How to choose the right dog breed for you: the guide that saves you 15 years of regret

Dog abandonment in Spain is among the highest in Europe: more than 100.000 animals are abandoned every year. One of the most frequent causes is incompatibility between the dog and the owner's lifestyle: the person chose without doing their research or fell in love with an image without understanding what that breed entails. This guide will help you make the right decision.

The questions you should ask yourself before

• How many hours a day can you dedicate to it? Not in theory: on a normal workday.
• How much exercise can you realistically give him? A 20-minute walk is very different from 2 hours of active exercise.
• Do you have a garden or do you live in an apartment? (See article about pets in apartments)
• Do you have experience with dogs? Some breeds are not for beginners.
• Are there small children at home?
• Do you have allergies? (Hypoallergenic breeds such as Poodle, Maltese, Lagotto)
• How much can you spend? Large breeds = more food, more vet, more grooming.

By level of experience

Breeds for first-timers

Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Shih Tzu, Beagle. They learn quickly, have good temperaments, and are tolerant of beginner mistakes.

Breeds that require experience

Malinois, Akita, Chow Chow, Doberman, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky. These are magnificent breeds in the right hands. In inexperienced hands, they can become problematic.

By level of activity

• Very active (for athletes): Border Collie, Malinois, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Jack Russell
• Average activity: Labrador, Golden, Spaniel, Boxer
• Low-medium: French Bulldog, Basset Hound, Greyhound, Pug

The danger of Instagram

Photos of Huskies, Malinois, and German Shepherds on Instagram explode in popularity, and then the number of abandoned dogs of those same breeds explodes. A Husky without an outlet for its energy will destroy houses and howl for hours. A Malinois without a job and mental stimulation becomes a serious problem. Fall in love with a personality, not a picture.

Once you've made the right choice, start with the best breed-specific food and essential care for their arrival.

Conclusion

The perfect breed doesn't exist: the perfect breed for you does. Take the time to research before adopting or buying, consult with responsible breeders or shelters, and be honest with yourself about what you can truly offer. A dog that's a good fit for your lifestyle will be an extraordinary companion for 10-15 years.