How can I find the right dog breed for me?

Answer 1

Use an Online Breed Selector
If you want help on deciding what breed to get and you're somewhat Internet savvy, consider going on-line to take a breed selection test. They typically take anywhere from five to ten minutes to complete and ask you various questions about your lifestyle and preferences. You'll be matched with a few compatible breeds according to the answers you supplied along with a description of each breed. What more could you ask for? -

Answer 2

There is an excellent book available if you are looking for an AKC breed dog. The title is "The Right Dog For You". It has profiles, temperaments, qualities and 'things to watch out for' on each AKC breed. Contrary to popular myth, just because a dog is 'small' does not necessarily mean it's an apartment / city dog. Many times, these smaller dogs are extremely active and need quite a bit of activity, running, moving, etc. Many times the large breed dogs do well in the 'apartment life' with daily walks. Check out the book, as it also gives general information about activity level, dominance, and other useful information. Once you find the breed you want, do the research on the breeder. Make sure you can see the facility, see the parents and the off-spring. Most good breeders will not breed until they have deposits on a litter. If you don't have small children, you may want to consider that breeds rescue organization. You may also want to consider your local SPCA or 'no-kill' shelters, but then you should look into behavior books and training books (The Monks of New Skeet have a great behavior / training book).

Answer 3

This site will help you pick the best breed for you. Also, I suggest an older dog, at least 4 months or so, so you don't have to deal w/all the puppy stuff. If you're wanting a purebred, check a rescue group. All breeds have a rescue group that's associated with the AKC and you can find whatever type of dog you want. I've gotten 2 bloodhounds thru rescue and they've been great. I find rescue dogs are always better.
Health wise, mixed breeds are the best, no genetic quirks.
Please don't support a backyard breeder (those selling in the newspaper, etc) they only add to the overpopulation.

After you get your dog, please check out Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer for information. The man knows what he's doing. As humans, we blame the dog for doing something "bad" but I've found it's my fault the dog dug in the backyard (bored), tore up the pillow (bored), etc. A tired dog is a GREAT dog!
Good luck
Nicole
http://consumer.vetmedcenter.com/BreedWizard/new/dog/bs_frameset.html

Answer 4

Look at your own lifestyle. Assess how much time and space you have for your dog. If you live in the country and have lots of space, a larger dog would do great. In a city or apartment setting, you'd probably be better off with a medium or smaller dog.
There are working dog breeds which will need a lot of exercise. Long-haired ones which require a lot of grooming. Dog breeds which tend to bark a lot. etc etc. Once you have decided on what kind of dog it is you 'need', then it'll be easier to narrow down your search because there is truly a dog breed for almost everyone. If your requirements are not so specific, head down to the local pet shelter, you'll be suprised how many you want to take home with you despite your previous determination to only get a particular dog breed. Good luck!

Answer 5

If you want help on deciding what breed to get and you're somewhat Internet savvy, consider going on-line to take a breed selection test. They typically take anywhere from five to ten minutes to complete and ask you various questions about your lifestyle and preferences. You'll be matched with a few compatible breeds according to the answers you supplied along with a description of each breed. What more could you ask for?

Answer 6

FIrst off if , do you want an indoor dog for the city? If so, you want a small dog because they were bred for being indoor dogs and have many advantages over big dogs. They live longer, less vet bills generally, less food and cleanup, less exercise neccessary, better watch dogs (more alert) etc.etc.
Then do the research on small dogs. Poodles, sji tzus, terriers, etc. I have a mix terrier / poodle and he is the best dog I've ever known.
Most big dogs were bred for certain jobs like herding, retrieving, sled pulling, hunting, dog fighting etc. I believe that these dogs ned a lot more consideration for what they were bred for. You should play ball with a lab for a couple hours a day, run a Husky on your bike for 2 hours a day, and herding dogs should be in dog agility classes. They were not meant to be cooped up all day.

Answer 7

Here you go...

http://www.topdogclub.com/dog-breeds/

Good luck!

Answer 8

Dear friend

this website gives you the answer.more useful information available about your pet.

http://www.careyourpet.org

Answer 9

Try akc.org. Its the american kennel clubs website.