Choosing a dog can be a difficult process, and its success depends on a number of factors. Since dogs come in such a huge variety of breeds, shapes, sizes, and temperaments, it is important that you research breeds that you are considering before actually buying. However, knowing what you want is also important to keep in mind. In this article, we will go over some of the different qualities that are used to classify dogs, as well as what you will likely want based on various aspects of your living situation.

Many breeders measure dogs in various categories that are useful for choosing a dog. The obvious ones are size, build, and coat, though other characteristics include temperament (which is arguably the most important), instinctual behaviors, and activity levels.

Size determines how physically large or small your dog is, and is connected to a lot of its behavior. Build is more the shape and weight distribution of your dog. A stocky build refers to dogs like pit bulls and pugs, whereas a mastiff build refers to dogs like huskies and Rottweilers. Coat determines what color your dog is, as well as its length, thickness, and nature (things like brindle, peppered, and glossy refer to the nature and of the coat itself).

Temperament may be the most important part of choosing a dog, and while it is mainly determined by how your dog is treated and socializes early on, is also carried in some part by the breed itself. Pit bulls need to be heavily socialized with other dogs when they are puppies, or they can develop hostile behaviors towards other dogs.

Labradors are usually affectionate and easygoing, Chihuahuas come with Napoleon syndrome. Certain things like these are just part of the breed, and can be mitigated with training, but will always in some part be there. Instinctual behaviors are similar, as hounds and retrievers will chase birds and cars, while shepherds will try to actually herd animals. Activity level refers to how much exercise you can expect your dog to need.

You should try choosing a dog to match your home situation (and future goals, a dog is a long commitment) through these categories. If your house is rather small and you have children, a large dog with lack of a playful temperament that needs a lot of exercise might be a poor choice. Similarly, a Labrador or hound mix is a large dog that does not need as much exercise, and is great with kids. There are lots of options and it simply takes some mixing and matching.

Recommended Reading:

Choosing A Dog For Your Lifestyle

A Comprehensive EBook On How To Choose The Right Dog For Your Lifestyle And Family. It includes Bonus EBooks On Training, Naming Your New Dog And Dog Food Recipes.

Choosing The Best Dog For Your Kids

Help For Parents Choosing A Dog For Their Children. Top 10 Breeds For Families, 5 Steps To Choosing The Right Dog And More. Is there a best dog breed for children? How much should you pay? Is your family ready? Which dog should you get? 1000's of Dogs Lose Their Home EVERY Day Because Families Don't Know the Steps to Choosing the Right Dog for Their Family. How Do You Avoid Heartbreak and Choose the Best Dog for Your Family? Don't Give In to The First Adorable Pair of Puppy Eyes - Or Your Kids Begging! Learn Which Dog Will Best Suit Your Family and Develop Life Long Memories for Your Children.