Choosing The Right Dog

Find the right dog for your family by knowing where to look, what to consider, and what to avoid.

Dog sitting next to person and being petted

Adding a new dog to your family can be an exciting time!

But it is also a life-changing decision, as the dog will be a part of your family and will rely on you for years. Searching for the right dog can also quickly become overwhelming, as you find dogs from different sources, of varying breeds and breed mixes, ages, and more.

You are more likely to find the right companion for your family if you know where to look, what to consider, and what to avoid.

Factors to consider when choosing a dog

Puppy, adolescent, or adult dog

One of the first things to consider is the age of the dog you plan to get. The needs and energy levels of a puppy, adolescent, adult dog, and senior dog vary.

Puppies often require the most amount of work at first, as they are rarely housetrained, tend to chew everything in sight, and usually have had little training. You can’t leave a puppy alone for very long and they must be supervised to prevent toileting accidents and inappropriate chewing. All dogs benefit from basic training, but you will also need to appropriately socialize your puppy, which can take more time.

An adolescent dog is more likely to be housetrained but will still have a great deal of puppy energy and puppy behavior. Adult dogs are more likely to be housetrained and they might have had some training. You will likely also have a better idea of the dog’s temperament once they reach adulthood. A senior dog might be the right fit if you’re looking for a lower-energy dog.

Breed/breed mix

Dogs have many common characteristics and needs but different breeds and breed groups often have behavior, temperament, and energy differences. There are always exceptions, but breeds and breed groups differ in energy level, size, likelihood of prey drive, sensitivity, and other characteristics.

Generally, dogs from working, herding, sporting and terrier groups have a ton of energy and often need consistent exercise and mental enrichment such as play and training. Some breeds tend to be vocal because they were bred to alert to scents (hounds) or alert to changes in the environment (terriers and some herding breeds). Some breeds have short snouts and have more trouble walking for longer periods. Grooming needs vary by breed and breed mix as well: dogs with short fur generally require less grooming than dogs with longer fur or fur that requires frequent cutting.

There are seven recognized breed groups according to the Kennel Club (KC). The breeds within each breed group have common characteristics. These characteristics can help you narrow or even widen your search for a breed or breed mix. Keep in mind, however, that all dogs are individuals and there can be as much variation between dogs within a breed group or breed as there is between different breeds.

Research the dog breeds and breed groups that are best for your family before you visit a shelter or contact a breeder. If you jump in too quickly, you are more likely to make an impulsive decision and take home a dog that isn’t the best fit.

Size of the dog

A dog’s size can affect many things beyond how much space he takes up. Size affects not only the dog’s physical abilities and exercise needs, but it can also affect the type of equipment, such as a harness or dog beds, you need to buy. Large dogs tend to live fewer years than small dogs, so consider the veterinary, grooming, boarding, and other care you’ll need to commit to over the span of your dog's life.

Lifestyle and household considerations

Consider your schedule, activity level, and lifestyle when choosing a dog. Puppies and young dogs will need more attention and exercise than adult or senior dogs. If you have an active lifestyle and want to bring your dog with you, you might want a younger dog who is athletic and likes going places. If you enjoy more moderate activity, or your activities won’t include the dog, look for a medium or low-energy companion. If you are out of the house for many hours a day, a young puppy isn’t going to be the best choice.

The age and abilities of the people in your household should also influence the type of dog you look for. Children are full of life and exuberance but they can also be unpredictable from a dog’s point of view. A timid dog might not be the best fit for that type of family. Also take into account your family’s physical abilities, so that you get a dog you can safely live with and walk without the risk of being pushed over or pulled into the street.

Consider your home’s size and if there is easy access to the outdoors, green space, or parks. All dogs will need exercise and space to sniff and eliminate outdoors, but puppies and young dogs will need more frequent outings, and some dogs will need more space to run than others.

Where to get your dog: shelter, rescue, or reputable breeder

One of the biggest decisions, after the one you’ve made to bring a new dog into your home, is whether to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group or buy a puppy from a breeder. Each option has some benefits and some things you should look out for, but in all situations, you are looking for dogs that are healthy, have had veterinary care, and that the organization keeps the dogs’ best interests in mind.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue

Reputable rescues and animal shelters have dogs that can make fantastic lifelong pets. Shelters typically house dogs in one central location, while rescues will typically care for dogs in a network of foster homes. You can find mixed breeds and purebred dogs, as there are purebred dogs in shelters and there are many breed-specific rescues.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 390,000 dogs in shelters are euthanized each year. Some dogs are euthanized due to severe medical or behavior issues, but some are due to a lack of space or resources to adequately care for the animals. It is a complicated situation that is difficult to solve, and most shelters are doing the best they can with the resources they have. You can help save one of these lives by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.

