How To Choose the Right Dog for Your Home

When it comes to getting a dog, many people prioritize “love at first sight” or aesthetics. As a rescue, we see this happen all the time. This approach can result in poor matches and cause you to either rehome the dog or return it to whoever you got it from.

The reality is that feeling a connection to a dog or how a pup looks isn't always a solid indicator that the dog you think you want is the right dog for you.

If you want to choose the perfect pup for your home, following these steps can aid in the process.

1. Look at Your Schedule

Be honest about how much time you can realistically spend with a dog each day. This can involve looking at your work schedule, social calendar, and other commitments you have.

If you are out of the house for eight (or more) hours daily, a calmer, older, more independent pup is probably a better match for you than a Velcro dog or a puppy who needs a ton of training and multiple potty breaks throughout the day.

But, if you work from home and your schedule is flexible enough to get a dog out for plenty of exercise and training, a puppy or a higher-energy pup could work.

Learn More: What Age of Dog Should I Adopt?

2. Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Think about the activities you like to do and your energy levels. Then, find a dog who will enjoy the same activities and has a similar energy level as yours.

For example, if you are a couch potato or Netflix binger, a more mellow dog who likes to chill is going to be better suited to your lifestyle than a dog who has enough energy to run a marathon each day.

Or, if you love running five miles a day and you want your dog to come with you, a low-energy, small-breed dog like a chihuahua probably isn't your ideal match.

3. Understand Breed Needs

We all have breeds we love, but that doesn't mean they're the right fit for our home.

For example, you may love how adorable corgis are. However, if you aren’t able to give them adequate exercise or training and make sure they aren’t constantly herding your kids, you’ll likely end up dealing with some major safety and behavioral issues.

That said, it's also important to remember that just because you had a particular breed of dog before doesn't mean the next dog you have of the same breed will have an identical personality. Keeping your personality expectations low can help you avoid disappointment.

Learn More: Understanding Dog Breeds When Adopting

4. Consider Everyone in Your Home

Choosing a dog that has a good chance of meshing with and being well-received by everyone in your home (both two and four-legged) helps maximize the odds of a lifelong match.

For example, a dog who was used for hunting might not be a safe choice if you have cats, birds, or other small animals. Or, if you know your big dog does better with other dogs his size, looking for a dog that fits that description can make integrating a new dog into your home easier.

In terms of people in your home, let’s say you live with your 90-year-old parents. A smaller or calmer dog will likely be a better match for your home than a 70-pound, overly exuberant dog who may unintentionally knock your parents down.

5. Get To Know Temperament/Behavior

If you are adopting a dog from a rescue, you can probably get some behavioral and temperament information about the dog. Use this information to determine if the dog is actually a good match for you and the environment you can provide.

For example, if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids and the dog you are looking at is scared of or reactive toward kids, there's probably a better match out there for you.

Or, let's say you live in an apartment complex, and the dog you are looking at has a very LOUD bark. You may want to consider a different pup that won't get you in trouble with your landlord.

6. Look at Your Home Itself

If you live in a small apartment and don’t plan on getting a dog out for plenty of exercise throughout the day, a calm dog is likely a better match for you than a high-energy dog.

Or, if you live on a big property surrounded by lots of wildlife and you don’t plan on implementing adequate precautions to keep your dog safe when outdoors, a small dog that would be an easy snack for a predator is not a wise choice.

Additionally, if you rent, make sure you understand any restrictions your landlord may impose on pet ownership. Be aware of any size or breed restrictions before you bring a new dog home so you can ensure you won't have to give up your pet due to landlord issues.

Learn More: Choosing the Right Dog If You Live in an Apartment

7. Be Honest With Yourself About Your Dog Experience

If you’ve never gone swimming before, would you learn by jumping into the deep end of the pool? Probably not. The same thinking applies to getting a dog.

Opting for a more challenging behavioral dog could prove really difficult if you’ve never had a dog before (unless you have a trainer on board to support you from the start).

Alternately, if you have extensive dog experience and are up for the task of adopting a dog with some behavioral concerns, please consider those dogs. Experienced adopters who can give those pups the second chance they deserve can be hard to come by.

8. Think About Your Physical Limitations

You may want a big dog, but they may not be the right dog for you based on your physical capabilities.

Ask yourself if you would be able to control a 70-pound dog if they suddenly decide they want to chase the squirrel that just darted in front of them in the park.

Or, if you adopted a 100-pound Mastiff mix and they fell down the stairs and broke their leg in the middle of the night, would you be able to carry them to the car to get them to the emergency vet?

Make sure you bring home a dog you know you can confidently handle in any circumstance.

9. Consider Your Deal Breakers

Ideally, when you get a dog, you understand that you are making a lifelong commitment to keep that dog no matter what. However, if you know certain things would cause you to give up a dog, you need to consider those factors.

For example, if you know you’d give up a dog for chewing your baseboards or having accidents in your house, getting a puppy probably isn’t a good option for you because those issues are more likely to happen with puppies.

Or, let’s say you cannot stand excessive and loud barking. If barking is a deal breaker for you and you aren’t willing to work through that issue with a new dog, avoid dog breeds that are known for barking, such as beagles, chihuahuas, or Yorkies.

Learn More: Are You Really Ready To Adopt a Dog?

Final Thoughts

Choosing a dog is a huge decision. Ensuring that you prioritize finding the right match for you can be more important than “a feeling” or focusing on breed, size, or age preferences.

As you search for the perfect dog for your home, keep these nine considerations in mind. If you do, you’ll end up with an amazing, life-long companion!