Have you decided that it’s time to get a dog for you and your family, or just as a companion for you? Congratulations! You have made a great decision. Now you just have a few more decisions to make before you go out and look for your ideal dog. The first big thing is what kind of dog do you want? This can be a hard decision, or it can be easy. After all, dogs are adorable so it can be hard to find the one that is perfect for you. That is, until you take the time to research.

 

What Kind of Dog Should I Get? What Dog is Right for Me?

One of the first things you’ll decide is what kind of dog you should get? There are a few things that you should consider when you’re choosing the right dog.

Here are some tips that you can use to help you find the right dog for you.

Create a Checklist

• Did the breed I chose fit into my lifestyle and home?
• Can I afford to care for a dog?
• Is there enough time in my day for walking, training and grooming my dog?

 

Think about what you’re looking for.

 

You want to find a dog that has the qualities you’re looking for. If you have children, you want one that is friendly with kids. If you want a guard dog, you want one that is loyal.

 

Look at our breed lists.

 

To help you figure out what kind of dog is best for you, we have compiled a few lists that can help you find the right type of dog for you. They’re not all inclusive, but they are going to help you start on your journey to finding the right dog for you and your family.

 

Easiest Dogs to Own

If this is your first dog, chances are you want a dog that’s friendly and that’s easy to train, and maybe one of those that may not shed a lot. If you are looking for a dog that is low maintenance, we have some of the best breeds that you can choose from. These dogs are great for first time owners.

• Basset hound
• Beagle
• Bichon frisé

• Border terrier
• Bulldog
• Cavalier King Charles spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Collie

• Corgi
• French bulldog
• Labrador retriever
• Maltese
• Miniature schnauzer

Best Large Family Dogs

If you are looking for a large dog that will be great with kids and for your family, we have listed some of the most popular dogs below that are in the larger breed category.

 

• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Standard Poodle
• Basset Hound
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• German Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• English Bulldog
• Portuguese Water Dog

 

Best Medium Sized Dogs to Own

 

Sometimes you want a dog, but you don’t want a large dog. Maybe you don’t have the space, or you aren’t a fan of large breed dogs. If you are looking for a medium sized dog, there are many wonderful breeds from which you can choose. The 7 below are the top medium sized breed dogs you can choose from.

 

• Poodle
• Shetland sheepdog
• Labrador
• Wheaten terrier
• Bearded collie
• English Springer Spaniel
• Cocker spaniel

 

Best Small Dog Breeds

If you have your heart set on a dog, but you don’t have a lot of space or you’re always traveling, a small dog breed is one of the best choices. These tiny dogs can often fit in a purse or a carrier and make wonderful companions. They’re also great choices for people who live in pet friendly apartments.

• Yorkshire terriers
• Dachshund
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Chihuahua
• Pug
• Pomeranian
• Boston terrier
• Maltese

 

Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Has your son or daughter been bugging you to get a dog? If not, you’re not alone. But the good news is that a dog can be a great addition to your family. They can give them unconditional love and teach them cooperation and responsibility. When you are looking for a dog for your child and family, consider your children’s ages and your lifestyle. Some of the breeds have a lot of patience and others can play all days. There are still others that are very protective when it comes to children. Even though the majority of dogs are wonderful to train, you might also need to train the children some too. Below are some of the breeds suggested by the AKC for children.

• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Standard Poodle
• Basset Hound
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• German Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• English Bulldog
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Alaskan Malamute
• Australian terrier
• Beauceron
• Boston Terrier
• Burmese Mountain Dog
• Border Terrier
• Boxer
• Keeshond
• Newfoundland

 

Best Family Protection Dogs - Guard Dogs

If you are looking for a dog that is ready to guard your home and your family, the good news is that there are plenty of breeds whose instinct is to do just that. Guardian breeds are fearless, watchful, strong and loyal. If you are looking for a dog breed that’s not just going to let you know when you have a visitor but also will intuitively know that they have to give you protection from something dangerous, you want a guardian breed. These types of breeds need socialization and proper training because of their size and strength.

• Akita
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog
• Appenzeller Sennenhund
• Australian Shepherd
• Beauceron
• Belgian Laekenois
• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Black Russian Terrier

• Boerboels
• Boxer
• Briard

 

Now that you have a better idea of what type of dog is going to be best for you, it’s time to go and find your best friend. If you decide to go buy from a breeder, it’s a good idea to read their reviews and make sure that they’re not a puppy mill. Otherwise your dog might come with problems due to inbreeding. Good luck finding your new best friend!