How to choose the best dog for your family

Although we'll be suggesting various dog breeds, let's begin by heeding a bit of advice from Dr. Emily Weiss of the ASPCA to "not be breedists." In fact, the ASPCA strongly recommends choosing a dog based on its individual personality, not its breed. To continue our car analogy, you might dream about owning an old Jaguar because a neighbor used to own one. But there's no guarantee the Jaguar you'll get is going to run the same as your neighbor's (which might not be such a bad thing). As we progress, please keep in mind that breed suggestions should be seen solely as helpful hints for finding the perfect pooch.

Before getting your heart set on a particular dog, consider your housing situation and region's climate. Do you live in an apartment? If so, you may want to skip the 150lb St. Bernard. And have mercy on your neighbors by avoiding "talkative" (i.e. barking) dogs such as Pomeranians and Beagles.  Obviously, big dogs need more space than small dogs (though they aren't necessarily more active). Apartment dwellers and city folks should consider smaller breeds, such as a Boston Terrier or a Pug. However, DO NOT get a Boston or a Pug if you live in a warm climate. These dogs actually have asthmatic predispositions that are complicated by heat. Always check with a vet regarding any medical challenges your prospective pet may have in its new home. Climate is a very important consideration when getting a dog. So, don't retire to Florida with dreams of getting an Alaskan Malamute. And don't think your Mexican Hairless wants to accompany you to Alaska to watch the running of the Iditarod.

Other apartment dogs: Maltese, Chihuahua, Corgi

Other hot-weather dogs: Afghan Hound, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound

Other cold-weather dogs: Akita, Newfoundland, Airedale Terrier

Have you ever tried to motivate a couch potato friend to go to the gym? If so, then you know it's next to impossible. Trying to transform a somewhat sedentary dog into a jogging buddy can present a similar challenge. In general, any small or toy breed who goes jogging doesn't want to, and is just doing so to humor its owner. The exception to this is the Jack Russell, which require a lot of exercise. If you're looking for a dog that does back flips when it sees your running shoes, go for herding dogs such as Border Collies and German Shepherds; also good are sporting breeds such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Other active dogs: Doberman, Greyhound, Boxer, Whippet

We've compared choosing a dog to buying a car, but it can also be said that getting a dog is also like hiring an employee. It's nice if it has attended a good (obedience) school, and has prior doggie experience. But most importantly, it must play well with its coworkers, which in this case are your kids. Beagles, labs, and retrievers are always big hits with the little ones. Collies are also great, but require regular grooming. Terriers are fun for young, active kids, but be careful because they love to dig and may want to help you with your gardening.  And don't expect the kids to take care of the dog, despite what they may promise. According to Holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, "Parents should understand that getting a dog is like adopting another child who will be with the family for 10-20 years." Granted, it's probably the only kid guaranteed to always eat everything on its plate.  

Other great dogs for families with kids: Australian Shepherd, Newfoundland, English Bulldog

You've just spent years raising unruly teenagers. So what better gift to yourself than a dog that's loving, but won't ask for an allowance or crash the car? Most empty nesters want a dog that's high on affection, and low on maintenance (often the exact opposite of human teenagers). They should consider Corgis, Shelties, Bichons, and Basset Hounds.  Also, empty nesters might want to avoid puppies altogether, and find an older four-legged friend from a shelter. There are many full-grown doggies that also worked hard to raise their litters, and would love nothing more than to spend their days sitting on the porch with you.

Other great empty nester dogs: Dachshund, Affenpinscher, German Shepherd

Just because dog hair sends you into a red-eyed allergic tizzy, it doesn't mean you're condemned to a life of pet lizards. There are many wonderful dogs that are easy on the allergies, such as Poodles, Schnauzers, and the White House favorite, the Portuguese Water Dog. Keep in mind that no dog can be completely hypoallergenic, but there are definitely some dogs that will leave your domicile with much less dander.

Other good allergy-friendly dogs: Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Kerry Blue Terrier

It's important to make a special mention about mutts. They can be great, as they're often free of a purebred's health challenges. But Dr. Osborne warns, "When adopting a mixed breed, people need to be aware that they can end up with the best or the worst of both breeds."  The same is true for designer dogs (a purposeful cross between purebreds). There are no long-term statistics on the personality traits and disease disposition of designer dogs. So if you're considering a designer doggie, be sure to do your research on the challenges those bloodlines might have.

Finally, it's time to actually select the dog. You've considered your lifestyle, environment, and family needs, and maybe even seen a picture of a dog or puppy that seems perfect on a shelter's website. Dr. Osborne states that when selecting your puppy, "Take to your heart the puppy who takes you to his. Don't take the shy puppy in the corner, or the most aggressive. Look for Middle of the Road Joe." And when you've found that perfect pooch, be sure to bring it home on a quiet day when the puppy won't be overwhelmed. Don't bring a puppy home on a birthday or holiday (and never give one as a gift. It's far too personal).

Even if you do everything right, there's still no guarantee that you'll get the dog you imagined. Like children, they'll have some of the traits you expected, but they'll also be individuals. Be sure leave a place of love in your heart for whoever your dog turns out to be. In most circumstances, you'll find that loving your dog as unconditionally as it loves you will go a long way in making it the right one for your family.