Find the Right Dog for Your Home: Best Dog for Your Lifestyle and Choosing a Dog for Your Personality

I'm excited about this article because it offers so many very important points to help you determine the best dog for your lifestyle and choosing a dog for YOUR personality. Your lifestyle and personality, two very important factors to find the right dog for your home.

You should know, every dog breed has its own individual characteristics and personality. The theme of this article is to help you find the right dog for your home. To accomplish this, there are many factors, of which the two most important ones are your lifestyle and personality. We want to help you find the best dog for your lifestyle while also choosing a dog for your personality to really focus on these two key factors.

Making a decision on the dog that'll be part of your family is a big decision and an important decision. That will become even more clear after reading this article.

After years of owning dogs, I’ve learned one big truth: picking the right dog isn’t about the cutest face or the trendiest breed—it’s about finding a companion who fits you. And when I say “fits,” I mean the best dog for your lifestyle and choosing a dog for your personality. 

Those two things—your vibe and your space—are the heart of this decision, at least in my book. But there’s more to it, and I’ve made enough mistakes (and had enough wins) to know what else matters. So, grab a cup of coffee or cup of tea or even a soda, whatever fits your tastebuds, and let’s talk about how to find the best dog for your lifestyle and personality.

At the end of this article is a list of 27 dog breeds and how they fit into the following factors to choosing the best dog for you personally. Read the article to learn about the key factors to selecting the best dog for you personally, and then scroll through the list of dog breeds to find the ones that fit what you're looking for in a dog. We tried to make this as easy as we could.

To Find The Best Dog For Your Home, It Starts with Who You Are

I’ll let you in on something I figured out the hard way: your personality sets the tone for everything. This is why choosing a dog for your personality is so important.

Back when I was younger I had a friend who thought a high-energy dog would “motivate” his lazy butt. Spoiler: it didn’t.

My friend would sprawl out on the couch, remote in hand, while his new dog bounced around the place like a caffeinated tornado, eyeing the furniture for his next chew session. They were a mismatch from day one.

If you’re the outgoing type—always hiking, running, or throwing parties—a dog like a Labrador Retriever or an Australian Shepherd might be your soulmate. They’re up for anything, always ready to tag along.

But if you’re more like me these days, craving quiet evenings with a book or a movie, something laid-back like a Bulldog or a Greyhound (yep, they’re couch potatoes off the track) could be your perfect plus-one.

Of course our Bella girl is pretty lax too for being a mostly German Shepherd. We take her outside to play catch 5+ times a day.

It’s not just about energy, though. Are you someone who loves a clingy buddy, or do you need a little space?

A Golden Retriever & a German Shepherd will follow you to the bathroom and back (Laura can't go anywhere in the house without Bella following her), while a Shiba Inu might just nod at you from across the room and call it a day.

Think about what makes you tick—your dog’s temperament should feel like an extension of that.

To Select The Best Dog for Your Lifestyle, Where You Live Shapes Everything

Okay, so personality’s the soul of the choice, but what about your living situation?

That’s the body.

I learned this one the hard way. Years ago, I squeezed a big, bouncy Siberian Husky into a tiny apartment. Picture this: me tripping over a wagging tail in a kitchen the size of a closet and taking him out five times a day because he had nowhere to burn off steam. It was chaos.

I'll be the first to admit we got that Siberian Husky because she was so dang cute! I'll also be the first to tell you that's a really bad way to make a decision on a dog for you and your family. That's because it's not factoring in what the best dog for your lifestyle is.

If you’re in an apartment like I was, a smaller breed—like a French Bulldog or a Pug—makes life so much easier. This is considering the best dog for your lifestyle. They don’t need a sprawling estate to feel at home.

But if you’ve got a house with a yard, maybe even a fence, you’ve got room to dream bigger. A German Shepherd or a Husky would love stretching their legs out there.

Where you live isn’t just about space, either. Climate plays a sneaky role. I’ve got a friend in Minnesota who swears by her Newfoundland—those thick coats are built for snow. In warmer weather areas, though, that dog would be panting nonstop. A short-haired Chihuahua or a sleek Boxer might fare better if you’re dodging heat waves.

Take a good look at your place—square footage, weather, even your lease rules—and let it guide you.

Can You Keep Up?

Here’s where things get real: how much do you move? I’m not talking about your personality now, but your actual get-up-and-go because this is another key factor to finding the best dog for your lifestyle.

Some dogs are like marathon runners—they need the constant get up and going. A Vizsla or a Border Collie will stare at you expectantly, waiting for that hour-long run or a serious game of fetch. If you’re out there pounding the pavement or hiking trails, they’ll be your best workout buddy.

