Advice
Choosing the right breed!
After confirming that your home and lifestyle are suited to owning a dog, the next step is to decide what type of dog would be best for you.
It’s important to do your research to find the best match for you, your family and your lifestyle. With so many choices on offer, deciding on a breed isn’t always easy.
Try to learn as much as you can about the breeds you’re interested in. Find out about both the good traits and the downsides of owning any breeds you’re considering.
- Meet different breeds in person
- Visit Breeds A to Z
- Talk to friends or family members who already have dogs
Each breed has at least one breed club you can contact for more information
1. Gender
The sex of the dog that you choose may determine its size (males tend to be larger) and its personality traits to some extent (e.g., levels of affection and independence).
3. Exercise
Every dog needs regular exercise, but some will require more than others. Some breeds may need one to two short walks a day, plus time to play or train, while others may require some form of physical activity for most of the day.