Bringing a dog into your life requires many decisions—not least of which is what kind of dog you should get.
While it’s an exciting decision, it’s not one to take lightly. Whether you’re an active outdoor enthusiast or a laid-back homebody, finding a dog that aligns with your lifestyle and family dynamic is essential for a happy and harmonious relationship.
To help you find the perfect canine companion, we consulted two professional trainers: Kristina Hampton, founder and principal trainer of Vancouver-based Raintown Dog Training, and Nicole Kohanski, founder and head trainer at Wiggle Butt Academy. Below, we’ll go over some key considerations when choosing a dog, from size and energy level to age and gender.
What Breed Should I Get?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and different breeds have different temperaments, energy levels, and exercise needs. Your journey with your pup will be a lot easier if you choose a breed that suits your living situation and lifestyle.
Many small breeds are compact balls of energy
Dogs weighing between 5 and 20 pounds are generally considered “small breeds.” These petite pups include breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Pugs.
“Small breeds are typically favored among city dwellers, especially those who live in apartments with little space—a large dog would be a squeeze in an urban condo,” says trainer Kristina Hampton.
That said, a small dog can come with big energy, and our experts recommend taking both into account. “Some small breeds can fill the room with their vibrance and energy,” points out Nicole Kohanski. “A Jack Russell Terrier and a Papillon, for example, are small breeds that require great effort to meet their high levels of physical and mental needs.”
Another bonus with smaller breeds is their portability. They can easily fit into carriers and, for the most part, can travel in-cabin on a plane.
Medium breeds are often athletic and intelligent
Medium dogs weigh between 20 and 50 pounds and include breeds like Beagles, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and Dalmatians. These mid-sized dogs can adapt to apartment living, provided they have enough space and opportunity to exercise.
Many working dogs fall into this weight range. They’ll do best with active households. Ideally, they would have access to a secure backyard or outdoor space—though this is just a generalization and not applicable to all medium-sized dogs.
Large breeds take up more space but are usually low-energy
Bigger dogs need more space to move around comfortably without bumping into things. However, many large breeds also have lower energy levels and require less exercise, so a smaller living space or tiny yard may still be suitable.
Another thing to consider: the bigger the dog, the bigger the accessories that come with them. That means a bigger crate, a larger bed, and heftier toys, all of which take up more space than accessories for small dogs.
Additionally, owning a larger dog can be more expensive. They need more food and higher doses of medicine, resulting in higher costs overall.
Working breeds need a lot of physical and mental stimulation
Highly active working breeds such as Cattle Dogs, McNabs, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinchers are naturally inclined to work. These dogs are task-oriented, have a strong desire to achieve, and like to keep moving.
Working dogs thrive in activities like agility, hiking, swimming, backpacking, dog dancing, or obedience competitions. They also benefit from nose work, interactive play, and puzzle toys that engage their intelligence.
These breeds are best suited to households that can provide outlets for their substantial physical and mental needs. According to Kohanski, failure to meet these needs can result in undesirable behaviors like chewing and barking. So, be honest about your ability and willingness to keep this type of dog engaged, entertained, and exercised.
If you are interested in a working breed but unsure if you are up for the challenge, Kohanski recommends fostering one first. This allows you to test the waters and determine if this type of breed is a good match for you and your lifestyle.
Mixed breed or purebred?
Both purebred dogs and mixed breeds come with pros and cons. The main advantage of a purebred is their predictability. While every dog is unique, you may be able to expect certain behaviors and physical characteristics with a purebred. In other words, you sometimes have a better idea of what you’re getting into.
Mixed breeds, or mutts, are more of a grab-bag, and there may be more uncertainty about their background and ancestry.
Health is another consideration. Some studies have found that mixed breeds live longer on average. However, better health is not guaranteed with a mixed breed, and recent data is busting the myth that mutts are healthier than purebreds.
What Age Dog Is Best?
Choosing a puppy, adult, or senior dog depends on your available time and energy.
