How to choose a puppy that fits your lifestyle

Thinking of welcoming a new puppy into your home? Find out how to find one that fits your lifestyle.

Bringing a new puppy into your family is an exciting experience – but it is also one that comes with a big responsibility. Because beyond the joys of playing and cuddling with your cute new pet, you need to ensure you can adequately care for your dog. And your ability to do this will largely depend on your lifestyle, and how much time you have to care the unique needs of that particular breed.

Choose the right dog and you’ll enjoy many years of happiness together. Get it wrong and you could be facing years of misery for you both.

So before you start searching for the best puppies for sale in your area, read this comprehensive guide to finding the perfect furry friend, based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Think about your lifestyle and daily routine

The first step in choosing a new puppy is to honestly review your lifestyle. Puppies need different levels of care depending on their breed, temperament, and individual character. So think about the following before choosing a pooch:

Your activity level: Are you an active person who enjoys being active outdoors – for example, hiking, running, or walking? Or are you more likely to be found at weekend on the couch in front of Netflix? Some puppies, especially those from working breeds, will need regular exercise and mental stimulation, while others are happy with a few daily walks.
Your work routine: Do you work from home or spend long hours away at work? Some breeds, like Basset Hounds or Greyhounds, are okay with being alone for long periods, while others, like Labrador Retrievers, need constant interaction and can develop separation anxiety if they are left alone too often. For example, families considering black lab puppies should know that while they’re loving and loyal, they also need plenty of companionship and stimulation to stay happy. Leaving them alone too often can lead to restlessness or unwanted behaviors.
Your home environment: How large is your living space? Big, energetic dogs might not be a good fit (literally!) for apartment living, while small or less active puppies may suit more confined spaces. Breeds like Mini Goldendoodles, for instance, can adapt well to smaller homes while still enjoying playtime in the yard or indoor activities. If you have a yard, some breeds will love the space to run around, but others are perfectly happy indoors.

Research breed characteristics and tendencies

While every dog is unique, there are some common breed characteristics that can give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of temperament, energy levels, and care needs. Here’s a quick summary of some common breed categories.

Working dogs (Boxers, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers)

Working dogs were bred for jobs like guarding, pulling sleds, or hunting and are often intelligent, energetic, and strong-willed. If you like physical activity and can commit to consistent training, a working dog may be a good fit for you. But beware: without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored and destructive.

Sporting and hunting breeds (Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Pointers)

Often with friendly and energetic characters, these breeds enjoy activities like retrieving and hunting and usually need a lot of exercise, so thrive in active households. They are also known for being highly trainable and can be good for families with children.

Toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus)

Small dogs are popular with people who live in towns and cities, or who have limited space. Toy breeds need less exercise than larger dogs, but many have big personalities that require attention. They can be great if you are looking for a loyal companion who can adapt to a quieter, indoor lifestyle.

Herding dogs (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis)

Herding dogs were bred to work on farms and are some of the most intelligent breeds. As such, they need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise, making them ideal for people who enjoy spending time outdoors or fancy dog sports like agility or obedience training. Herding breeds tend to be very loyal but can become neurotic if not given enough activity.

Mixed breeds

Adopting a mixed-breed puppy from a shelter or rescue can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s important to remember that mixed breeds usually have a blend of characteristics, which can make them less predictable in terms of temperament. That said, they often tend to be healthier thanks to a more diverse gene pool, and can be a great fit for a variety of lifestyles.

One increasingly popular option is the mini Bernese Mountain Dog, a compact and family-friendly hybrid that blends the affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with a smaller breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It offers the same loyal personality and striking tricolor coat in a more manageable size, making it a great fit for many households.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a specific temperament and traits, cavapoo puppies are a wonderful choice. Their mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle genetics offers a blend of affectionate, friendly nature and intelligence, making them a great companion for families or individuals seeking a more predictable temperament.

Consider the size of the dog

Size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a puppy. Puppies grow fast, and you need to know how large your dog will be when it has fully grown. Some people fall in love with tiny puppies, without realizing how big their dogs will grow!

Small dogs: Smaller breeds are usually easier to care for in smaller spaces and are less expensive to feed. They often live longer and are easier to transport. However, they can sometimes be fragile and might not be the best choice if you have very young children. A mini golden retriever is a great option for those looking for a smaller breed with the friendly and loyal traits of a standard golden retriever. While they are more compact, a mini golden retriever is still sturdy enough to be a great companion for families, making them a well-balanced choice for various households.
Medium dogs: Medium-sized breeds, like Cocker Spaniels or Bulldogs, can be a great compromise, being a manageable size while still being robust enough for more active lifestyles.
Large dogs: While large dogs can be very loving and loyal, they do need more space, food, and exercise. They often have larger veterinary bills. Breeds like Great Danes or Saint Bernards also need a home that can realistically accommodate their size.

Think about their growing needs

Another important thing to consider is grooming. Some breeds will need regular grooming, including professional cuts, while others require minimal care. So think about your lifestyle and budget when weighing up how much grooming your new dog will need. Here are some quick tips on breeds and their grooming needs:

Low grooming breeds: Breeds like Beagles, Dalmatians, or Greyhounds have short coats that are easy to care for and only need occasional brushing.
Moderate grooming breeds: Breeds with medium-length coats, like Golden Retrievers or Australian Shepherds, will need regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding.
High grooming breeds: Breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Bichon Frises will need regular grooming and haircuts.

Factor in health and life span

Different breeds have different health risks. For example, some are more prone to specific genetic conditions, which can affect their quality of life (and your potential veterinary expenses). Here’s something to think about:

Large breeds: Dogs like Great Danes and Mastiffs usually have shorter lifespans (6-10 years), and are more prone to hip dysplasia and heart conditions.
Small breeds: Smaller dogs often live longer (12-16 years) but can experience dental issues, joint problems, or luxating patellas.

Mixed breeds usually have fewer genetic health problems because of their diverse gene pool, however this isn’t guaranteed.

Think about the age of the dog

While many people love the idea of bringing a cute puppy home, don’t don’t completely discount the idea of adopting an adult dog. A puppy will require a LOT of time and energy for training, socializing, and housebreaking.

An adult dog, on the other hand, will often already be trained and settled in temperament. This can be a great option if you are a first-time dog owner have little time. Plus, adopting a dog from a shelter and giving it a loving home can be very rewarding.

Get to know the puppy’s parents

If you’re buying a puppy from a breeder, try to meet its parents as this can give you an insight into their possible future temperament and size. A puppy’s behavior is often influenced by genetics, and meeting its parents can help you predict how your puppy might grow in terms of personality and physical traits.

Choose the right puppy for your home, lifestyle and you

Choosing the right puppy is a big decision that deserves careful thought and consideration. Think about your lifestyle, energy levels, living space and commitment before bringing your new family member home. Take the time to make the right decision, and you’ll hopefully find y our new best friend.