The myth that all shelter dogs are unpredictable and come with behavioral issues is simply that. A myth. A dog can end up with a shelter and rescue for many reasons, including a change in the family situation, because of an unexpected litter, or because the dog got loose and was found as a stray.

There are some potential benefits of adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter:

You are helping two dogs – the dog you adopt and the dog that takes the space that opens up in the shelter or rescue.
The rescue or shelter will likely have completed a veterinary exam, initial vaccinations, a microchip, and possibly a spay or neuter surgery.
A rescue group might have some insight into the dog’s personality and training, especially if the dog has been cared for in a foster home.
Many adult dogs are already potty-trained, saving you a lot of time and training.
Reputable rescue groups will usually take the dog back if the dog is not a good match for your family and home.
The adoption fees for a shelter or rescue are typically lower than the cost of purchasing a puppy from a breeder.
Mixed-breed dogs tend to have fewer inherited genetic health problems.

There are some challenges with adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue:

A shelter might not know as much about how the dog will behave in a home setting. Choosing a rescue that has their dogs in foster homes can provide more information about how the dog is in a home environment, including if they have lived with children, other animals, or urban noises.
Although there are many purebred dogs in shelters, most are called “mixed breeds.” Generally, you won’t know what different breeds make up the dog you see. It is incredibly difficult to determine a dog’s breed just by looking at them. And while shelters and rescues do their best to provide a best guess, it isn’t possible to know for sure without a genetic test.

Research the rescue or shelter to make sure they are reputable. Ask about the veterinary care they provide the dogs and make sure they allow you to meet the dog before making a decision. Adopting a dog solely online without some interaction can be risky. A rescue that cares about the dog’s long-term well-being will usually require you to agree to return the dog to them if it’s not a good match.

Finding the right rescue

Signs of a responsible rescue

Whether you look at an animal shelter or rescue group, ask about the organization’s process and policies. You want to make sure you are getting a dog from a reputable organization and not a backyard breeder or person posing as a rescue but who is working only for profit.

A reputable shelter or rescue will:

Provide veterinary care for the dogs.
Allow or even require you to meet the dog before making a decision.
Allow you to talk directly to the foster family if the dog is in foster.
Agree to take the dog back, or require you to return the dog to them if it’s not a good match.

Both shelters and rescues usually list adoptable dogs online, with search filters so you can narrow the field of dogs you’re looking at. Search for dogs that meet your criteria for size, age, breed type, and energy level.

You might not know a rescue dog’s breed or breed mix, but you should still know how breeds and breed groups vary in behavior, temperament, and energy levels. Some rescues might have ideas of the dog’s breeding based on his behavior while in their care, and there are also breed-specific rescues. Research the dog breeds and breed groups that are best for your family before you visit a shelter. If you jump in too quickly, you are more likely to make an impulsive decision and take home a dog that isn’t the best fit.

If you’re searching for a dog through a rescue, you will need to send an inquiry about the dog, and the adoption coordinators will want to talk to you and eventually set up a time to meet the dog. This is an opportunity for you to ask some questions about the dog, especially if the dog is in a foster home. Consider asking these questions before you meet the dog, so you don’t spend time on a dog who isn’t suitable for you. Besides, it is easy to fall in love once you’re with the dog, even if he’s not quite right for your family.

A few questions to ask of a dog in a rescue or foster home:

How long has the dog been with the organization and the foster?
Has the dog shown signs of fear or aggression?
Does the dog walk comfortably in a neighborhood?
What is the dog’s behavior around other dogs?
Has the dog interacted with children or different types of people?
Is the dog house-trained?
How much exercise does the dog need?

Signs of an irresponsible rescue

Rescue organizations are often doing the best that they can, and none of them are perfect. But there are a few things to watch out for while you’re searching for your dog, and these should prompt you to ask more questions or look elsewhere.

