Best Dog Breeds: How to Choose Your Pawfect Pet

The best dog breeds aren’t always the ones in adverts or on the packaging for dog food. Nuh-uh, finding the right dog for you the individual is about as specific as finding a best friend. That’s, well, because it actually is all about finding you a best friend.

There are oodles of considerations to factor in when deciding which are the best dog breeds for you. For example, exercise, training, budget, space, household members and the time you have time for cuddles.

Ultimately, choosing the best dog breeds to match the shape of your heart is all about taking a good hard long look at your lifestyle. From there, you just need to read this and make your match.

What is the best dog breed for you?

So, let’s break it down – what is the best dog breed for you? Somewhere out there is a puppy or dog whose heart is beating with the question “who is the best person for me??” Ultimately, it’s a happy marriage of needs.

What every dog really requires is to live with someone who understands them and their special breed needs. And that’s pretty much what we all need, right? So move over Tinder and every other match-making device, because all you need to get your perfect pet match is some great info.

Here’s a list of top considerations for finding the best dog breeds for you:

1. Exercise
2. Training and socialisation
3. Budget
4. Space
5. Household members
6. Lifestyle

Now onto the business; step right this way…

1. Exercise needs

First things first: all dogs are the best dog breeds. We truly feel that way, whether they’re Lady or the Tramp.
What we’re looking for here is the best dog breed to match you.

Broadly speaking every dog breed in Australia falls into one of seven dog groups. That’s because over time different dogs were developed into breeds for specific qualities.

Working dogs, like the Border Collie, were bred to help us herd. As you can imagine that means these guys have boundless energy. On the other hand, the dog group simply referred to as ‘Toys’ are mostly lapdogs – like the Pug.

Read the full guide to dog exercise requirements to find out each of the seven dog groups’ qualities. We’ve also included a list of some of the best (most popular) dog breeds in each group.

While exercise is a top requirement for any dog, there are some additional considerations.

2. Amount of training and socialisation

All dogs need to be well socialised and trained from early on. This is especially important because they need to know how to read other dogs’ body language to avoid dog fights. And, of course, they need to know when strangers (especially kids) aren’t a threat.

Most dogs have an inbuilt guarding instinct. Unless you train and socialise them to switch on the ‘good manners and restraint’ button then their guarding instinct can be left unshielded making them unsafe in public and social situations.

Some need more obedience work than others. Certain breeds like the Rottweiler and German Shepherd come with particularly powerful and energetic territory-guarding instincts. Not to mention they have equal strength to match!

Make sure you have time to train and socialise your dog from early on or find out about how to locate a great puppy training school.

3. Be sure your budget matches your dog and vice versa

The best dog breeds are healthy ones. And while food isn’t technically considered a healthcare product, making sure your dog gets the right type of nutrition at the right growth phases goes a long way.

Dogs grow the fastest when they’re puppies. But each dog also has growth cycles particular to their breed. Take a Saint Bernard for example. These guys are considered some of the biggest dog breeds on earth. And that means they grow for longer than, say, Maltese dogs do. Their bones, muscles and joints will undergo more pressure over their lifetime and need far more vitamins and minerals than small dogs might.

Be sure to budget well not just for healthy food, but also for dog and puppy care milestones like visits to the vet and vaccinations. Then there’s pet insurance, vet bills, equipment, toys, pet proofing your home and car, and more – it all costs money.

Money well spent, of course!

4. Indoor and outdoor space

What is the best dog breed to suit your home and garden (or no garden) space? This is a great question to ask because you want your home to be well suited to the dog breed you choose.

Generally, the bigger the dog breed, the more outdoor space it will need to have available, even if you go for daily outings.

Toys are good dogs for smaller homes and apartments with little or no outdoor space. Just make sure you’re prepared to do the poop scoop and have a litter tray at hand. Here’s an article on toilet training your puppy to shine a light along the way. Also read our guide to best pets for apartments in Australia.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Border Collie and the Labrador are dog breeds that need lots of exercise every day. It’s best that high-energy breeds like these have a good-sized yard to run around in.

5. Household members

If you live alone then you only need to consider yourself and your furry friend. If however you have housemates, or you’re a family with kids, then the best dog breeds may be the kindest dog breeds. Regardless, socialisation with kids and dogs from early on is essential.

Other pets in the household will sit high on your radar when choosing a new pet. If you already have a cat, for example, you’ll want a dog who can get on well with them too. Likewise if you already have a dog. Read about introducing a puppy to a cat.

As a family, you’ll have lots of questions to ask to make sure you get the dog that fits each of your hearts perfectly. To make this simple, we’ve put together a full guide on how to choose the perfect family pet!

Also be sure to read about how to introduce your dog to your baby.

6. Lifestyle: time for cuddles

When getting a pet, take note that dogs and cats are sensitive and emotional creatures just like we are. No one wants to be that neighbour whose dog is left at home alone crying each day due to separation anxiety.

Although some dog breeds don’t mind alone time too much, dogs pretty much prefer to be by your side most of the time.

If your work-life balance leaves you wondering how to fit a pet into your schedule, consider all your options. There are different ways of pet parenting that might suit you. As with choosing the best dog breeds, it’s all about getting the right fit. Read how in our ‘Tips for combining a dog with full time work‘ article.

The best dog breeds are the right ones for you!

As we mentioned earlier, we’re partial to all dog breeds be they big, small, fluffy or wiry.

That’s why – even though you might decide to get a purebred dog from an ethical dog breeder – you should always also consider dog adoption from a local shelter. There are so many pets looking for love as you read this…

Pet insurance for your perfect pet

We know the best dog breeds in the world are the ones you call your own. That’s why we’ve decided to give you a quick guide to dog heath problems by breed – here. That way you can properly safeguard your furry friend with the right exercise, food, stimulation and lifestyle choices. Like for example, pet insurance.

When you sign up with us online we’ll give you your first month of dog insurance free at the very least! Depending on the age of your pet or a promo we have going at the time, you might get even more. Plus you’ll get a discount if you take out a policy for more than one pet.

Your plan can help cover the cost of testing, diagnosis and treatment for illnesses and injuries, as well as third party liability cover and more. Why wait for medical mishaps to happen; safeguard your pet today. Click below to get a quick free PD Insurance quote.