Me? I’m more of a “short walk around the block” guy these days. A Basset Hound or a Shih Tzu fits that pace—they’re happy with a quick sniff session and a nap.

Of course, there are dogs for the person who is a couch potato to the person who's constantly on the go, and everything in between.

I’ll never forget the time I underestimated this. I had a dog who needed way more exercise than I could give—my yard ended up looking like a moonscape from all his digging. That was a beautiful German Shepherd back when I first got into business and was constantly swamped.

When looking for the best dog for your lifestyle, at the time you get the dog it may be perfect, but life has a way of changing our lifestyle like what happened with me. And being new to German Shepherds I was also new to training them.  

If you’re tight on time or energy, don’t set yourself up for that. A chill breed can save your sanity—and your landscaping.

To Find the Right Dog For Your Home, Time’s a Big Deal

Speaking of time, let’s talk about how much you’ve got to give to help you find the best dog for your lifestyle.

Dogs aren’t just exercise machines—they need your presence. Don't underestimate this!

I have a friend who once brought home a dog who craved attention during a phase when he was working late every night. The barking? Nonstop. He was lonely, and my friend was frazzled.

Just like a child, there are dogs who need more attention and loving than others. Know this when selecting your new furry family member so you're picking the best dog for your lifestyle!

If you’re home a lot—maybe you work remotely or have a flexible schedule—a working breed like a Belgian Malinois or a Collie could thrive with you. They love the interaction, the training, the constant “what’s next?” vibe. But if you’re out the door from dawn to dusk, something lower-key, like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Maltese, won’t mind chilling solo for a bit.

I find this factor to be a biggie and the one that's caused the most frustrations with people. Don't get a dog who needs your constant attention when you don't have the time to give. Your lifestyle is an important factor when seeking the best dog for your lifestyle.

Bella gets a lot of attention because both Laura and I are home all of the time. She'll sit in the chair next to mine with her head on the armrest, and I'll pet her a lot. Or she'll sit in the loveseat with Laura lying next to her... it's so cute. It's so cute I have to include a picture...

In the house, Bella also likes to play catch with her tennis balls. She'll bring one over to one of us, drop it in our chair and then back up. We'll play catch with her for a good 15-30 minutes.

Money Talks (A Little)

I hate to bring up the practical stuff, but your wallet’s part of this decision too. Dogs come with a price tag—some steeper than others.

Adoption fees can be $50 to $300 at a shelter, but if you’re eyeing a breeder, you might drop $500 for a Beagle or $2,000 for a fancy Samoyed. Prices are all over the board depending on the breed, their bloodline and other factors. Obviously purebreeds are more.

Then there’s food: a little guy would nibble $20 a month, but a Mastiff? You’re looking at $80 or more.

Vet bills sneak up too—those flat-faced breeds like Pugs can rack up costs if breathing issues kick in. Or how about that accident that hurts the dog, or messing with a porcupine (we have porcupines around here). Plan for vet bills. If you have a pet you'll have vet bills just like a child has doctors visits.

Considering your furry pet is part of the family, I'm assuming you'll do whatever it takes to help them in times of need like their getting hurt or sick. If not, don't get a dog. Blunt? YES!

It’s not the biggest factor (love trumps all, right?), but it’s worth a quick budget check so you’re not caught off guard.

Male or Female? 

Oh, and here’s another thing to mull over—male or female? 

I’ve had both over the years, and they’ve got their quirks.

Male dogs tend to be a bit bolder, sometimes more playful or territorial—my boy pup once marked every tree on our block like it was his kingdom! They might need extra training to curb that energy, especially if unneutered, and they can be clingier with you. 

Then there's the female. Often calmer and more independent—my girl was a pro at chilling solo, but she’d get moody around her heat cycle if not spayed. I've also found females to be more protective like a mom to her babies. Our girl Bella supports that point.

Spaying or neutering evens a lot out, but generally, males bring a rowdy vibe, while females lean steady. Your call, match it to your patience and chaos tolerance!

I've predominately always gotten females.

To Select The Best Dog For Your Lifestyle, Purebred Or Mutt?

Many tossel with this question—should you go for a purebred or a mutt?

When looking to find the right do for your home, it's something I think we all think about. It’s a question I’ve wrestled with myself over the years.

Purebreds, like a Labrador or a German Shepherd, come with a pedigree and predictability—you know their size, temperament, and quirks upfront, which is great if you’ve got a specific vibe or lifestyle in mind.

I’ve loved the confidence of knowing my purebred’s energy matched mine, but they can cost a pretty penny, sometimes $500 to $2,000 from a breeder, and some come with health quirks tied to their lineage.

