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When choosing a new dog to bring into your home, it is important to carefully weigh a variety of factors.  A dog should never be chosen just based on looks or size, there is far more to it than that.  Different breeds have different temperaments that suit them for certain lifestyles.  Below we explain how to choose the best dog for your lifestyle so that you ensure your new pet is the perfect match for your home.

  • Homebody or Senior Citizen
    • Not all homebodies are senior citizens nor senior citizens homebodies but both of these groups tend to spend more time at home or want more of a companion dog. Some great breeds that are low energy and love to snuggle include the Lhasa Apso, Beagle, Scottish Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spanish, Keeshond, Maltese and more.
  • Active
    • Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers are both great breeds for those that have a moderately active lifestyle. Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers love to play outside, will accompany you on a walk or hike and will gladly play a game of fetch.  If you have a highly active lifestyle, consider a breed like Labrador Retriever, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Jack Russell Terrier, Australian Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Weimeraner, or Border Collie. Many of these breeds are either hunters, extremely athletic, extremely energetic or extremely adventurous, making them ideal for a highly active lifestyle.
  • Apartment
    • Living in an apartment can be a challenge for some dog breeds that require lots of exercise and large spaces to run around freely. But, just because you live in an apartment does not mean you cannot have a dog, far from it.  There are many dog breeds ideally suited to apartment living such as the Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Pug, Greyhound, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachschund, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Havanese, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier.
  • Great With Children
    • If you have young children it is particularly important to carefully choose your dog breed. Some dog breeds do not socialize as well with children who often do not have a sense of boundaries or awareness of how much physical contact is appropriate.  When you pair the right dog breed with a child, they will go together like peanut butter and jelly and those kid-friendly dog breeds include Bulldog, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, Bull Terrier, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Mastiff, Old English Sheepdog, Newfoundland, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Basset Hound, Border Collie and more.