How To: Choosing the Right Dog Breed or Mixed Breed for Your Family and Lifestyle

One thing we can all agree on is our shared love for our pets. Many of us can't imagine life without them, but the reality is that pets don’t always integrate smoothly into every family or lifestyle. I’ve learned from personal experience and working in the pet care industry how important it is to choose a dog that fits your way of life. This all starts with finding the right breed or mixed breed.

In this month’s blog, we’ll be diving into the factors that matter most when choosing a dog that will be a good fit for you and your family. It’s not just about the cute factor, although we can take that into consideration:-)  — you’ll want a dog who aligns with your lifestyle.

Max's DNA results

Growing up, my family had several purebred dogs, including a Dalmatian, Doberman, and Bloodhound, and while most of them fit well into our farm life, as I reflect back, our Bloodhound Belle, had a particularly strong sense of smell, and keeping her safe and happy required a lot of extra effort that we didn’t always have the capacity for. In retrospect, Belle would have been better suited to a family that could have given her more consistent, scent-focused activities and training.

As an adult, I’ve leaned toward adopting mixed-breed dogs, starting with Jade, whose combination of breeds just so happened to suit my lifestyle perfectly. More recently, our dogs Max and Mica have taught me even more about the unpredictability of breed identification. Their shelter labels didn’t quite match their actual DNA results, which showed us how much understanding breed traits can help in providing a fulfilling life for them.

Max’s DNA results were pretty surprising, considering we thought he was a golden retriever border collie mix all along.  It was very clear that he was part golden, since he looks like a black and white painted golden, however we were pretty shocked that he has zero border collie in him.  Knowing he has guardian, hunting, herding, retrieving instincts gives me a lot more information on why he might bark at new people when they come to the house or why he thinks it's fun to play with chickens and geese.

Mica's DNA Results

Mica on the other hand, we knew that the shelter likely didn’t really know what breed he was possibly mixed with because he was found on the side of the road as a puppy.  They said he was a retriever mix, but a retriever mix he is not.  Mica is a true Heinz 57. Being more than 25% supermutt, we’re mainly going on that he has guardian, herding, and hunting instincts.  We’re integrating playing with a flirt pole, to create an outlet for his prey drive since he is a very driven dog.

So, if you’re looking to add a dog to your family, be sure to consider not just the appearance or breed guesswork, but the behavioral traits that come with the breed mix. Doing so will set you and your new furry friend up for success!

Adding a dog to your family is an exciting decision, but it's essential to find the breed that best fits your lifestyle. A good match will mean years of harmony and happiness for both your family and your new furry friend. However, if the breed doesn't align with your family's needs, it can lead to frustration and behavioral issues for your pup.

It's important to take all of these factors into consideration, not just one, as a dog's breed influences everything from their energy level and temperament to grooming needs and health, ensuring a harmonious fit for both your family and the dog.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing the right dog breed:

1. Energy Level

Different breeds have different activity levels. If you're an active person who loves hiking, running, or spending a lot of time outdoors, a high-energy breed like a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever could be a great match. On the flip side, if your family is more into cozy movie nights at home, a lower-energy breed like a Bulldog or Basset Hound might be a better fit. It’s important to understand that a dog’s energy level needs to match your own—otherwise, they may become bored, destructive, or anxious.

Chinese Crested & Irish Wolfhound

2. Size

When choosing a dog, size could be a factor that impacts both the dog’s and your happiness, as well as your home.  Larger dogs typically need more space to move around and may not be ideal for small apartments, while smaller dogs tend to be more adaptable to compact spaces. Additionally, a dog’s size can influence their energy levels, exercise needs, and how easy they are to handle on walks or in everyday situations. Larger breeds may require more food, bigger beds, more cleanup and maintenance of your home, a larger vehicle, and stronger handling. Considering the size of a dog ensures that your living space and lifestyle can comfortably accommodate their needs for a happier, healthier relationship.

3. Grooming Needs

Komondor

Some breeds require more maintenance and grooming than others. Breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus have hair that continuously grows and will need regular haircuts for their entire lifetime. If time and budget for grooming appointments or at-home care are a concern, it’s important to take that into account. You can learn to groom on your own, however it can be time consuming and costly to collect the necessary equipment. 

4. Space

Your living space plays a role in deciding which breed would be the right fit for you. If you live in an apartment or have limited space, a smaller or more adaptable breed like a Maltese or a small terrier might be a good fit. Larger breeds, such as a Great Dane or Anatolian Shepherd, will be happier in a home with plenty of room to stretch their legs.

5. Temperament

Each breed has its own general temperament, though every individual dog is unique. For example, Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them ideal for families with young children. In contrast, breeds like Chihuahuas or Jack Russell Terriers can be more independent and may not tolerate rough play. Consider the breed's typical personality traits and how they will mesh with your family's dynamic.

Australian Shepherd

6. Trainability

Some dogs are more eager to please than others, ideally making them easier to train than others. Breeds like German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Retrievers are known for their intelligence and quick learning ability. If you’re a first-time dog owner, or if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to training, selecting a breed that is known for being more cooperative and trainable can make the process smoother.  Keep in mind that if you’re a first time dog owner or don’t have the resources to commit to training, then it would be important to look for a breed that is cooperative with training, but not the smartest of all the breeds, or you may get in over your head.

7. Allergies

If someone in your family has allergies to dogs, it’s important that you take this into consideration.  Many dogs get returned to shelters because this wasn’t fully thought through.  There are “hypoallergenic” breeds that do not shed nor produce as much dander as other breeds, however it’s not fail proof.  While no dog is completely allergen-free, hypoallergenic breeds to consider are Westies, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear.  Doodles are also a very popular choice. 

8. Life Stage and Family Size

Dalmatian

Your current life stage should also influence your decision. Are you home most of the time, or do you travel often? Do you have young children or older family members in your household? For instance, a breed that requires constant companionship might not be ideal if you work long hours outside the home, and a large, energetic breed might not be a great fit for a family with small children or elderly relatives.

9. Purpose of the Dog

What role will your dog play in your life? Is the dog meant to be a companion, a working dog, or a running partner? Each breed excels in different areas—some are bred for hunting or herding, while others make perfect lap dogs or emotional support animals. Make sure the breed you choose aligns with the specific role you envision.

Conclusion

It's important to take all of these factors into consideration, not just one, as a dog's breed influences everything from their energy level and temperament to grooming needs and health, ensuring a harmonious fit for both your family and the dog.

When choosing the right dog breed for you and your family it's important to do your research and carefully consider how each breed’s characteristics align with your family’s lifestyle. By taking the time to make an informed choice, you'll be setting both your family and your new dog up for success.  At Auntie M Pet Care, we’re here to support you in every stage of your pet journey—whether it’s helping with dog training, pet sitting, dog walking, or simply offering advice on making the best choice for your family.