We believe every dog is perfect. However, you should always consider what breed would be the best fit for your family and lifestyle. Before going to the shelter or talking to breeders, you'll need to think about the following factors to narrow down the best dog breed for you and your family. 

Keep in Mind: Choosing a specific breed does not guarantee a specific personality or trait. Every dog is unique and there are many factors that can shape your dog's temperament and personality!

What Lifestyle Do You Have?

This is a great first question to ask yourself. No matter what breed, a puppy will need a lot of exercise, playtime and training. However, you'll want to choose a breed that matches the activity level you plan to have. Long term, this will make a huge difference in you and your pup's happiness!

For example, if you're looking for a dog to run with, you may want to find breeds that have higher endurance like sporting and herding dogs. If you do not think you'll be able to keep up with robust exercise routines, you'll want a less active dog breed. This consideration is equally important vis versa. It can be dangerous to overexercise flat-faced dog breeds (like pugs or bull dogs). 

Active Dog Breeds: Retrievers, Spaniels, Collies, Pointers, German Shepherds, and Dalmatians

Less Active Dog Breeds: Basset Hounds, English Bull Dogs, Great Danes, Pugs, Chow Chows and Maltese

Differences Between City and Rural Living

There is a lot to consider when living in New York City compared to the Wyoming countryside. One of the biggest differences is the space you have in your home and the environment you'll have accessible to you. Larger breeds tend to be more difficult to have in city environments. They take up more space if you're living in an apartment. (Crates, beds, toys and food get much larger!) You will also likely not have access to large spaces for them to run around. If you typically use public transportation like the bus or subway, you will have a more difficult time bringing your pet with you. There's a reason why you don't see Great Danes in the NYC subway!

If you are living in rural areas, you'll have plenty of space for all sizes. However, you may be looking for a companion to help with specific tasks: protection for other animals, herding, and hunting. Here are breads that do particularly well in these environments.

Great City Dogs: Dachshunds, Corgis, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Schnauzers, and French Bulldogs

Great Country Dogs: Australian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers, Border Collies and Border Terriers.

What Climate Do You Live In?

Unfortunately, many people overlook this factor when choosing their dogs. This is a more important consideration if you live in extreme climate areas (think Alaska or the Arizona Desert). You want to make sure your pet is comfortable being outside most of the year. While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, here is what we recommend if you live in extreme hot or cold climates.

Dogs Not Great in Cold Climates: Chinhuahuas, Dobermans, Boxers, Greyhounds (Small and short-haired or hairless dogs as well as dogs with arthritis or joint problems)

Dogs Not Great in Hot Climates: Alaskan Malamute, Huskies, Pomeranians, Akita Inus and Samoyeds.