grooming your dog. Keep in mind that no matter what breed you decide on, they will require some amount of grooming and training.K9 Web: Selecting a Dog Breed

1. Due to shedding, dogs with longer hair require more grooming and housekeeping than short-hair breeds.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog
2. Breeds with course hair need to be brushed more often to maintain texture and color of their hair.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog
3. Dogs with longer ears are more prone to ear infections, which means they'll need more care.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You
4. Take into consideration the ease by which a breed can be trained when factoring in your time commitment.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog
   • In addition to the breed, you may also want to consider the age of a dog. A puppy will need more obedience training than an adult dog, but an adult dog will still need some training.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You

• The physical traits of the dog breed are also a major consideration because it can have an impact on the way you maintain your dog.

1. Smaller dogs are often more vulnerable to injury and can be sensitive to colder weather.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You
2. Larger breeds often require higher food and medical expenses.About.com: How to Choose the Right Dog for You They also need more space.RaisingSpot.com: Choosing a Dog Breed
3. Not all large breeds need a lot of room to move around inside, whereas some active smaller breeds will.K9 Web: Selecting a Dog Breed

• Some breeds are more prone to different health problems than others. Be sure to research health problems that a breed might be susceptible to prior to bringing him home.Dog Owner's Guide: Some Considerations in Choosing the Right Dog

• There are two categories of dogs: purebred and mixed breeds.The Humane Society of the United States: Choosing the Right Dog A purebred dog is one whose mother and father were of the same breed. A mixed breed dog is the offspring of two or more breeds. Consider these facts when choosing between a purebred and mixed breed dog.

1. You can estimate the size and characteristics of mixed breeds by researching the combination of breeds.The Humane Society of the United States: Choosing the Right Dog
   • Keep in mind, the father's breed may be unknown or impossible to determine.Dog Owner's Guide: The Mixed Breed Dog
2. Mixed breeds have traits from more than one breed of dogs and often lack the genetic defects that are seen in purebred dogs.The Humane Society of the United States: Choosing the Right Dog
   • -If each breed is prone to the same health conditions, it is likely that the mixed breed will inherit them.Pets.com: Doggone Myths: Are Mixed Breeds Healthier than Purebreds?
3. Mixed breed dogs often inherit the characteristics of the dominant breed.DigitalDog.com: Finding Love Regardless of Genealogy
4. You can often get a mixed breed dog for free from the newspaper or for a low adoption fee from an animal shelter.Dog Owner's Guide: The Mixed Breed Dog

• Once you have determined the physical and behavioral characteristics that you want in a dog, it is time to educate yourself about the various breeds. There are more than 400 breeds of dogs, and through this research you should be able to locate a good match.K9 Web: Selecting a Dog Breed

1. Locate and read books about dog breeds. You can find these in libraries, bookstores or online at sites like Amazon.com.DogInfomat: Researching Different Breeds of Dogs
2. Talk to breeders of the breeds you are considering to discuss the pros and cons of owning that type of dog.Dog Owner's Guide: Narrowing the Choice
3. Research breed information online. Some good sites to start at are listed here:
   • • JustDogBreeds.com: List of Dog Breeds A to Z
     • American Kennel Club: AKC Recognized Breeds
     • Animal Planet: Dog Breed Directory
     • Dog Owner's Guide: Breed Profiles
     • Dog Breed Info Center: Dogs Good For Apartment Life
4. Use a breed selector to help you in making your decision. These can be found online and work by matching your needs with breeds that are best suitable for your lifestyle and desired breed characteristics. Some breed selectors are listed here:
   • • BestDog: Dog Breed Selector
     • Animal Planet: Dog Breed Selector
     • PuppyFinder.com: Breed Selector
     • Iams: Dog Breed Selector
     • PetNet: Select a Dog

• If you decide to purchase a dog from a breeder, you will want to locate one that is legitimate and has the particular breed and individual dog's best interest in mind. There are many backyard breeders and puppy mills that are only looking to make money, and are not knowledgeable about the breed.The Humane Society of the United States: Puppy Mills Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society: What is a Backyard Breeder? Here are some tips to finding and selecting a reputable breeder.

1. Ask for referrals from your veterinarian and friends.The Humane Society of the United States: How to Find a Good Dog Breeder
2. Visit the place where the puppy was born and raised.The Humane Society of the United States: How to Find a Good Dog Breeder
3. Avoid listings posted in newspapers and on 'auction' or similar listing sites on the internet. Most ads listed in newspapers, magazines, or online are placed by backyard breeders or puppy mills.Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society: How To Find A Good Breeder
4. Responsible breeders will be very knowledgeable about the breed and happy to answer any question you may have.Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society: How To Find A Good Breeder
5. Make sure that you can return the dog to the breeder if things don't work out.Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society: How To Find A Good Breeder
6. Good breeders often follow-up to make sure everything is going well with the puppy.Dog Owner's Guide: Finding a Responsible Breeder
7. Good breeders ask questions to make sure the breed is a good match.Dog Owner's Guide: Finding a Responsible Breeder

• Choosing a dog breed is not a decision that should be taken lightly. You need to consider your lifestyle, energy level and time commitment. If you do your research and select a dog breed that matches your lifestyle both your needs and those of the dog will be met - and you and your new companion will have a happy life together.

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