The organization provides conflicting information about the dog.
The rescue won’t provide feedback from the foster family if the dog is in foster.
The adoption contract has no contingencies for returning the dog if he’s not a good match.
They can’t provide medical status or vaccination records.
There is a lack of transparency about where the dogs are from.
Puppy mills often hire middlemen to pose as rescue workers, run unlicensed "shelters" or even create a homey-looking environment where you can view puppies. People are often conned by these middlemen and "halfway houses."

Finding a dog in a shelter

If you’re looking at a shelter, you can go to the shelter during their open hours and see which dogs are there. Bring your children and family members to meet the dog you are considering before you adopt. Surprises are never a good idea for anyone when a new dog is involved.

Look for a dog that comes to the front of the kennel and is excited to see you, especially if you’re looking for an outgoing companion. Look for soft body language and avoid a dog that is very still and doesn’t respond to people. That dog might be shy or very scared. If possible, consult the shelter staff or volunteers so they can guide you to a dog that will be the best fit for your family.

If you find a dog you’d like to get to know, ask the shelter staff if you can visit with the dog. When interacting, ask them to tell you as much as they can about him. A few questions to include are:

How did this dog end up at this shelter?
What is the staff’s impression of the dog?
Has the dog been around other dogs?
Is the dog fearful of people or other items?

Buying from a breeder

If you know you want a dog of a specific breed, or you want a dog with a known background and lineage, you might consider getting a puppy from a breeder.

The benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder include:

Reputable breeders will provide genetic health testing to make sure your dog is not likely to carry any inherited genetic problems.
You will have the opportunity to teach your puppy from a young age with positive training.
You know exactly what you are getting in terms of the breed.
A reputable breeder will breed for the temperament and health of a dog.
A reputable breeder will, hopefully, prepare their puppies with appropriate socialization experiences.
A reputable breeder will require you to agree to return the dog to them if you can no longer keep the dog.

The challenges of getting a puppy from a breeder include:

There are many backyard breeders or puppy mills that use brokers to pose as reputable breeders so without doing research on the breeder, you may inadvertently be supporting a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
Puppies are a lot of work. Make sure you are prepared for the work and challenges of raising a puppy - cleaning up accidents, whining, and chewing, waking up every couple of hours when they’re really young to take them out to potty.
Purebred dogs tend to have more health problems. Although reputable breeders do health testing, the simple fact is that some breeds are more prone to certain diseases and health issues than others.
Buying a puppy from a breeder usually costs more than the adoption fees for a rescue or shelter.

Signs of a responsible breeder

It is critical that you find a breeder who cares for the dogs’ physical, mental, and social needs. Look for these characteristics and best practices when choosing a breeder.

A breeder who is concerned for the dogs’ welfare will know how to breed healthy dogs that are free from disease and physical or genetic conditions, using appropriate genetic and health testing as needed. They should be willing to provide the complete medical and immunization record of the puppy.
A breeder who breeds for the temperament and characteristics you’re looking for. Some breeds have different breeding "lines" that can affect the dogs' energy level, size, and build. For example, some hunting breeds have lines that result in dogs for fieldwork, and other lines of the same breed that result in dogs for the show ring. Consider which type will suit your lifestyle.
Allows you to see and perhaps interact with the parents (or at least the mother) of the puppy or litter. A breeder who isn’t willing to let you see or interact with the puppies’ mother might be trying to hide something.
The parents and all dogs on the property are healthy, clean, and not afraid of people. Kennels or runs that are full of excrement, strong odors, and dirty animals are a red flag that the dogs aren’t cared for.
The dogs live primarily indoors. Dogs and puppies who live their lives outdoors might show more fear of indoor environments and react to common indoor items such as doorways, lights, or the sound of AC or heating vents. For those getting a family companion, choose a breeder who treats their dogs as part of the family.
Engages the puppies in early socialization experiences for optimal behavioral development. Puppies who receive proper, careful socialization during their sensitive periods will be better able to adjust to living in varied situations, and this is best started before they leave the litter.
Requires you to sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder if you need to rehome the dog for any reason. Responsible breeders will want the best outcomes for their puppies, long after they have gone to their new homes. This means taking the dog back and helping to find an appropriate and loving home.
Breeds only one or two breeds. A breeder with multiple dog types and breeds probably doesn’t have as in-depth experience with the dog type you’re looking for. Look for breeders who specialize instead of those who have a wide range of breeds.

