Dogs are great companions that can improve one’s mental and physical health. Dog adoption is a major development in one’s life and most people take this decision seriously, after considering several factors such as personal, financial and professional stability.
However, many people don’t research the lifestyle and dog breed that’s best for them. Choosing the right dog will ensure that both you and your pet will have a happy companionship and life. Some factors to consider when thinking of adopting a dog are:
- Your residential location and proximity of open spaces
- Level of physical activity in your life
- Your familial situation
- Frequency of travel
These will help you narrow down your choices. Here are some breeds suitable for different lifestyles and purposes.
City life
City life usually includes living in apartments, which is often not considered to be a great situation for adopting a dog. However, this is not true. As long as you’re allowed to have pets, you can choose a dog that can live comfortably in an apartment. Larger breeds might not be the best for an apartment or city life, as they often need more exercise and an active life. Some breeds that you can look at are a poodle, pug, chihuahua, or teacup pomeranian, among others.
Active life
If you’re an active person, or live in an active family that loves sports or running, you should get a dog that can enjoy this lifestyle with you. Here, smaller breeds might not be suitable. Keep in mind that the dog will always have high activity needs that might not always sync up to your routine. Ensure that you are capable of providing daily exercise to the dog. Some breeds you can consider are a husky, a golden retriever, a German shepherd, or a jack russell terrier, among others.
If your activities extend to long hikes or other strenuous physical activities, you should consider a dog that can handle this. Some breeds that can accompany you on a hike are German Shorthaired Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Mountain Cur, Cairn Terrier, among others. Despite their suitability for the activity, you will still need to assess if your dog is physically up for the challenge. Planning the trip by taking the dog’s needs into account also remains necessary in order for the both of you to enjoy.
Family life
If you’re looking for a dog to bring into your family with children, you will have to consider factors like the dog’s temperament, energy level, size and behavior. Consider your family routine and think about who will attend to the responsibilities that accompany having a dog in the home. A golden retriever, Newfoundland, poodle, or beagle are good choices for a family.
When adopting a dog, you need to put your excitement and emotions aside when choosing the breed. You should also consider the expenses that each breed might lead to. For instance, bulldogs are prone to congenital and hereditary health diseases due to dog-breeding, leading to relatively more medical expenses. Ensure that you will be able to provide for all the needs of your dog to give them a comfortable and happy life.
