What breed is for you?

Springtime is here, typically when a young man’s fancy turns to love…..or a new dog. Depending on your particular situation - if you live in a house or apartment,  have kids, work long hours, have other animals - different breeds have different needs and temperaments. Some questions to ask yourself before you embark on your search are the qualities you are looking for in a dog like demeanor, activity needs, size, coat, etc. For example, if you live in a city apartment and work all day, you are not going to want to get a high energy breed like a border collie.

Of course if your situation permits, adopting a dog or puppy from a shelter or the SPCA  is a great way to go and save a furry friend. I know many people who only adopt dogs from shelters with great success. This is a great option if you are looking for an adult dog who is past the obedience, house training, chewing stage (that sounds pretty good!). However, if you are heading to a breeder, here are some popular breeds to get you started (these are partial lists only!):

If you have a family…..

…you want a dog with an easy going temperament and a kind and loving nature who is easily trained and playful.  Most of these breeds require lots of exercise and activity; some of the most popular breeds for families are:

Golden Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers

Labradoodle

Beagle

Irish Setter

Dalmatian

Australian Shepherd

Pug

German Shepherd

Boxer

Bull Dog

Poodle

Collie

Schnauzer

If you live in an apartment…..

….you will want a dog who doesn’t need as much activity (likes to lounge), isn’t a barker (to be considerate to neighbors) and with a low key temperament. All dogs of course need a few walks each day and indoor play. You ‘ll notice that there aren’t exclusively small breeds on this list as there are some larger low key breeds out there:

Bichon Frise

Chihuahua

Toy or Miniature Poodle

Pug

Mastiff (not a typo! this is a very calm breed who is good with a few walks each day)

Greyhound (don’t let the name fool you - very mellow breed)

Pekinese

Schipperke

French Bulldog

Dachshund

If you want a dog to complement an active lifestyle….

…..you will want a dog who has the energy to keep up with your running. hiking, frisbee playing and many hours in the great outdoors. Here are some high energy breeds:

Jack Russell Terrier

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Siberian Husky

Weimaraner

Corgi

If you have allergies….

….you will want a dog who sheds little. Please note that while some breeds are touted as hypoallergenic, in fact nearly all dogs produce some dander, so be sure to spend time in an enclosed area with your breed prior to purchasing as you would hate to be heartbroken later! Some breeds known to trigger asthma and allergies less:

Poodle

Shih Tzu

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese

Kerry Blue Terrier

Chinese Crested

Bichon Frise

Miniature Schnauzer

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

If you work all day…

…you will want a dog who has an easy going demeanor, can be alone, and needs less activity, content with a few walks before and after work:

Cairn Terriers

Dachshund

Basset Hound

Boston Terrier

Greyhound

Shar Pei

Shih Tzu

Pug

Remember, all dogs are different in personality and needs, no matter what breed they are. If you are in a specific living situation and have had success with a breed not on one of these lists, share your stories to help other future dog owners!

Provided by: Rachel Ray

The breeds that I love (which is obvious) are Boxers, Chihuahuas and Maltese.  Some other favorites of mine are Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Biewer Yorkshire Terriers.  My loves for Chi's started when I got Bubba, my oldest chi.  He was my little baby! I got him when he was 4 wks old and I had to bottle feed him.  He was so adorable and so tiny (he could fit in my pocket), so we added to our family Coco Chanel and Armani.  I didn't really think of owning boxer until I saved Bruno from some people that were not so nice to him when he was 3 months old.  OMG - he was so adorable when he was a puppy and is still so cute.  He learned tricks so fast and I knew that him and I would be the best of beds.  And me love for maltese grew because I talked with so many maltese mommies on Facebook and grew to love the maltese breed from their experiences.  I know that Dolce isn't full maltese, but she sure does act like a maltese.  She is maltese/shih tzu mix.  She is such a diva and will definitely you that she is.