Puppies are cute but require more work upfront
There’s no way around it—puppies are a lot of work. While they’re undeniably cute and sweet, potential guardians must be prepared for the challenges of house training, socializing, and teaching them basic cues. There’s also the typical puppy behavior to contend with: you’re looking at months of chewing, nipping, and energetic outbursts. Puppy ownership is rewarding, but it also requires a lot of time, patience, and resources.
You’ll also need to examine your budget. The first year of puppyhood involves numerous expenses, such as wellness visits, vaccines, and spaying and neutering procedures.
Adult dogs are more predictable but may have bad habits
Adopting an adult dog lets you bypass the intense puppy stage. As puppies grow into adults, their behavior tends to stabilize, and energy levels tend to drop. “They might already know some basic commands and be housetrained, and they could be calmer than a puppy,” adds Hampton.
Adult dogs are also more predictable in terms of personality. “If you are looking for the most predictability, select a dog that has reached social maturity, around three years of age,” advises Kohanski.
While an adult dog will suit many households, they can also come with undesirable habits that might take some additional effort to train them out of.
Seniors are calmer but can have health concerns
Like adult dogs, senior dogs have more predictable personalities. You’ll already know their grooming needs, activity level, and how big they will get. Plus, they will have outgrown destructive puppy habits like chewing and will usually already be housetrained.
Every dog is different, but seniors are generally calmer and need less exercise. However, just like adult dogs, seniors may have some bad habits. Whereas puppies are more adaptable, it can take older dogs longer to adjust to a new environment and routine.
Health is another valid concern. While many seniors will be perfectly healthy, some will need extra veterinary care and may suffer from arthritis or mobility challenges.
Male Vs. Female Dogs
From a pet ownership perspective, a dog’s sex isn’t the most important factor at play. Yes, there are anecdotal accounts of male dogs being more affectionate and female dogs being more loyal—but the truth is that a dog’s breed, genetics, history, and environment have a far greater impact on their personality than their gender.
That said, a dog’s gender becomes important if you plan to breed them. Additionally, if you choose not to spay or neuter your pet, it could influence their behavior. Unneutered male dogs may be more aggressive, mark their territory, and tend to roam in search of a mate. Unspayed female dogs will go into heat and have two yearly estrus cycles.
The sex of a dog also matters if you are concerned about their size. While there are variations within breeds, male dogs are generally larger than females. Males tend to be taller, heavier, and stronger—which could make them slightly harder to manage on leash.
Rescue or Go To a Breeder?
There’s a lot of debate about whether you should get a dog from a breeder or shelter. Ultimately, it depends on what’s important to you.
A breeder might be the best option if you’re looking for a dog with specific traits. Breeders are also ideal if you’re set on getting a puppy. But a breeder will cost more, and you could be looking at a substantial wait time until a litter is available. Plus, you want to be careful to find a reputable breeder and avoid puppy mills.
Going to a shelter or rescue is a more affordable option, and there are always dogs in need of homes. Available breeds and ages will vary, but with patience, you can find your ideal dog, including a puppy. However, a rescue’s history is a bit of a mystery, and those that come from rough situations can need a lot of help acclimating to a new home. Like breeders, rescue organizations will want to know a lot about you and how you’re set up to look after a new pup.
“There’s also the cost factor,” adds Hampton. “Dogs from breeders can tip into a few thousand dollars, while a dog from a shelter could cost a few hundred dollars.”
In either case, it’s important to find a reputable and ethical breeder or rescue. To avoid an unscrupulous breeder, Hampton recommends checking credentials, meeting the litter’s parents, and visiting the home where they were born. “A good breeder will be happy to answer detailed questions about your potential pup and will, in return, have plenty of questions for you,” she adds.
Another route to consider is adopting a retired police or working dog. These dogs are usually focused and intelligent, and they need good homes after a life of service.
How Do I Choose?
It may require some searching and patience on your part, but the perfect dog is out there. To find a good match, consider your lifestyle, how much time you can dedicate to training and socialization, and your preferences for specific breeds or traits.
Just remember—all dogs are pretty great dogs. And while you can choose your future pup based on their breed, age, or sex, their personality may ultimately be determined by…none of these factors. Surprises are part of the journey. The most important thing is ensuring you have the time and resources to properly care for the dog you’ve selected—whether they run to type or not.