Mutts, though? They’re the wild cards I’ve fallen for too—usually $50-$300 from a shelter, with a mix of traits that can surprise you in the best ways.

As I've shared, Bella is mostly German Shepherd, but that's not all. She's also Border Collie, and then she has a small tint of Greyhound. Here's the break-down for Bella:

• German Shepherd: She's very protective of the family, especially Laura. When we first got her we did a lot of socializing to calm this part of her. She wouldn't let anyone she didn't know or approve close to Laura. She's mellowed out a lot and watches our cues now. We now take her on vacations and she does very well.
• Border Collie: OMG, Bella is very smart! Between the German Shepherd & Border Collie, what a beautiful combination!
• Greyhound: This brought a characteristic we're still working with... being timid at times. Just out of the blues she'll get timid, lay on her back clearly timid and will pee. I could do without the timidness. On the other hand, dang that girl can run fast! I mean really fast! That's definitely the greyhound in her.

You're not going to know exactly what you have when you purchase a mutt. You can, however, do what the previous owner of Bella did and have a DNA test done so you know your dogs bloodlines. We found this extremely helpful to understand Bella and her personality better.

If having a DNA test done is something you'd like to do, we recommend a few different options. First is: 

• Wisdom Dog DNA Test. They can test for 365+ breeds, 30 genetic health conditions & 50+ traits. With a 4.6 rating from 18,364 reviews, they have a really high rating. That's probably why over 4,000 people purchased this Wisdom DNA kit in the past month!

Another really good option is by Embark with two main options:

• Embark Dog DNA Test With Health Screening that does health screening for hereditary disease risks, tests for 350+ breeds.
• Embark Dog DNA Test does everything the previous one does except the health screening and is about $20 less.

All 3 of these choices have a 4.6 rating and they've all had over 18,000 reviews. Check them out and pick the one best for you and what you're looking for.

There are actually quite a few dog DNA tests available with most being more money than the 3 listed above, but none had a higher rating. Fact is, 4.6 for any product is good, but throw in over 18,000 reviews and it's a really good rating!

Like I said, the DNA test that was done on Bella was extremely helpful to us.

But even when you purchase a purebred they don't always fit the mold. I've had numerous purebred German Shepherds over the years and they all had their own individual personality, while still maintaining the main characteristics of the breed.

For me, it’s less about “better” and more about what feels right—purebreds for a sure bet, mutts for a unique adventure. What’s your gut telling you? You've got to do what's best for you.

When Looking For The Best Dog For Your Lifestyle, Who Else Is In Your Life Is Important

Your home isn’t just about you—what about the rest of the crew?

If you’ve got kids, you’ll want a dog that’s patient and gentle. I’ve seen Labs and Beagles handle toddler chaos like champs, while a nippy Chihuahua might not sign up for that gig.

Got other pets? A Golden Retriever usually plays nice, but a Terrier might see your cat as a chase toy.

And roommates? A quiet Greyhound won’t ruffle feathers, unlike a yappy little dynamo. I dodged a bullet picking a kid-friendly dog once—made family life so much smoother.

You've got to factor this in also, and take this part very seriously especially if it's a spouse and children. After all, if things don't go well it's not the child you'll be forced to get rid of, but the dog instead. Bluntly, some dogs just aren't good around babies and small children.

Having brought up this point about babies and small children...

Dog Breeds That Aren’t Good Around Babies and Small Children

Here’s a rundown of breeds that often struggle with the unpredictable energy of babies and small kids. It’s not that they’re bad dogs—just not the best fit for tiny humans.

1. Chihuahua
   • Why: Tiny and feisty, they can get snappy if grabbed or startled by clumsy toddlers. Their size makes them fragile too—easy to accidentally hurt.
   • Heads-Up: Great for older kids who know boundaries, but babies? Risky.
2. Akita
   • Why: Aloof and protective, they’re loyal to their adults but can see small, loud kids as threats. They’re big and strong—tough to manage around chaos.
   • Heads-Up: Needs an experienced owner, not a bustling kid zone.
3. Siberian Husky
   • Why: High-energy and independent, they’re more likely to knock over a toddler than cuddle them. They thrive on running, not babysitting.
   • Heads-Up: Better for active teens than little ones.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
   • Why: Wired and intense, they’ve got boundless energy and a hunting drive—small kids can trigger nipping or chasing instincts.
   • Heads-Up: Perfect for high-energy adults, not tots.
5. Shiba Inu
   • Why: Cat-like and standoffish, they don’t love rough handling or noise. A baby’s cries or a toddler’s tugs can stress them out.
   • Heads-Up: Fine with calm, older kids—babies, not so much.
6. Dalmatian
   • Why: Bouncy and strong, they can overwhelm small kids without meaning to. They need tons of exercise, or they get antsy—tough with a newborn around.
   • Heads-Up: Socialize them well, but they’re a handful early on.
7. Chow Chow
   • Why: Reserved and territorial, they’re not fans of strangers—including grabby kids. They can be aloof or defensive if pushed.
   • Heads-Up: Best for quiet, adult-only homes.
8. Belgian Malinois
   • Why: Super intense and work-driven, they’re bred for focus—not patience with unpredictable little ones. They might herd or nip.
   • Heads-Up: Amazing for pros, not playrooms.

