It’s not often in life that you get to carefully choose a best friend based on handpicked traits that match your wish list. But our dog breed quiz can help you find the best pooch for you. Our dog breed selector will ask questions about your preferences, home, daily lifestyle and more to help you narrow down the best dog breeds for you and your family.
What Kind of Dog Should I Get?
Some folks who are looking for a dog know exactly what breed they want, while others have no clue. One of the first things to know is the main reason you want to get a dog in the first place, such as:
- Companionship
- A friend for your children
- To guard your family and home
- Breeding purposes
Look for a breed that matches your lifestyle and availability. For example, if you live in a small apartment and you’re busy working all day, an energetic dog that needs lots of exercise, like a Labrador retriever, may not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re an adventurous type who does a lot of hiking, a non-athletic breed like a bulldog won’t be your ideal hiking partner.
Here are some things to consider when you’re deciding what kind of dog you should get.
Lifestyle
Some dogs require a lot more exercise than others. Consider how much time per day you can devote to exercising and playing with the dog, such as indoor playtime, short walks or daily jogs.
For example, a border collie may require lots of running to burn off some energy, while pugs tend to be ideal house dogs who are content to lounge around with their people.
Consider your work and social life. How long will your dog be alone on a regular day? If you work long hours away from home and have an energetic dog, you’re probably going to need to hire a dog walker to help the canine burn off some energy.
If you have a very active social life and plan to bring your dog along on social activities, you’ll want to consider a breed that’s friendly with other pets and people. For example, German shepherds are known to be protective and not as open to strangers as other breeds.
Your home
Do you live in a single family home with a big yard? Or are you in an apartment with no yard? Consider whether or not your home is adequate for the dog breeds you’re considering. For example, a high-energy dog such as a border collie might not be very happy if it’s cooped up in a one-bedroom apartment with no yard to burn off steam.
You’ll also want to be considerate of your neighbors. If you live in an apartment building or your next door neighbors live nearby, a barking dog is unlikely to be everyone’s best friend. For example, a Chihuahua is known to be a very vocal breed.
Some apartment buildings might have dog weight or breed restrictions. It’s not uncommon for landlords to restrict the weight of a dog to under 30 pounds. If you have a weight restriction in your lease, bringing home a Saint Bernard isn’t going to go over very well. And be sure to check if there are breed restrictions in your lease before you settle on a new dog.
Think about your home insurance.Some homeowners insurance companies have a banned dog breed list, such as Akitas, chow chows, Doberman pinschers, pit bulls and Rottweilers.
Health concerns
Certain types of dogs are more prone to hereditary problems such as hip dysplasia. For example, hip dysplasia is common in larger dog breeds such as German shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Saint Bernards.
Getting a dog that is predisposed to health problems shouldn’t be a deal breaker. And you can offset the cost of veterinary expenses with the best pet insurance. But you’ll want to buy pet insurance as soon as possible and before your dog develops any health problems. Pet insurance companies won’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions such as hip dysplasia, cancer and diabetes.
Temperament
Temperament refers to a dog’s personality, disposition, makeup or nature. Each dog breed is known for having its own temperament. For example, Labrador retrievers are known for being outgoing, intelligent, eager to please and nonaggressive, while boxers are known to be affectionate and self-assured but wary of strangers.
Desirable traits for dogs often include:
- Inquisitive
- Cooperative
- Appropriately social for its breed
- Steady mood
Undesirable traits for dogs include:
- Fear
- Shyness
- Lack of cooperation
- Inability to recover from unexpected or unfamiliar situations
Grooming
How much time and money are you willing to spend on grooming your dog? Certain types of breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers, require daily grooming.
Conversely, other types of dogs are known for shedding, which means lots of vacuuming. For example, golden retrievers are likely to leave golden locks behind everywhere they go.
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Dog Breed Quiz FAQ
Which dog breeds are good with kids?
The best dog breed for kids and families is a Labrador retriever, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Other dog breeds that are good with kids include bulldogs, golden retrievers, beagles, pugs and Irish setters.
What is the easiest dog to take care of?
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the easiest dog breeds to take care of, according to the AKC. That’s because of its adaptability, friendliness and trainability. Other dog breeds that are among the easiest to take care of include boxers, English springer spaniels, papillons, poodles and Shih Tzus.
Can all dog breeds be trained?
All dogs can be trained, but some breeds are more easily trained than others, according to the AKC. The most trainable dog is the border collie. Other dogs that are more trainable include poodles, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Doberman pinschers and Shetland sheepdogs.
