There are countless dog breeds. The FCI alone currently recognizes more than 350 different breeds. These differ very significantly from each other in terms of their size and appearance as well as in terms of their nature.
Before you get a dog, you should first ask yourself which breed of dog is right for you. Depending on your life situation and your experience as a dog owner, the answer to this question can be very different.
Important questions before purchasing
Before you ask yourself which dog breed suits you or even get a dog, you should first answer a few honest questions. After all, keeping a dog takes a lot of time and represents a great responsibility.
So first ask yourself:
- Can I even afford to own a dog?
- Am I able to ensure the care of a dog despite my work?
- Do I want to have children one day or do you already have children?
- Do I have enough space for a dog?
- Are there enough green spaces in my immediate vicinity for walking?
- Am I ready to take care of a dog for the next 10 or 15 years?
- Do I have hobbies that I might be able to practice with my dog?
- Do I want a dog from a breeder or shelter?
It may seem excessive to you to delve so deeply into the subject. But you have to remember that a dog is no ordinary pet. A dog needs a lot of time and attention and, last but not least, costs a lot of money. Many prospective dog owners often do not consider the latter.
Here’s how to find a dog breed that’s right for you
Once you are confident that getting a dog is the right decision, you can start thinking about which breed of dog is right for you. In this context, you should not only orientate yourself on the appearance and size of the four-legged friend. In addition, the different breeds often differ very clearly based on their nature. It is true in principle that practically any dog with the right training can become a friendly and expensive companion. However, this does not mean that every dog breed suits you, your life situation and your experience as a dog owner.
Which dog breeds are suitable for beginners?
Some dog breeds have a mind of their own and need a particularly consistent upbringing, which a beginner in dog ownership usually cannot give them. If you are inexperienced in dealing with dogs, we therefore recommend a dog breed whose nature corresponds to wanting to please its owner. These include, for example, the Labrador, the Golden Retriever, the Havanese and the Pug. These dog breeds are easy to train, making them ideal for beginners who want an easy-going companion dog.
Which dog breeds are suitable for children?
Children not only cost their parents but also the family dog a lot of nerves. If you have children and want to get a dog, you should therefore choose a breed that is calm and fond of children and that does not mind if things get a little louder in your home. For this purpose, for example, the pug, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever are very good. These breeds are known for being patient and affectionate with children.
Which dog breeds are suitable for active owners?
Don’t underestimate the urge to move that some dog breeds show. If you are athletic yourself and like to engage in numerous activities, then such a breed will of course suit you very well. In this case, for example, a Jack Russell Terrier, a Husky or a Border Collie can be a good choice. With these dogs you can let off steam together and enjoy a lot of time outdoors.
What breeds of dogs are suitable for cozy owners?
In principle, of course, every dog needs regular exercise. However, there are some dog breeds in which the urge to move is not particularly pronounced and are therefore particularly suitable for people who do not want to go for long walks every day and endlessly romp around. One of these breeds is the French bulldog. But Chihuahuas, Maltese and Bernese Mountain Dogs are also dogs that tend to take it easy.
Which dog breed is right for me? – our conclusion
As you can see, there is a lot to think about when buying a dog and choosing the right breed needs to be considered carefully. Depending on what your everyday life looks like, what experience you have with keeping dogs and whether you have children living in the house, a different breed of dog can be the right choice. It is therefore essential that you take enough time to make your decision and do not rush the purchase just because a puppy has impressed you. After all, you want to feel comfortable with your dog in the future and also want to be able to ensure that your four-legged friend has everything you need.