Dog Breeds That Are Really Good Around Babies and Small Children

Finding the best dog for your lifestyle, these breeds are the rock stars of family life—gentle, patient, and built for the kid chaos. They’re the ones I’d trust with a baby or toddler any day.

This isn't to suggest you shouldn't still be observant and make sure the dog is good around the baby or little child because you should. I always made sure there was supervision of our dogs around our babies and little children as they grew up. Accidents happen like laying on the baby and smoothering them so be smart about having any animals around your baby and little children.

Also, remember, every dog has its own personality which develops in the environment it's raised in. If you get an adult dog over a puppy, it may have some bad characteristics from the environment it was raised in. Be aware of this when searching out the best dog for your lifestyle.

1. Labrador Retriever
   • Why: Sweet and steady, they’re famous for rolling with kid antics—think tail-pulling and ear-tugs. Big enough to handle it, soft enough to love it.
   • Heads-Up: My go-to for families—pure gold.
2. Golden Retriever
   • Why: Patient and playful, they’re like furry babysitters. They adore kids and shrug off the noise and mess with a wagging tail.
   • Heads-Up: A classic for a reason—kid magnets.
3. Beagle
   • Why: Smallish, friendly, and chill, they’re sturdy enough for toddlers but not overpowering. They love a romp with little buddies.
   • Heads-Up: Snoopy vibes—perfect for young chaos.
4. Newfoundland
   • Why: Gentle giants with a nanny instinct, they’re calm and protective around babies. Big, fluffy, and oh-so-patient.
   • Heads-Up: Size needs space, but they’re kid saints.
5. Bulldog
   • Why: Low-energy and goofy, they’re tough enough to take kid roughhousing and lazy enough to nap through it. No fuss, all love.
   • Heads-Up: Wrinkles and cuddles—toddler-approved.
6. Pug
   • Why: Playful but not pushy, they’re small enough for little arms and silly enough to keep everyone laughing. They thrive on family fun.
   • Heads-Up: Little clowns—great with babies.
7. Collie
   • Why: Think Lassie—smart, gentle, and tuned into kids. They’ve got a herding instinct that turns into watching over the little ones.
   • Heads-Up: Quietly heroic with small fry.
8. Boxer
   • Why: Bouncy but big-hearted, they’re protective and patient with kids. They’ll play all day and crash with the family at night.
   • Heads-Up: Energy needs burning, but they’re kid champs.
   • I was raised with a Boxer. My dad told me the story of how it saved us from a rattle snake once and how it saved us from a vicious dog that got into the yard and tried to attack my older brother and I while we were playing. I was younger than 3.

These two lists are the main one's that fit in the group. Notice German Shepherd isn't on either list, for example. I've had German Shepherds from when my kids were babies on up with no problems at all.

My advantage was by the time I had kids I knew what I was doing with a German Shepherd so I knew how to work with them around the little kids. Unfortunately, too many people don't consider these guidelines when looking to find the right dog for your home.

How Much Do You Know?

You have to consider this when looking for the best dog for your lifestyle.

Be honest: are you a dog newbie or an old hand?

I jumped into a stubborn breed way too early in my dog-owning days—months of “why won’t he listen?” could’ve been avoided. This is that really cute Siberian Husky I got. She wouldn't listen to me at all, but then, I didn't know what I was doing either back then.

If you’re new, to find the right dog for your home start with something forgiving like a Labrador or a Poodle—they’re eager to learn and won’t test your patience too hard.

But if you’ve got the skills, a Husky or a Rottweiler can be a rewarding challenge. Experience isn’t everything, but it’s a tiebreaker when breeds catch your eye. And let me be clear, both of these breeds can be quite stubborn and a real challenge to train.

We recently wrote an article on Dog Training which will give you a lot of information about the importance of dog training and links to dog training courses we recommend: Why Dog Training Matters And Why Train Your Dog Early.

We'll also be sharing tips and tricks to working with dogs in upcoming articles. Just do be aware that we won't be getting into advanced training topics or behavior problems. For these two things we'll recommend specific courses to you.

