How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle: 5 Smart Tips to Help You Decide
- Sep 21
- 8 min read
K9 KRAY’s Guide: How to Choose Your First Dog: 8 Tips for choosing your first dog
You want to buy a dog but which dog breed is the right breed for you?
Congratulations! You are ready to embark on a new journey and you have decided that you are ready to buy a dog! Choosing your first dog is an exciting choice you have to make but how do you choose the right one and how do you know if the one you want is the right one? That’s a good question, because with over 400 recognized dog breeds it can be very overwhelming to pick the right one especially because is not only about picking the breed, but also you need to choose the right size dog for you, the dogs energy level and a dog that fits your lifestyle (and not the other way around)!
As we begin, I want to start off with a little but very important fact that I want you to keep in mind. Dogs have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, and it is a commitment that you are making to your future dog. Therefore, you must do your best effort to choose the best fitting dog to accompany you for its entire lifespan. I want to bring to your attention that we currently have over 12 million dogs in the shelters and over 143 million dogs living on the streets. So please please please do your research well and be aware of the responsibilities that comes with being a dog owner so you give your dog its FOREVER home! That way you've helped making the world a better place by being a part of the solution and not the problem.
Lucky for you, we are here to help and guide you! K9 KRAY's mission is to make the world a better place by making all dogs and dog owners happy. Here are 8 things to consider before choosing your first pup to make sure that you and your new dog are a perfect match for each other!
Tip #1 - How to choose a dog breed that matches your needs
At K9 KRAY, we have taken all dog breeds and divided them into 7 groups to make it easier for you to research the different breed categories so you can find the right breed for you. Choosing the right dog breed for you also raises the question if you can fulfill your dog's needs and what the breed requires from you also. Keep in mind that this will be a two-way street, you and your dog. We suggest that you research the dog breed you are interested in because every breed has its own energy level, grooming needs and health issues to keep in mind. Understanding breed groups helps you find a dog that naturally fits your lifestyle and not just your aesthetic!
K9 KRAY's 7 dog breeds group:
Each group was bred for a purpose and that still shows in their behavior today:
Working Dogs such as German shepherds, Belgian Malinos, Doberman, Husky, Boxer): Strong, driven, and built for tasks and are a great choice for active and experienced owners. These are strong breeds that requires a lot from the owner and is usually not a good recommendation for a first-time dog owner but, would be much better paired with an experienced handler.
Herding Dogs such as Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, are super smart and energetic which means they need lots of training and activity.
Sporting Dogs such as the popular Labrador, Golden Retriever, Spaniels, Pointer, Setters, are friendly, social, and love outdoor adventures and great family dogs but keep in mind they do still need training, they need jobs to do.
Hound Dogs such as Beagle, Greyhound etc. are great scent or sight hunters and they love to roam. They may also be a little too independent or stubborn with training but need daily exercise especially scent walks or running time.
Terriers such as Jack Russell, Bull Terrier are very bold, lively, and full of personality which is why they do best with confident handlers that will be good at training them. Don't let they size, or appearance fool you.
Toy Dogs such as Chihuahua, Pomeranian are small in size, but are still a big dog at heart and have big personalities. They are perfect for close companionship and need to be trained and also treated like you would any other dog. Keep in mind, just because they look like "toys" doesn't mean they are one, they are amazing dogs that are super easy and great fun to train! (Fun fact, Japan has Chihuahua police dogs!)
Non-Sporting Dogs such as Dalmation, Bulldogs, Poodles are a diverse group and that's why personalities and energy levels vary, so research is key here. This group is perfect if you want a dog that’s a little different however, just make sure to match the individual breed's traits to your lifestyle. Think of it as the "wild card" group, full of personality and variety!
Additional group:
Mixed dog breeds: Having a mixed dog breed can be a wonderful and a one-of-a-kind experience! They are sometimes healthier genetically which can mean fewer vet bills. The mixed dog breeds come with a combination of charming characteristics that can be a great experience for the first time dog owner.
Tip #2 - Talk about dogs with others to learn about the different dog breeds
Ask Current dog owner/Talk to the breeder: There is no one better to tell you about a dog's breed than the owners of the dog breed you are interested in. A person who owns the dog is more likely to knows as possible about the breed and can tell you their experience of what it is like to live with the breed. Ask someone who has a dog, to tell you about their experience with the breed and their experience with having a dog in general.
