Looking for a Purebred
There is so much information out there about how to choose a dog that it can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to sift through pages of results from a Google search, here’s what I would do if I were looking for a dog from a specific breed. (Mixed breeds and rescues are a different case, and much of what is below will not pertain.)
Be Honest About Your Stage in Life
If you are young, single, and very active, that energetic herding dog you love might be the perfect hiking buddy for now. But ask yourself: will it still be the best choice in 3 or 4 years if you plan to get married or start a family? Most dogs live 10-12 years (with smaller breeds often living longer), so think about where you’ll be in 2, 5, 10, even 12 years, and choose a dog that fits your long-term lifestyle.
Be Honest About What You Want from the Dog
If you’re not very active but want a loyal, loving companion, there’s still a perfect dog out there for you. Just avoid working breeds that require a lot of training and exercise to stay happy. Instead, look for breeds that were selected to be lap dogs or family pets.
If you’re patient, and careful not to take on more challenges than you’re ready for, you may be able to find the purebred dog you want through a shelter or rescue. However, it’s more likely you’ll find an adult dog rather than a puppy.
Talk to People Who Own the Breed
Other dog owners are often the best source of real-life insight. If you see someone walking a breed you’re interested in, stop and ask them about it. Most people love talking about their dogs—your only problem might be getting them to stop!
Talk to Breeders
Reach out to as many breeders as you can. Responsible breeders know their breed well and will be honest with you if they think it’s not the right match for your home. Remember, a breeder’s job is to find the best home for their dogs, not just to sell to anyone. But like all passionate people, they may have blind spots about the challenges of the breed they love.
Talk to Veterinarians
Vets see the health problems first-hand. Some breeds are well-known for specific health issues, and your vet can provide valuable guidance that might save you from future heartache and expensive bills.
Talk to Dog Trainers
Experienced trainers have worked with countless breeds and will have useful insights on which dogs are easier to train and which ones need experienced homes. Of course, every dog is an individual, but breed tendencies are real. These differences aren’t always about size—some small dogs can be very demanding!
Contact Breed Rescues
Even if you’re not looking to adopt a rescue, reach out to breed-specific rescues. They are usually very honest about why certain breeds end up needing rehoming. For some, it’s due to owner circumstances. For others, it’s because they’re simply too much dog for the average household. Some people choose a breed for its looks and later find out it’s difficult to live with.
Lurk on Facebook Groups for the Breed
Join and observe Facebook pages dedicated to the breed you’re interested in. While you may want to be cautious about training advice shared in groups (most professional trainers don’t offer free advice online), reading members’ posts will give you a sense of common health or behavior concerns. Then ask yourself: are these issues you’re prepared to handle?
If you’re someone who wants a cuddle buddy for TV time and walks the dog once a day, but everyone in the group is talking about high-energy agility training, you may want to rethink that breed.
Take Your Time and Enjoy the Process
Choosing a dog should be fun and exciting. By doing your research, you’ll have a much better chance of finding the right dog for your lifestyle—a dog that will bring years of joy and companionship.
Have fun with your search! 🙂
Looking for Dog Training in Ladysmith, British Columbia, or Nearby?
We Can Help! At Canine Companions, we offer Group Dog Training Classes that provide a fun and supportive environment for your dog to learn essential skills while socializing with other dogs and people. These classes are ideal for building your dog’s confidence and improving obedience in a real-world setting. Learn more about our classes here!
If you’re dealing with specific challenges, our Private Dog Training Sessions are a fantastic option. These one-on-one lessons allow us to create a customized training plan tailored to your goals and your dog’s unique needs. Whether it’s addressing problem behaviors or mastering advanced skills, private sessions offer focused attention and faster progress.
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for dog training tips, fun videos, and expert advice to help you and your dog thrive!