Keep in mind, there are all kinds of dog training courses out there because there are so many things you can train dogs to do.

Health Check—Yours and Theirs

Here’s a curveball: allergies or health quirks.

I had a friend who loved fluffy dogs but sneezed nonstop. He switched to a hypoallergenic Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and never looked back.

We had Mia who was a short-hair cat. I know this is an article on dogs but I've never had an allergy problem with a dog before so my only experience of allergies with a pet is with a cat we had, Mia.

If I got her dander in my eyes they would itch and water the rest of the day. She was our sons cat who adopted us when they moved in 10 years ago (they've since gotten their own place). 

I loved Mia, she was an amazing cat who lived in our bedroom and came out periodically to eat and check things out. When she came out to our main living area she always sat on my lap, and I'd pet her and love her up. But I knew what her dander would do to my eyes so I also had a bottle of allergy relief eye drops readily available. I also had hand sanitizer next to me. I'd use the hand sanitizer immediately after she left, and I'd wash my hands really good.

The times I forgot and rubbed my eyes it would remind me quickly to wash my hands with burning, itching and watering of my eyes. I paid the price for the love of Mia. It's a sacrifice I accepted for her.

If fur’s an issue for you, breeds like that or a Labradoodle could save the day. My nephew had a huge Labradoodle, it was an awesome dog!

On the flip side, some dogs come with baggage—Bulldogs and their breathing woes, for example. Think about what you can handle, for both of you.

When Looking For The Best Dog For Your Lifestyle, You Need To Ask, "Why Do I Want A Dog?"

It's an important question to ask, Why do you want a dog?

I’ve had pups for cuddles, and others I swore could guard the house (spoiler: they just licked intruders).

Important tip if you're looking for a family guard dog... socialize it with lots of people so it likes people and gets along with people. Then you "train" the dog on who not to trust and how to protect you. Many get this wrong and end up with a mean dog who doesn't like anyone!

If you’re after a companion, a Havanese or Cavalier will snuggle up.

Need protection? A German Shepherd or Doberman’s got your back. Just remember my important tip about socializing your dog.

Or maybe you want a work buddy—an Australian Shepherd will herd anything that moves.

Knowing your “why” sharpens the focus.

When we got Bella we were after two key things: A companion for Laura while I went to an office for a year (we've hardly ever been apart so this was something we had to adjust to) and for protection. She did not disappoint on either objective. She's become an important part of our family!

Grooming—Love It or Hate It?

Last thing: how much upkeep are you up for?

You should know this upfront.

A Dachshund or Jack Russell barely needs a brush, but an Afghan Hound or Poodle? That’s daily duty.

Shedding’s part of it too—a Husky will coat your couch, while a non-shedder keeps it clean.

I'm part of 3 different German Shepherd Facebook groups. That's Bella's fault, hahaha. Not to long ago someone asked how much a German Shephard sheds. The best answer that had me laughing was, "just twice a year for 6 months each time". Hahaha, so true.

We have brush mits and will sit down and brush her while watching TV. She loves the attention, and the brush feels good on her skin. (These are also popular pet brush mits.)

Pick what you’ll stick with—your vacuum will thank you.

As for vacuums, not just any vacuum handles pet hair. In fact, most don't. We have the Dyson Animal and it's a life saver! Quite a few in the forums have this vacuum cleaner. The other popular vacuum was the Shark vacuum. Click on the links to learn more about them and how they were made specifically for vacuuming up the hard to vacuum pet fur.

Wrapping Up, "Find the Right Dog for Your Home: Best Dog for Your Lifestyle"

So, how do you pick the best dog?

It’s like dating—start with the big stuff (your personality, your place), then fine-tune with the details. We'll help you with with the list of 27 of the most popular dog breeds below.

Maybe you’re a runner with a big yard dreaming of a Lab, or a busy apartment dweller eyeing a Pug. Jot down what you’re about—your vibe, your space, your time—and head to a shelter or breeder. Meet a few pups. When it clicks, you’ll know.

This isn’t a race—take your time, trust your gut, and enjoy the journey. Got a dog story or a question? Drop it below—I’d love to hear from you!

To Help You Find Best Dog For Your Lifestyle, Here's 27 Of The Most Popular Breeds and How They Fit Your Life

You’ve got the scoop on picking a dog that matches your personality, your space, and your life—so what does that mean for actual breeds?

I’ve rounded up a big list of dogs from the classics to some you might not expect. Each one’s broken down by the stuff we talked about—energy, space, costs, all of it. This is your go-to guide to find a pup that clicks with you.

Share it, bookmark it, whatever—let’s find your match!

