Choosing the Right Dog for You

Dogs have been “Man’s Best Friend” for thousands of years. They have hunted with us, protected us, and helped us achieve our goals. Over 340 dog breeds are officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the international kennel federation. Each one has its own story. Because of this great diversity, there are many important factors to consider when deciding what dog to bring into your home. I’ll go through some of the broader categories, but remember that each dog is unique, so these are simply trends. If you want your new dog to be set up for success, look into these aspects before bringing them home.

BREED: Researching the breed or mix you’re considering is a smart starting point. What was the breed originally developed to do: hunt, herd, guard, or provide companionship? Typical energy level, tolerance of children and other dogs, lifespan, and common health problems all vary by breed. Behavioral differences between breeds are also highly heritable (MacLean et al., 2019). For example, some ancient lineages, such as the Akita, Chow Chow, and Shar-Pei, are often described as aloof, and Akitas and Chows in particular can be prone to dog-dog aggression (Hart & Hart, 2016, pg 123; Duffy et al., 2008). Still, breed is only a rough guide since individual dogs vary widely.

TEMPERAMENT: Although breed can influence temperament, there’s a lot of variation within any breed or breed group. Does the dog approach novel situations confidently, cautiously, or not at all? Is the dog more independent, or do they thrive on physical affection and praise? Do they bounce back quickly from unpleasant situations, or do they need lots of time to decompress after a stressful event?

AGE: Another important factor is the age of the dog you wish to adopt. Puppies are a big commitment, as you are tasked with introducing them to the world and teaching them the skills they need to live in it. Adolescent dogs tend to be boisterous, have less impulse control, and get distracted easily. Adult dogs are generally calmer, though they may have established habits that don’t suit your lifestyle. Senior dogs tend to be slower and may have medical problems to monitor. Each life stage has its ups and downs.

SIZE: Size matters, and with a young dog you should consider how big they’ll become, not just how big they are now. Some studies, mostly based on owner surveys, find that small dogs are, on average, rated as more excitable and reactive (Arhant et al., 2010; McGreevy et al., 2013), though this may partly reflect how they’re raised and handled. Large dogs can be harder to physically manage, so make sure you can meet their strength and exercise needs.

SEX: Although it is less discussed than the above, the sex of the dog can matter, especially if there are other dogs in the household already. A study of dogs referred to behavior clinics found that serious conflicts between housemates occur more often between dogs of the same sex, often females (Wrubel et al., 2011). Intact males (those that haven’t been neutered) tend to show more marking and roaming behaviors (Hopkins et al., 1976).

SPAY/NEUTER STATUS: Spaying or neutering can also have an effect on behavior: one study looking at male dogs linked it to increased fearfulness (McGreevy et al., 2018). Spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra (a uterine infection), and neutering reduces the risk of certain prostate problems (Howe, 2015). Some research links spaying/neutering at an early age to higher rates of certain joint disorders and cancers in some breeds (Hart et al., 2020). Research in this area is ongoing and appears to vary a lot by breed.

HISTORY: This aspect of choosing a dog can be a bit trickier. Many dogs from shelters have ambiguous pasts, so the best we can do is observe them as they are now. The benefit of getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is knowing that dog’s individual history. Look into whether the dog has been socialized with other dogs, people, cats, and children.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a dog. If you can, meet the dog first and ask lots of questions!