The United States is home to over 70 million dogs, with only 143 dog breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Many dog lovers know that the value of a dog depends on its breed, which is why choosing the right dog breed is important; choosing the right dog is time consuming and tedious.

Dog lovers and families have different reasons for choosing the dog breed they choose. People choose a dog breed based on their personal preferences and their pre-conceived idea of what they want in a dog. For instance, there are those who prefer to get a dog according to the size, facial shape, appearance and even temper of the dog breed.

However, should you find yourself looking to get a dog, there’s more to choosing a dog based on your personal preference. In fact, there are three important factors you need to keep in mind before getting a particular breed of dog.

Factor #1: Size of your house

The size of the house or property is one important factor to consider before buying a dog. How much space do you have? Will your house or the size of your property allow a dog to roam? If you live in a small apartment, don’t buy a large dog breed. For a small living space, a small dog breed is ideal because it won’t need a lot of space to raise.

Factor #2: Children in the household

Do you have children? Are there children living with you? If so, it’s best to consider getting a dog breed with children in mind rather than your own preference. For instance, a chihuahua is a delicate dog breed so it’s not the ideal dog to take home; a chihuahua is too frail for children to handle and take care. However, a dog like a Saint Bernard could be too much of a safety risk for kids, especially if you have very small children. The main thing to remember is the dog breed you choose needs to be appropriate to the age and number of children in your household.

Factor #3: Your Job

What kind of job do you have? With the demands of work, would you have time to devote to grooming a dog? If the nature of your job doesn’t really give you a lot of free time, you can still get a dog, one that doesn’t require a lot of grooming. For instance, terriers are the best dog breed choice for many busy people. Terriers have short hair and don’t require to be groomed too much. Keep in mind when you’re choosing a dog breed that the best dog breed for you is one that is compatible with your lifestyle.

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