Labrador Retriever

• Personality: Friendly, outgoing—loves everyone and everything.
• Living Conditions: Okay in apartments with walks, but a yard’s ideal.
• Activity Level: High—60+ minutes of fetch or running daily.
• Time Availability: Craves attention; not great solo all day.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$80/month on food, plus vet basics.
• Family Dynamics: Kid and pet superstar—gentle and playful.
• Experience Level: Easy for beginners—eager to please.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds a lot; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or service dog—versatile and loyal.
• Grooming: Low—weekly brushing keeps fur in check.

French Bulldog

• Personality: Chill, affectionate—a lap dog with sass.
• Living Conditions: Apartment champ—small and low-energy.
• Activity Level: Low—20-30 minutes of strolling.
• Time Availability: Fine alone for a workday; loves cuddles when home.
• Budget: Higher—$40-$70/month, plus vet costs for breathing.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids; neutral with pets.
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly—minimal training fuss.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds less; not fully hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—born to snuggle.
• Grooming: Low—wipe wrinkles and you’re set.

German Shepherd

• Personality: Smart, confident—a bit serious but devoted.
• Living Conditions: Needs a house and yard—too big for apartments.
• Activity Level: High—60-90 minutes of work or play.
• Time Availability: Demands time—training and bonding are key.
• Budget: High—$70-$120/month for food and care.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids if socialized; cautious with pets.
• Experience Level: Better for pros—needs firm handling.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds heavily; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Guard dog or worker—loves a job.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush a few times a week.

Golden Retriever

• Personality: Sweet, social—your instant best friend.
• Living Conditions: Flexible—apartments work with effort, yards are ideal.
• Activity Level: Moderate to high—45-60 minutes of fun.
• Time Availability: Needs company—don’t leave too long.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$90/month, standard care.
• Family Dynamics: Kid and pet magnet—loves everyone.
• Experience Level: Easy—trainable and forgiving.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds a ton; not for allergy folks.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or therapy dog—pure sunshine.
• Grooming: Moderate—weekly brushing, occasional baths.

Chihuahua

• Personality: Bold, loyal—big attitude in a tiny package.
• Living Conditions: Apartment king—tiny space, no problem.
• Activity Level: Low—15-30 minutes of play or walks.
• Time Availability: Likes you around but can chill solo.
• Budget: Low—$20-$40/month for food and basics.
• Family Dynamics: Iffy with rowdy kids; picky with pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—can be stubborn.
• Health/Allergies: Minimal shedding; closer to hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—portable and feisty.
• Grooming: Low—brush now and then.

Siberian Husky

• Personality: Independent, playful—full of spirit.
• Living Conditions: Needs a yard—apartments are a stretch.
• Activity Level: Very high—90+ minutes of running or digging.
• Time Availability: Demands time—boredom means trouble.
• Budget: High—$60-$100/month, plus escape-proof gear.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids; chases small pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—stubborn and strong-willed.
• Health/Allergies: Heavy shedder; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Work dog or companion—loves action.
• Grooming: High—brush daily, especially in spring.

Poodle (Standard)

• Personality: Smart, proud—a bit fancy but fun.
• Living Conditions: Flexible—apartments okay, yards better.
• Activity Level: Moderate—45-60 minutes of play or walks.
• Time Availability: Prefers company; trainable when alone.
• Budget: Moderate to high—$50-$100/month with grooming.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids and pets—adaptable.
• Experience Level: Moderate—smart but needs direction.
• Health/Allergies: Hypoallergenic—low shedding win!
• Purpose/Role: Companion or show dog—versatile.
• Grooming: High—professional cuts every 6-8 weeks.

Bulldog

• Personality: Calm, stubborn—a goofy couch buddy.
• Living Conditions: Apartment-friendly—low space needs.
• Activity Level: Low—20-30 minutes, no marathons.
• Time Availability: Fine alone; loves lazy hangouts.
• Budget: Higher—$50-$80/month, vet costs add up.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids; neutral with pets.
• Experience Level: Easy—minimal training hassle.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds some; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—chill vibes only.
• Grooming: Moderate—wipe wrinkles, brush weekly.

Beagle

• Personality: Curious, friendly—always sniffing around.
• Living Conditions: Okay in apartments; yards fuel their nose.
• Activity Level: Moderate—30-60 minutes of exploring.
• Time Availability: Needs attention—howling if lonely.
• Budget: Moderate—$40-$70/month, standard care.
• Family Dynamics: Loves kids; can chase pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—stubborn but trainable.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or hunter—nose on, always.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, clean ears.