Dog parks: Dog parks are a very chatty and friendly place to be. If you happen to walk by a dog park or pass someone that is walking the type of dog you are interested in buying one day, then we suggest that you ask the dog owner if you can ask them a few questions about the dog breed they own or if they could tell you about the breed from their own personal experience. While you listen to what they share with you, then you could ask for permission to greet their dog as well! Dog owners are some of the friendliest and most approachable people in the world and they love to talk about their dogs and will most likely give you lots of good tips that will be priceless!
"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies" – Gene Hill
Tip #3 - Make it personal when it comes to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle
What is YOUR activity level? Be honest with yourself and take a good look at your everyday life Are you an active person or a more laid-back person? Ask yourself this question to get a better understanding of which dog breed will suit you best.
Active person: If you like spending time outside walking, hiking and doing outdoor activities then an energetic breed like the Siberian Husk, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever could be a good match for you.
Laid back: If you on the other hand have a more calm, relaxed and laid back lifestyle then consider an English Bulldog, Great Dane, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu.
Keep in mind that if you identify with being a couch potato, then now is not the time to buy a Greyhound and try to convince yourself that with a high energy dog you will start to be more active. Great if you do, but you most likely won’t.
Tip #4 - Allergies and shedding when it comes to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle
If you have allergies or hate shedding, research coat types carefully. Shedding and allergies can vary a lot between breeds, so choose one that fits your comfort level and be ready to commit to grooming or cleaning. Some dogs shed a lot and can trigger allergies, while others are more allergy friendly. We suggest that if you are unsure of whether or not you are allergic to dogs, that you spend time with a breed before committing, just to see how your body reacts.
Dogs have a skin pH of around 6.5 to 7.5, which is more neutral to slightly alkaline where Humans have a more acidic pH of around 5.5.
Be aware that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic but breeds with "hair" instead of fur like Poodles, Bichon Frises, or Portuguese water dogs tend to shed less and produce fewer allergens.
If you're sensitive to pet dander, look for:
Low-shedding breeds
Dogs that need regular grooming (this helps control allergens)
Single-coated breeds rather than double-coated ones (which shed heavily seasonally)
Dog shedding is completely natural and it’s in fact how dogs get rid of old or damaged hair but depending on the breed, shedding can be a minor inconvenience or a major part of daily life.
We do not want to discourage you but rather prepare you for the surprising amount of pet hair to be everywhere and increased cleaning schedule.
Expect the fur to be on you clothes and shoes, because shedding dogs can leave fur on floors, furniture, rugs, and even walls, especially during seasonal shedding periods such as spring and fall. Some dogs shed 2 times a year for 6 months at a time! You may find yourself vacuuming daily or multiple times a week, especially if you have a large or double-coated breed like a German Shepherd or Husky, and on top of that there are all of the "oopsies" the dogs might make.
Tip #5 - Think about your finances when it comes to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle.
Owning a dog comes with ongoing expenses beyond just the purchase price, and in this case, size does matter. Larger dogs almost always cost more to care for than smaller ones. Beds, crates, collars, leashes, and toys all scale up with size. Large dogs often need heavy-duty items and toys, which cost more and wear out faster.
A quick example: a small-sized dog bed that costs $30 may have an XL version of the exact same brand and print priced at $150, and the same goes for dog food, dog grooming and vet bills.
Smaller dogs generally cost less to feed, groom, medicate, and supply, while larger breeds tend to have higher ongoing costs across the board. When choosing a dog, make sure you’re not only emotionally ready but also financially prepared for the long-term commitment, regardless of size.
Choosing the Right Dog Is About More Than Just Looks
Bringing a dog into your life is a long-term commitment that affects your time, space, lifestyle, and budget. While it’s easy to fall in love with a cute face or popular breed, the right dog for you depends on much more:
Your living situation
Your daily routine and activity level
Your budget for food, grooming, and vet care
Your tolerance for shedding, barking, or training needs
And even your allergies or travel habits
Whether you go for a tiny lapdog or a large working breed, the key is to choose a dog whose needs and temperament truly match your lifestyle and not just your heart or for the aesthetics. When you make that match, you’ll not only give your dog a happy home, but also set yourself up for years of joyful companionship.
Good luck and have fun!
Team K9 KRAY
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