Signs of an irresponsible breeder

Unfortunately, there are breeders who are just trying to turn a profit or don’t have the knowledge or experience to breed their dogs responsibly. As much as you might want to save a puppy from those circumstances, you could be setting yourself up to have a dog with medical and behavioral problems.

Beware of breeders who:

Have a massive number of dogs and puppies on their property. If you see this, ask about how they manage to attend to all the dogs’ physical, medical, and social needs. This could be a red flag that they are more interested in profit than the dogs’ welfare.
Wean or sell puppies before they are eight weeks old. If puppies are removed from their mother or litter before eight weeks of age, they are more likely to have behavior and social problems.
Won’t show you where the puppies and dogs live or lived. A breeder should want to show you how well they care for their dogs, and if they don’t, don’t get a dog from them. This is a red flag that they are hiding something.
Have dogs who look dirty, unhappy, underweight, or scared. Know what a healthy dog or puppy looks like and don’t get a dog that isn’t clean, comfortable, and healthy. Dirty animals and living conditions are red flags that the dogs aren’t cared for. You might want to ‘save’ a puppy from those conditions but you might be setting yourself up to have to deal with health and behavior issues, possibly for the dog’s lifetime.

Beware of dogs from puppy mills or pet stores

Puppy mills breed puppies for bulk and profit with no concern for health or temperament. The dogs and puppies are kept in small cages with the bare minimum of food and water and many actually die from neglect. The dogs endure their entire lives without adequate space, veterinary care, social interaction, or exercise. Puppies from these places usually have severe health and behavior conditions throughout their lives, which is not only challenging for the puppy but brings financial and emotional costs to their families.

People rarely buy puppies straight from puppy mills and don’t realize that when they buy from a pet store, yard sale, flea market, over the internet, or in the local paper, the puppy is most likely from a mill. No self-respecting breeder who is concerned for the health and welfare of their puppies will sell them to a pet store. Even fancier-looking pet stores still get their puppies from puppy mills or from go-betweens that work for the industry.

If you suspect an organization, breeder, person or rescue is part of the puppy-mill industry, do more extensive research and get your dog or puppy from another source.

Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Puppies sold in pet stores almost always come from puppy mills, which are unhealthy and cruel breeding situations. It may seem easy and convenient to get a puppy this way, but you are likely getting a dog with health and behavior problems. Don’t support the horrific puppy mill industry; look for and support responsible breeders.

Finding the right breed/breed mix

Whether you are getting your dog from a breeder or a shelter/rescue group, the dog’s breed or breed mix can influence his behavior. The wrong pet in a family situation can be stressful for everyone, including the dog! Avoid that stress by learning about breeds and characteristics before searching online or making a trip to a shelter or breeder. Know what you are looking for in advance, and you will be much more likely to bring home the right dog for you and your family.

Factors to consider in a breed/breed mix

How big will the dog be when fully grown?
How much does the breed typically shed?
Does the breed require regular grooming from a professional groomer?
What is the typical energy level of the breed?
What was the breed originally bred to do?
What is the typical prey drive level of this breed?
Does this breed have physical traits, such as a shortened snout, that will affect the dog’s exercise habits?
Is this breed generally independent or social?
What is the typical lifespan for this breed?
Will this breed/breed mix fit your lifestyle?

If you have an active lifestyle that will include your dog, you might consider a dog from a higher-energy breed group. If you enjoy more moderate activity, or your activities won’t include the dog, a dog from a breed/breed mix with lower energy will likely be a better fit. Large or high-energy dogs will need people who can safely and consistently walk and exercise them. Also think about your home’s size and access to the outdoors, green space or parks. Dogs from herding, working, hunting and terrier groups will likely need a great deal of exercise and time exploring outdoors. Dogs with a high prey drive might not work well in a home with smaller animals such as cats or birds

Breed generalizations aren’t always true

It is important to be aware of breed characteristics but don't assume every generalization you've heard about a certain breed is true You may very well find a dog that doesn’t act like his breed is ‘supposed to’ If the dog’s personality, energy level, and other traits fit your life and lifestyle, then that dog might be a great fit regardless of his breed.