Border Collie

• Personality: Brilliant, driven—workaholic with heart.
• Living Conditions: House and yard a must—space to move.
• Activity Level: Very high—90+ minutes of intense play.
• Time Availability: Needs tons of time—mental stimulation key.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$90/month, plus toys.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids if trained; herds pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—smart but demanding.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Work dog or agility star—loves a challenge.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush a few times a week.

Australian Shepherd

• Personality: Energetic, loyal—smart with a goofy streak.
• Living Conditions: Yard needed—apartments too cramped.
• Activity Level: Very high—60-90 minutes of herding or play.
• Time Availability: Demands time—boredom leads to chaos.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$90/month, active lifestyle costs.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids; herds pets or people.
• Experience Level: Moderate to advanced—needs focus.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Work dog or companion—born to move.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush weekly, more in shedding season.

Doberman Pinscher

• Personality: Alert, fearless—protective but loving.
• Living Conditions: House with yard best—apartments possible with effort.
• Activity Level: High—60+ minutes of running or training.
• Time Availability: Needs time—bonding and exercise are musts.
• Budget: High—$60-$100/month, plus training gear.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids if socialized; wary of strangers.
• Experience Level: Advanced—strong and willful.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds minimally; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Guard dog—top-notch protector.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, easy coat.

Rottweiler

• Personality: Confident, steady—gentle giant with loyalty.
• Living Conditions: House and yard—too big for small spaces.
• Activity Level: Moderate to high—45-60 minutes of work.
• Time Availability: Needs time—training builds trust.
• Budget: High—$70-$120/month, big appetite.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids if raised right; cautious with pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—needs a firm hand.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Guard dog or companion—rock solid.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, minimal fuss.

Pug

• Personality: Playful, charming—big clown in a small body.
• Living Conditions: Apartment star—compact and cozy.
• Activity Level: Low—20-30 minutes of waddling.
• Time Availability: Loves company but okay solo for a bit.
• Budget: Moderate—$30-$60/month, vet costs for breathing.
• Family Dynamics: Kid-friendly; fine with pets.
• Experience Level: Easy—low-drama training.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds some; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—pure fun.
• Grooming: Moderate—wipe wrinkles, brush weekly.

Boxer

• Personality: Bouncy, goofy—big heart, big energy.
• Living Conditions: House with yard best—apartments need work.
• Activity Level: High—60+ minutes of play or runs.
• Time Availability: Craves time—don’t leave alone long.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$90/month, standard care.
• Family Dynamics: Loves kids; playful with pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—trainable but strong.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds minimally; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or guard—versatile joy.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, easy upkeep.

Dachshund

• Personality: Spunky, curious—small but mighty.
• Living Conditions: Apartment-friendly—long body, little space.
• Activity Level: Moderate—30-45 minutes of sniffing.
• Time Availability: Likes attention; okay alone briefly.
• Budget: Low—$20-$50/month, basic needs.
• Family Dynamics: Good with older kids; chases small pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—stubborn streak.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds minimally; not fully hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or hunter—digging pro.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, coat varies.

Shih Tzu

• Personality: Sweet, regal—lap dog royalty.
• Living Conditions: Apartment perfect—small and calm.
• Activity Level: Low—20-30 minutes of gentle walks.
• Time Availability: Loves company; fine solo for short stretches.
• Budget: Moderate—$30-$60/month, grooming adds up.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids and pets—mellow.
• Experience Level: Easy—low-key training.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds little; closer to hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—pure pampering.
• Grooming: High—daily brushing or regular trims.

Great Dane

• Personality: Gentle, laid-back—big softie.
• Living Conditions: House with space—apartments too tight.
• Activity Level: Moderate—30-60 minutes of slow walks.
• Time Availability: Needs company—big but clingy.
• Budget: High—$80-$150/month, giant appetite.
• Family Dynamics: Kid-friendly; good with pets if raised together.
• Experience Level: Moderate—size needs managing.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or guard—imposing but sweet.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, easy coat.

Jack Russell Terrier

• Personality: Feisty, clever—tiny dynamo.
• Living Conditions: Okay in apartments with effort; yards better.
• Activity Level: High—60+ minutes of chasing or digging.
• Time Availability: Needs time—boredom means mischief.
• Budget: Low—$30-$60/month, active needs.
• Family Dynamics: Good with older kids; chases pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—smart but willful.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds some; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or hunter—nonstop energy.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, wiry coat.

Basset Hound

• Personality: Mellow, soulful—chill with a stubborn edge.
• Living Conditions: Apartment-friendly—low energy, big ears.
• Activity Level: Low—20-40 minutes of sniffing.
• Time Availability: Fine alone; loves slow hangouts.
• Budget: Moderate—$40-$70/month, ear care extra.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids and pets—easygoing.
• Experience Level: Easy—low-drama but vocal.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—laid-back charm.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush weekly, clean ears.

