Owning a dog is something that appeals to people all over the country. According to the Pet Products Association, as of 2016, there were 78 million dogs owned by people in the U.S. If you’re in the market for a dog, it can be extremely easy to get caught up in the “cute factor” and just go for the first dog that catches your attention. Here’s the thing, though, each dog breed is unique which makes them better for some owners over others. Additionally, according to RestedPaws.co.uk 6.5 million cats and dogs enter a shelter each year in the United States.
So, before you just grab the first dog you see, you may want to read on and learn about the best dog breed for your lifestyle. For more information on each of the dog breeds be sure to visit Canna-Pet’s dog breed guide. This can also help make the decision process much smoother and faster for you.
An Active Lifestyle
For those who live an active lifestyle and enjoy being outdoors, taking part in sports and recreation, you’ll want a dog that can keep up with you and enjoy the activities just as much as you. Not every breed is built for this level of activity and keeping up with you may actually be harmful to their health.
Some of the best breeds for an active lifestyle include:
- Bernese Mountain Dog – this breed is ideal for those who love hiking, but keep in mind they do best in colder climates thanks to all their fur.
- Shetland Sheepdog – this highly intelligent breed is very easy and fast to train and loves keeping busy. They are herders, so they have a natural instinct to herd and chase.
- Labrador Retriever – a very popular breed, this dog loves keeping busy by hunting, with water sports, going for long walks, running alongside you as you bike, and more.
Apartment or Condo Living
The dogs that do best in apartments and condos tend to be the smaller sized breeds. Other factors to consider are how friendly the breed is since you’ll run into all kinds of people, their noise level, and the level of energy they have.
Some of the ideal breeds for condo and apartment dwellers include the Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bulldog, Dachshund, Maltese, and Pugs.
Best with Kids
For families looking to own a dog, it’s incredibly important to pick a breed that is calm, enjoys kids, is easy to train, obedient, loyal, gentle, and protective. Keep in mind that no matter which breed you choose, it’s always a good idea to take the dog to a professional training school in order to ensure both the dog and you understand what is expected of each other. A well-trained dog makes for a wonderful family member.
Some of the best breeds for families include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Newfoundland, the Bulldog, and the Collie.
Making the Perfect Match
By picking a breed that matches your lifestyle, you’re sure to create the perfect match for you and your dog.
