How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed

A complete guide to picking the perfect dog breed just for you

Guard Dogs
Some dogs have a natural instinct to protect their home and family and they make excellent Guard Dogs. Consider Rottweilers, Boxers, German Sheppards, and Doberman Pinschers. These dogs are natural guardians since they don’t trust strangers easily. Just remember that these breeds need proper training and socialization due to their strength and size.
Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Huskies and Pugs aren’t a good fit though. They are just too playful and friendly.
Family-friendly Dogs
If you have a big family full of children, you want a dog that is friendly, outgoing, and gentle during interactions. They should be highly social and eager-to-please. Of course, all dogs love children, but this is where a Labrador or golden retriever would be unbeatable.
Huskies aren’t a good fit though. If you adopt a Husky, be ready to have another child who is energetic, and demands tons of attention.
And if you like Chihuahuas, you should think twice here. The Chihuahua is attached to one owner and may compete with your kids for care and affections.
Dogs Breeds That Don’t Smell
If you’re looking for a dog breed that scores low in the doggy-odor department, you should consider getting a Bichon Frise, Doberman, Husky, Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Dachshund, or Havanese. These dogs’ coats produce less dander and natural oils.
Basset Hound falls into the smelly dog group though. Hounds have coats designed to be weather-resistant, which means they are oily and release doggy odor.
Likewise, Pugs and bulldogs have a wrinkled head can trap food, dirt, drool, and moisture, which can produce unpleasant odor an odiferous. These dogs also tend to be gassy because of their body composition.
Dogs That Don't Shed or hypoallergenic dogs.
If you are looking for a furry friend that won’t coat your sofa, you should consider getting a Poodle, Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Maltese, or Bichon Frise.
Most Poodle crossbreeds such as labradoodle, Poochon, or spoodle are also a great choice.
Breeds associated with low-shedding quality are generally those with single-layer coats.
Breeds with double coats on the other hand, like retrievers, German Shepherds, Siberian huskies, or Corgis, have protective dual-layer coats that shed significantly.
Dogs for Apartments
Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Pugs and Bichon Frise make excellent companion dogs for condominiums or apartments. These dogs adapt well in confined spaces, and a walk in the neighborhood is usually enough exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Beagles are famously loud barking dogs who don’t do well with neighbors.
Dogs that do well in Cold Climate
These breeds prefer cold climate since they have a thick double coat and more body fat. Your option includes Malamute, Husky, Saint Bernard, or Samoyeds.
Dogs that do well in Hot Climate
Pushed-in face breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Boxers are extremely prone to heat stroke due to their narrow airways and nostrils.
Likewise, some long-hair breeds such as Huskies, Shih Tzu or Alaskan Malamute have very thick coats so hot weather is not exactly a suitable environment for them.
Dogs for seniors
Getting a Boston Terrier, Pug, Malties, Bichon Frise, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the right option for retired people.
Dogs for Multi-Pet Households
If you already have pets at home, you should choose a breed carefully, as you don't want any friction between your pets. Retrievers, Collies, Spaniel, and Poodles won't mind sharing the home with other breeds; they love to have company.
However, Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Akita Inu and fighting dogs are very competitive in nature.
Dogs for Active Owners
One of the most important pieces of advice you’ll hear is to choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle.
If you are looking for an athletic and high-energy pooch who you can take them with for morning runs, then you should consider getting a Pointer, Border Collie, or an Australian Shepherd; these dogs are built for running. If you want a smaller companion, consider the Jack Russel Terrier which is also fit for the morning run.
Dogs for first-time owners
If you are starting with dogs, it is safe to begin with a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, or Poodle. These breeds are friendly, intelligent, and relatively easy to train. They require little socialization and are not stubborn.
Dogs For Busy Owners
If you are a busy owner who won’t be spending much time at home, you may consider getting a Shar Pei or a Basset Hound.
On the other hand, Retrievers and Collies are not a good fit as these types of breeds prefer and require constant socializing.
Lap Dogs for Maximum Snuggle Time
Do you need a cuddle buddy? These types of dogs are comfortable resting on the couch with you when you are relaxing. Your options include French Bulldog, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Shih Tzu.

[Life]

For a family/house dog you don't need to go for specific breeds. Go to your local shelters. Explain what you're looking for and they will help you find the dog that is perfect for you. Shelter dogs are amazing and they don't cost a fortune either. My local shelter it's 250 dollars for a dog a year or older and the dog is fixed, micro chipped, vaccinated, flea treated, and comes with a starter kit for the first week. So in other words, it saves you money by adopting. On top of it just being the right thing to do.

[luisasventa]

As a first time owner I got myself a standard poodle. Why you may ask. It was because I wanted a big dog who scares away strangers ( he is dark coated) but is also friendly and cheerful. I think I got the perfect dog, he never barks inside my apartment and he is not over active like a husky. He loves normal walks and cuddles. I think poodles are great starter dogs but great dogs in general... yeah

[EchoXVince]

I wish the video mentioned that many of these dog breeds are prone to having health issues. It is such an important point to consider when getting a dog. Many pure-bred dogs come with issues, and it's best to do your research beforehand to know what you're getting yourself into. It can be financially and emotionally taxing, especially if you're not prepared.

Also, consider mixed breeds. There are many amazing dogs out there, and you don't need to buy from a pedigree breeder to find the one for you.

