04/23/2026
Picking out your next puppy is so exciting but is important to pick the right breed for you. Choosing the right dog is not about just appearance it directly affects how that animal is able to fit into your lifestyle. Whether you are going to a breeder or adopting from a shelter. Bringing home a new dog should be a well planned decision.
Genetics play a huge role in your dog's attitude, health, behavior, and intelligence. Some breeds have been bred for hundreds of years in order to do specific jobs. For example, let's talk about the dalmatian. This breed became very popular after Disney released “101 Dalmatians." Which in turn led to a lot of dalmatians being abandoned in shelters. Dalmatians were originally bred to be carriage dogs. They needed to guard the horses and the people they were with. This natural instinct to protect can lead to aggression and behavioral issues if not handled correctly.
One of the biggest things people fail to take into consideration is their own lifestyles and how their pet will adapt. For example if you're not an active person then a German shepherd is probably not the dog for you. A lot of dogs that owners say are destructive or bark incessantly are caused by owners being unable or unwilling to fulfill that pets needs. A bored dog will look for ways to entertain themselves. Furthermore if you have children in the house that will impact what breeds you might want to avoid. Such as an Australian cattle dog which was originally bred for herding. These herding instincts can cause your dog to try and “herd” your children which they do so by nipping at heels and high pitch barking.
Grooming and health needs are also very important when deciding on breeds. The most popular dog breed in the United States currently is the french bulldog. Understandably they are adorable and have a very fun personality. However they are prone to so many health issues. Such as allergies, breathing issues, disc problems, etc. If your frenchie ends up slipping a disc in their back and needs surgery you're looking at spending upwards to $15,000 just for surgery and MRI. That does not include follow up care such as physical therapy. Grooming can also be very costly and time consuming and some owners do not realize that prior. Poodle mixes have become very popular however their coats are oftentimes neglected by owners. Poodles naturally have very curly hair that traps loose hair and tangles easily. If you do not brush these dogs properly daily it will lead to matting. Matting can cause skin irritation to our pets and it's very painful. So if you're unable to follow a strict grooming schedule then a short haired dog might be a better choice.
If you're thinking about adding another furry friend to your family, our team is always here to offer guidance and answer questions. Stop by or give us a call. We're happy to help you make a confident, informed decision!
