Contents
Should You Get a Puppy?
How to Choose a Breed of Puppy
The 20 Most Popular Puppy Breeds
Where to Get Your Puppy
How to Choose a Puppy
How to Find a Veterinarian
Puppy Supplies
How to Set Up a Puppy-Proof Area
Your Puppy’s First Days at Home
Your Duties as a New Dog Owner
How to Crate Train Your Puppy
How to Housetrain Your Puppy
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How to Choose a Breed of Puppy
Dogs have been bred over time for their appearance, personality, compatibility, and even hunting ability. A breed refers to a group of dogs that share a common origin and certain physical and behavioral characteristics. The set of traits that define a particular breed is called the breed standard. There are about 300 different dog breeds worldwide.
The Main Breed Traits
The table below will help you think through the most important breed traits and choose the best breed for you.
Trait |
Considerations |
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Appearance |
Don’t pick a puppy based on looks alone. It’s important to consider all its characteristics before deciding which breed suits you best. |
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Personality |
Some breeds are more affectionate, independent, calm, or excitable than others. Before choosing a breed, think about which dog temperament would suit you best. |
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Exercise needs |
Dogs that require lots of exercise also need an energetic owner and lots of space to romp. Dogs that need less exercise can thrive with a less active owner and in smaller spaces, such as condos and apartments. |
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Grooming needs |
Some breeds need more grooming than others, depending on the type of coat they have. Grooming can require a lot of time (if you do it yourself) or money (if you hire pro groomers). |
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Trainability |
Some breeds are easy to train, while others are independent and challenging. Inexperienced owners are usually happier with more cooperative breeds. |
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Compatibility |
Choose a breed that will mesh well with the inhabitants of your household, including children and other pets. Some breeds get along well with almost any person or animal, while others are territorial and do best living alone with only their adult owners. |
Exercise Needs
The breed profiles provided in this guide’s list of The 20 Most Popular Puppy Breeds describe the exercise needs of each dog breed as high, moderate, or low, as explained below:
- High: Several brisk walks daily, with one additional round of vigorous exercise (such as a game of fetch).
- Moderate: A few brisk walks daily, with longer walks and more vigorous sessions on occasion.
- Low: A few walks at an average pace daily, with no need for vigorous exercise.
Purebreds and Mutts
Puppies with pedigrees, or family trees, that are entirely within a single breed are called purebreds. But many puppies, especially those adopted from shelters, are mutts, or descendants of a mix of breeds. Whereas purebred dogs have a consistent physical appearance, mutts look like a mix of the various dogs that make up their pedigree.
Mutts and Personality
It’s possible to predict a mutt’s general personality traits based on its mix of breeds. A shelter or the person from whom you got the mutt may be able to tell you more about your dog’s lineage. If not, a vet can help you identify the mix and predict the puppy’s personality traits. Keep in mind, though, that getting a mutt puppy presents a much greater likelihood of variation in personality, exercise needs, and other issues. On the other hand, mutts tend to have fewer health problems than purebreds.
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