[wolfstyle]

i have always had rescue dogs and they are the best dogs! always so appreciative and loving. also not all poodle cross breeds have non shedding coats!

[relaxmydog]

Thanks for this, it's ok to want to get a dog that will suit your home etc. Have to make sure they'll be happy & healthy coming into their new family! Thanks again!

[Jonathan-fvue]

I have a beagle and live in an appartment. She is my first dog, to myself. I trained her well with lots of patience... LOTS of patience and some impatience😅. However she is amazing. When I'm out she is just sleeping. She knows the rules, she doesn't howl (too long), she doesnt bark and she doesnt chew on stuff. When the evening falls she is an amazing cuddly lapdog.

[aporifera]

My cat definitely minds when I'm not around though. She wants to be held 24/7 and meows unceasingly when she cannot see me, just like my German shepherd, who whines when my husband leaves the house to take out the trash. We hypothesized that our dog probably has separation anxiety and fears that he might get abandoned again since he had been abandoned twice when we got him at the shelter.

[darthdoggie]

Honestly Dobermans are some of the best family dogs. They of course take their guard dig trait everywhere but they have good situational awareness and won't bark or bite at everyone. And they usually stay attached to only 1 family and can't be switched around a lot. They are also the 4th smartest dog and really easy to train. They can also last around 6 hours home alone so they are great choices for tons of different situations and almost anyone can have one due to their adaptability (as long as the owner actually cares for and respects the dog). The best dog in my opinion.

[PicmipPixel]

I had a Poodle, he lived for 20 years, how lucky I was. I was 13 and he was my buddy until I was 33, that's nuts! Thinking about getting a Labrador, maybe next year...

[fewferfev]

But first, rescues. If we cannot take care of our animals we've allowed to be bred then we should not be trying for the perfect dog for self serving reasons. I am 67 years old. A young hound is the last kind of dog I should ever have gotten. After having this dog for 9 months I can tell you we've become wonderful together having learned each others' habits and needs. At first it was horrible though. He had lived through so much abuse, including from the shelter we've now had shut down, that he was very anemic, hind legs damaged, teeth shattered with one nerve very exposed, claws and skin infected from living in the filth of unwashed wire cages and no life in his poor eyes at all.
I've had a lot to learn but now he romps and plays and howls for the fun of it and has come to truly love us. He is confident, loving and sure to tell us about anything going on he is suspicious of. Truly a great watchdog and very special friend.
When first I saw him at the "rescue" I thought he was old and dying and needed a warm place to spend his last days. I was not looking for another dog but this one I knew from the start was a Godsend. I didn't know how but I knew I had to take this one. Turns out he was only a puppy whose growth had halted due to lack of nourishment. His name is Preacher and what we learned from helping him get to healthy condition is what has shut down a sorry "rescue".
Please adopt and keep whatever you adopt. You may think it will not work out but health first and then training is all you'll need. Keep in mind they have to be somewhat healthy before you should expect anything from them. Preacher had absolutely no training and was incapable at first of even being house trained. He could barely walk down my driveway without having to lie down and breathe hard from the anemia. He was eaten alive by hookworms and they never took him to a vet. He was a horrible skeleton with infected skin draped over those precious bones and now he is a magnificent Treeing Walker Coonhound who loves being loved. It takes time. Please take one home with you.

[pacnite]

My first dog was a professionally trained GSD guard dog. Was an intense and steep learning curve 😅

[gramba]

i had 2 dobermans so far ... they are the perfect family

[hooman]

I am a first time owner and we have small house with almost everyone working. We got a golden retriever and we love him sm. We are training him and he learns very quickly. He is 3 months old and can follow commands like sit, stand, hello(paw), No (would stop), Eat( won't eat unless we command him). We socialize him a lot. He loves my grandparents and caring towards my paralyzed dad.

[Ashley-]

My fur baby is a rescue, but some days I wonder who rescued who. Dogs are loyal like no other, and most definitely humans best friend. ❤❤

[amandasoren]

Another dog breed that doesn’t shed, is a great family dog and is overall the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet is a Tibetan Terrier! Highly under appreciated dog breed that you don’t hear much about! I’ve had two and both have been great dogs! My first one my mom had before I was born so I know it’s a good dog with kids and they’re also really good with other dogs and cats!

[rafaelalamilla]

You can definitely have an active dog in an apartment, you just need to make the necessary adjustments to your routine. I have the best of both worlds in that my doggo is a Lab mix (likely with a terrier) so he super energetic and cuddly, but is also fairly protective of us. I'm always impressed by his social awareness.

[signespencer]

My Golden retriever was super friendly and would have welcomed a burglar. But the two times someone actually scared me or my kids he instantly transformed into an intense, scary growler. In both instances the scary human backed off so it never came to a bite.

[satanshelperog]

I have had three dalmatians that have been the best guard dogs and then on the same side best dogs with my family. Very family friendly, loyal, observant and vicious on command by my wife, daughter and I to any stranger.

[zillion]

“Should consider get a cat”
Me: No thanks, I already have too many enemies in my life.

[naedynot]

Rhodesian Ridgeback anyone? My mutt is a Ridgey/Mastif cross and is so friendly with all humans and other dogs. Is fine in my unit with courtyard and small yard. Protective without being aggressive, only barks when absolutely necessary, strong willed/ stubborn. So long as he gets good exercise, adventure, a chance to smell and track scents and experience new things, he is a joy to have as a friend. Oh, and great with kids.