Choosing the right puppy

Getting a puppy can be an exciting time and it’s easy to fall in love with an online picture or a furry face peeking through a shelter kennel door! The love continues when you bring that puppy home, but the reality of caring for a puppy also begins. All puppies require some work to raise, but that effort is even harder if the puppy and eventual dog isn't the best fit for you.

Bringing a puppy into your home is a long commitment, so it’s important not to take the decision lightly. Jump in too quickly and you are more likely to make an impulsive choice that won’t be in your or the puppy’s best interests. Your decision will impact your life in many ways, so take your time and know how best to choose.

Before you choose a puppy

Before you even look online or talk to a breeder, consider these factors that can help you make an informed decision.

Breed/ breed mix. Dogs have many common characteristics and needs but different breeds and breed groups vary in size, behavior, temperament and energy. Research the dog breeds and breed groups that are best for your family before you visit a shelter or contact a breeder about a puppy.
Your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle that will include your dog, consider a puppy from a higher-energy breed group. If you enjoy more moderate activity, or your activities won’t include the dog, a dog from a breed/breed mix with lower energy will likely be a better fit. Large or high-energy dogs will require people who can safely and consistently walk and exercise them.
Your home and environment. Consider your home’s size and how easy it is to access the outdoors, green space or parks. Some dogs will need more outdoor time than others as they grow, and all dogs grow! If you live in a small space that fits a puppy, make sure that space can accommodate your dog when he’s fully grown.
The age and abilities of the people in your household. Children are full of life and exuberance but they can also be unpredictable from a dog’s point of view. A timid puppy might not be the best fit for that type of family.

Where to find a puppy

There are several places to find a puppy, and some are better than others. You are looking for dogs that are healthy, have had veterinary care, and that the organization keeps the dogs’ best interests in mind. This helps you find a healthy puppy who will grow into a healthy dog, physically and behaviorally.

Rescues and shelters. Reputable rescues and animal shelters have puppies that can make fantastic lifelong pets. You can find mixed breeds and purebred dogs, as there are purebred dogs in shelters and there are many breed-specific rescues.
Breeders. If you know you want a specific breed and want a dog with a known background, consider a breeder. Investigate and research the breeder to be sure they care for the dogs physical, mental, and social needs, and that they breed for health and temperament and not just to get cash in their pocket.

Where not to find a puppy

Along with knowing where to find a puppy, it’s equally important to know who and where to avoid when getting a puppy.

Avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills breed puppies for bulk and profit with no concern for health or temperament. The dogs and puppies are neglected, overbred, inbred, and usually have severe health and behavior conditions throughout their lives. People rarely buy puppies straight from puppy mills and don’t realize that puppies sold at yard sales, flea markets, over the internet or in the local paper are usually from a puppy mill.
Don’t buy a puppy from a pet store. A responsible breeder who is concerned for the health and welfare of their puppies would never sell them to a pet store. Even fancier-looking pet stores still get their puppies from puppy mills or from go-betweens that work for the industry. It might feel easy or convenient to get a puppy this way, but you would be supporting the cruel puppy mill industry and likely taking on a dog with significant health issues.

What to look for in a puppy

When you look at a litter or walk down the aisles of a shelter, look for a puppy that is actively seeking out your attention and does not seem overly shy or wary of you. Some people are naturally drawn to pups that are gregarious and playful while others tend to go toward the shy or frightened pup. Pups who are shy might continue to exhibit shyness as they grow and this could develop into fear behavior if it’s not properly managed. Puppies who are timid or wary will need even more careful and deliberate socialization.

Spend time observing a puppy in her environment and watch how she interacts with other pups, adult dogs (if you can) and people around her. Encourage her to come to you and see if she likes interaction. Is she playful or does she avoid you? How does she react when taken away from her environment? Does she investigate novelty or does she whine to be taken back to something she knows and feels safe in?

Talk to the shelter staff, rescue group or the breeder to get a better picture of the puppy’s temperament and how she spends her day. Is she playful? Does she ‘bully’ the other dogs during play? Is she vocal? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions but they provide insight into the puppy’s personality.

When to bring a puppy home

Puppies should never come home with you before they are at least 8 weeks old to ensure they have plenty of time with their mother and siblings. This is crucial in order to have a healthy, well-balanced dog into adulthood. If an organization encourages or pushes you to take a puppy home sooner, beware. A responsible breeder or rescue will want the best for the puppy and will know they should remain with their mothers until 8 weeks of age.

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