Shiba Inu

• Personality: Independent, agile—cat-like coolness.
• Living Conditions: Okay in apartments; yards for zoomies.
• Activity Level: Moderate—45-60 minutes of play.
• Time Availability: Fine solo; doesn’t cling.
• Budget: Moderate—$40-$80/month, standard care.
• Family Dynamics: Okay with kids if socialized; aloof with pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—stubborn and sly.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds heavily seasonally; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—quiet and quirky.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush weekly, more in shedding season.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Personality: Gentle, loving—velvet-hearted lap dog.
• Living Conditions: Apartment star—small and calm.
• Activity Level: Low to moderate—30-45 minutes of walks.
• Time Availability: Loves company; okay alone briefly.
• Budget: Moderate—$30-$70/month, heart checks needed.
• Family Dynamics: Kid and pet darling—super sweet.
• Experience Level: Easy—eager to please.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds some; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—pure affection.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush a few times a week.

Belgian Malinois

• Personality: Intense, focused—work-driven warrior.
• Living Conditions: House and yard—needs room to roam.
• Activity Level: Very high—90+ minutes of serious work.
• Time Availability: Demands time—training is a must.
• Budget: High—$60-$100/month, plus gear.
• Family Dynamics: Good with kids if trained; protective with pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—needs a pro.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds moderately; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Work or guard dog—top-tier intensity.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, short coat.

Vizsla

• Personality: Velcro, vibrant—loves sticking close.
• Living Conditions: House with yard—apartments tough.
• Activity Level: High—60-90 minutes of running.
• Time Availability: Needs you around—separation anxiety risk.
• Budget: Moderate—$50-$90/month, active needs.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids; friendly with pets.
• Experience Level: Moderate—trainable but clingy.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds minimally; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or hunter—high-energy pal.
• Grooming: Low—brush weekly, sleek coat.

Akita

• Personality: Dignified, aloof—quiet strength.
• Living Conditions: House with yard—space for independence.
• Activity Level: Moderate—45-60 minutes of steady exercise.
• Time Availability: Needs time—training builds loyalty.
• Budget: High—$60-$100/month, big size costs.
• Family Dynamics: Okay with kids if raised with them; wary of pets.
• Experience Level: Advanced—stubborn and dominant.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds heavily; not allergy-friendly.
• Purpose/Role: Guard dog or companion—regal protector.
• Grooming: Moderate—brush weekly, thick coat.

Newfoundland

• Personality: Gentle, patient—sweet giant.
• Living Conditions: House with yard—big space needed.
• Activity Level: Moderate—30-60 minutes of slow walks.
• Time Availability: Loves company; fine solo for a bit.
• Budget: High—$80-$150/month, huge appetite.
• Family Dynamics: Kid and pet angel—super gentle.
• Experience Level: Moderate—size needs handling.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds heavily; not hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion or rescue—water-loving softie.
• Grooming: High—brush daily, thick fur.

Havanese

• Personality: Cheerful, social—little ray of sunshine.
• Living Conditions: Apartment-friendly—small and adaptable.
• Activity Level: Low to moderate—30-45 minutes of play.
• Time Availability: Loves you around; okay solo briefly.
• Budget: Moderate—$30-$60/month, grooming costs.
• Family Dynamics: Great with kids and pets—playful.
• Experience Level: Easy—eager and sweet.
• Health/Allergies: Sheds little; closer to hypoallergenic.
• Purpose/Role: Companion—lap dog delight.
• Grooming: High—brush daily or trim regularly

Now it's just a matter of sizing everything up... reviewing the key factors to choosing a dog based upon your individual circumstances, living arrangements and personality, to name 3, and then review the list of dogs and the information we provided for each. Pick out your top 5 choices and then we'd recommend you do further research on those 5 breeds.

Try to narrow it down to 3. Then start visiting breeders and shelters to see these dogs live. Ask lots of questions.

Personally, I'm a strong advocate for dog shelters because if they don't get adopted in a certain amount of time they're put down. There are a lot of really good dogs at the dog shelters, so please, check them out and see if you can find your furry family member there.

You need to also know, buying a new pet is a very emotional decision. Breeders and scammers know this and use this to their advantage. Take the emotions out the best you can and trust your gut feelings. Our 2nd article was about How To Avoid Being Scammed. Read it. This is a decision that is suppose to bring great joy and happiness to your life and your family for 10+ years.

We'll soon be writing an article on "What To Do As Soon As You Buy Your New Pet" to help answer those questions new pet owners always have.