5 Vital Aspects of a Dog's Personality You Should Consider When Picking Your Next Best Friend

 5 Vital Aspects of a Dog's Personality You Should Consider When Picking Your Next Best Friend

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Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They offer us an unending source of love and companionship, and they bring so much joy into our lives. The dog world is full of cuteness, and choosing your first dog can be overwhelming with all the breeds to choose from. However, with the right information you can make an informed decision based on what you want in a dog and what will suit your lifestyle. Having a certain personality type in mind will narrow down your search process and help you identify which dogs would be the best match for you. Each dog has their own unique set of traits that make them who they are as a person, not just as another member of their species. Let’s take a look at some key aspects of a dog’s personality that is important when picking your next best friend!

Activity Level

All dogs need daily walks, but some breeds require more exercise than others. This will vary based on the dog’s size, age, and health — but a good rule of thumb is to estimate that 10 minutes of walking per day is enough exercise for any healthy dog, regardless of size or breed. You’ll have to do some research to figure out what type of exercise your potential dog’s breed is meant for. Sporting breeds like retrievers are built for long walks and even longer swims, for example. Herding breeds like Australian Shepherds are meant for walking and some light physical activity, but definitely not for long walks. You’ll also want to think about the type of weather you have in your area and how much of your dog’s breed’s exercise needs to be done indoors or outdoors. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll have to adjust how much your dog walks.

Breed-Specific Traits

Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, which is something that you should take into account when picking your new furry friend. Some breeds are also more difficult to train than others, and certain breeds are more sociable than others. For example, Huskies are bred to be used as sled dogs, and they are known as being notoriously difficult to train. But there are many breeds that would make wonderful companions and are easier to train, like Labradors or Golden Retrievers. Certain breeds are also more sociable than others. A Great Pyrenees, for example, is known for being a quiet and calm breed that gets along with many people and other dogs. However, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more aggressive and would make a poor choice for people with small children. Be sure to do your research so that you aren’t picking a dog that will be difficult to train and that will get along with your family and lifestyle. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and heartache.

Intelligence

Some breeds are easier to train than others, and you can use this knowledge to your advantage when training your new dog. Some breeds take less effort and time than others when it comes to training. This could be the difference between finishing your training in a couple of weeks, or having a seemingly endless battle that lasts months on end. Dogs are ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is easy to train, and 10 is difficult to train. People often worry that getting a dog that’s supposedly “easier to train” will make their dog too easy to train, but it’s actually pretty rare for that to happen. Generally, the smaller the breed, the easier they are to train. Some good breeds to choose that are easy to train include Border Collies, Shiba Inus, and Poodles.

Temperament

A dog’s temperament is what makes them unique. Temperament is the set of behavioral traits that a dog has; these traits are the behavioral equivalent of a dog’s DNA. These traits are what make each dog special and unique. Especially when it comes to dogs that have been bred to be working dogs, temperament is a very important thing to consider. Studies have shown that certain breeds are more prone to certain behavioral traits. For example, German Shepherds are known for being very loyal and obedient, whereas Rottweilers are known for being aggressive and not as good with children. Temperament is something that can be very hard to gauge until you’ve brought the dog home and started to live with them.

Size and weight

This is one of the first things that most people consider when selecting a dog breed. Not only does the dog’s size determine which breeds would be best for a family with young children or a single person, but it also dictates the type of care that your dog will need throughout their lifespan. When selecting a dog, you need to think about what you’ll be using the dog for and how much time you can invest in caring for the pup. If you want a dog that isn’t going to tear up your house or eat your furniture, you’ll want to consider dogs that are less inclined to do so. If you want to take your dog out in public, you’ll want to avoid certain breeds that are more aggressive or exci