Did you know that there, are last estimate, about 800 or more pure dog breeds? (not to mention endless mixes of course) With that huge number of breeds to decide between, how should you go about deciding what breed is perfect for you? Well as luck would have it, you can pin down the alternatives and determine the right dog breed for you by following a few basic steps.
First, think about your available space. Do you live in an apartment or flat? If so, you will want to rule out large dogs unless you have access to a large open space close by and can take them out to it 3+ times a day 365 days a year - A wood or forest is good. At my place in Sweden we have exactly this situation and know sevveral people with large breeds who do fine due to this. But if you don’t have this or can’t take them out a lot then be kind to yourself and the dog and don’t get a large breed. Instead look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers, or some of the smaller dogs in the Terrier group, like the Border Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer. I have a Border Terrir and live in a flat and it’s a perfect arrangement. The fact that he gets 10km a day in the forest over the road is a bonus 
If you have children, you will must consider the size of your dog, as well. Very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Maltese, can be very delicate and are often accidentally injured by young children. On the other hand, very large dogs, such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards, can be overly boisterous as puppies and can accidentally turn your child into a human bowling pin. Consider medium sized breeds, such as Fox Terriers, Schnauzer’s or Retreiver’s, instead.
Next, consider how much exercise you are able to give your dog. If you have a home with a fenced yard, your dog will be able to get some exercise on his own. However, dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups are very high energy animals and you will need to have enough time to provide them with more intensive exercise. Plan to take a lot of long walks with your dog or go for a daily romp in the park. After all, these dog breeds were bred to work hard and don’t do well unless they have a job to do or a way to burn off excess energy.
Finally, don’t forget to think about grooming needs. Some dog breeds only need a half hour or so of grooming a week, while others need to be brushed for an hour a day. If you are short on time, don’t buy a Standard Poodle or a Maltese, unless, of course, you plan to take your dog to a groom. Breeds like Boston Terriers or Whippets are good picks for people who don’t have time to do a lot of grooming.
When you determine which breed of dog you want, you will need to consider the age of the dog. A lot of people prefer to buy a cuddly little puppy instead of an older dog. While puppies haven’t acquired any bad habits, it will be up to the new owner to be sure that the puppy becomes house-trained and obedience trained. Older dogs are often already house-trained and usually have some obedience training. They are also more likely to be less hyper and less destructive. However, they can have behavioural problems or health problems that prompted the former owner to find them a new home.
Do you want to buy a puppy? If so, you will need to find a reputable dog breeder who has a litter of the breed you are interested in. Often, a good breeder will have a waiting list for puppies. If you aren’t the patient sort, you may be tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. However, many pet store puppies come from puppy mills and have genetic health faults, bad temperaments, or other problems. It is usually safest to buy a puppy directly from the breeder. I advise you find a good breeder and wait. It’s worth it. I waited 6 months for my Border Terrier and it was well worth it!
If you are interested in an older dog, you may want to visit your local animal shelter or call a breed rescue. These groups evaluate the dogs’ health and temperament before adopting them out.
Once you’ve narrowed down the breed choices and have determined which dog is right for you, don’t get too relaxed. After all, you still have one more important decision to make, what to name your new family/pack member!!
