Which dog is right for me?

Which type of dog is the right one?

Sometimes things turn out differently than you originally think - but dog and owner are bound together for life and a harmonious relationship is a basic prerequisite for both sides for a satisfying life together.

Depending on the type of person you are, your dog should have certain characteristics that fit into your life as much as possible. Your own activities, fitness and time management, as well as personal external preferences, should have as much influence on your decision as your living and housing situation.

What size should your dog be?

One factor in choosing the right four-legged friend is the size of the dog. The choice of dog should, among other things, be tailored to your living situation, i.e. the flat should offer enough space for retreats and the garden or the surrounding area should be suitable for the exercise needs of your future roommate. The following applies: A small dog does not necessarily need less space than a large dog! A Great Dane, for example, is a large dog, but does not need more space than a small but lively Jack Russell Terrier.

For example, if you live in an apartment building with several floors, it is advisable to choose a dog that you can still carry in an emergency. For various reasons, some dogs are not allowed or able to walk up stairs and carrying a 30-40 kg dog up the stairs is simply impossible for many.

You should also consider what activities you plan to do with your dog. A small Chihuahua, for example, is less suited to jogging and cycling than a retriever.

Only by looking carefully can you balance your lifestyle with the needs of the animal. The size of the dog is measured, among other things, by the height at the shoulder.

Appearance and coat

Whether large or small, short muzzle or long muzzle, beige or rather black? Dogs come in an incredible variety of shapes. Apart from the basic appearance, the coat should not be forgotten:

Do you prefer it wild and curly or smooth and short? Or do you prefer long, supple fur? Dogs' coats come in many colours and shapes, and grooming can sometimes take a lot of time.

A thick undercoat can lead to enormous, loose masses of hair that swarm all over the home. If the coat is too thin or too thin, extra warmth, in the form of dog coats, must be provided in cool temperatures. However, there are some breeds that do not shed and are even considered allergy-friendly, for example the poodle.

General grooming is essential. While most non-hairy dog breeds should be clipped, other dogs, with long coats for example, need to be brushed extensively and regularly to prevent their coats from matting. Owners of short-haired dogs with smooth coats have it a little easier - just give them a quick rub down and the dog almost appears in a new shine.

We therefore advise you not to choose a dog solely on the basis of appearance, but also to consider the necessary coat care when deciding for or against a particular breed.

What type of dog suits you?

Even though looks are often the deciding factor in choosing a dog, the inner values should not be underestimated. Like us humans, dogs have different characters. For some dogs, a misunderstood or underchallenged nature can have devastating effects. Keep in mind that your new companion can only become the dog of your dreams if you are as well-matched as possible.

Examples:

The companion dog

A companion dog that always wants to be with you and enjoys a lot of attention.

The character is social and friendly, curious and willing to learn. Most companion dogs are also very fond of children. The dogs are bred to simply accompany and keep company with their humans throughout their lives. They need good, gentle training and are usually suitable for beginners.

A companion dog is particularly suitable for you if you work a lot in the office and have the opportunity to bring your pet to work with you. If you are a senior citizen, you are also well advised to choose these companion dogs. Many companion dogs also make good city dogs and are perfect family dogs. Whether Bolonka Zwetna, Pug or Poodle - there is a dog for everyone.

The hunting dog

Sporty, active, energetic and willing to work as well as self-confident and intelligent.

These factors describe only a small part of the characteristics of the hunting dog species. Due to the usually strongly developed hunting instinct, this type requires a lot of work, consistency and perseverance in training.

There are different types of hunting dogs, about which you should inform yourself in advance. From the small Dachshund, Beagle and Jack Russell to the Retriever, Weimaraner and all the so-called greyhounds, there are all different sizes and characters.

You don't have to be a hunter to keep a hunting dog. If you are a sporty and active person, enjoy outdoor activities and are open to hobbies and activities such as agility training, tracking and retrieving, a hunting dog is a good choice. While many hunting dogs need to be appropriately challenged, many other hunting dogs, which are among the more docile and gentle creatures, also excel as family dogs.

The herding guard dog

Self-confident, dominant, attentive, independent and always ready to defend his herd or his human.

Experience is required here: The usually large and strong guard dog needs consistent and strict training in addition to plenty of exercise. If you can maintain your clear leadership as a leader, the guard dog is a loyal companion. However, training mistakes can in the worst case lead to aggression as well as hostility towards strangers.

If you are already entrusted with the keeping of guard dogs, if you live in a large area or on a farm, and if you primarily need a four-legged friend at your side who will do his job as a working dog or farm dog and follow commands, this type of dog will suit you very well. As a pure flat dog, for the fulfilment of affection and as a cosy cuddly tiger, a guard dog is not suitable due to its very pronounced territorial behaviour and anchored dominance.

Popular breeds are for example: Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Kangal, Kuvasz or the Caucasian Owcharka.

The herding dog

Who does not know him? Lassie - the clever dog who always and everywhere helps sacrificially.

Intelligent, good-natured, obedient, attentive, active and persevering are the defining characteristics of the herding dog.

Herding dogs are working dogs and were originally bred to herd and keep herds together. Since this job is mostly omitted in modern dog keeping, the herding dog needs a lot of activity. In addition to an extreme amount of exercise, a lot of mental work is also required. This type of dog needs constant attention and demands. It is difficult to keep the right balance, because both underchallenged and overchallenged dogs develop undesirable behaviour or pathological compulsions. When well exercised, however, a herding dog can also become a great family dog.

This dog will become your hobby - you should enjoy being able to constantly offer the dog new challenges. If it is not possible to use the dog as an actual herding dog, you will have to provide enough other activities. Extensive sports sessions, agility, dog dancing or practising various tricks are great fun and provide variety.

The guard dog

The term guard dog is directly associated with German and Belgian Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers or similar massive "bouncers". They are very docile and loyal, confident and courageous and usually have a strong protective instinct.

Guard dogs need experienced, clear leadership and consistent training - but are then also prepared to listen to you and follow your commands. Because of these traits and their respectful appearance, guard dogs are often used in police protection or to guard yards and buildings.

Watchdog breeds feel most at home in a well-defined territory. If you live in a house with a garden or a large property that is well fenced all around, or if you can use a guard dog as a yard dog, you offer these dogs the best conditions. Mantrailing and other tracking work provides good variety and is fun.

The mixed breeds

The individual - With a mongrel, chance plays a part. Individual traits can be more pronounced than others. It is not possible to determine this in advance, as one cannot be sure which genes will be more dominant. By looking at the appearance, you can often tell which breeds might be involved. The character will be more unique than a typical pedigree dog.

To find out what your dog's preferences and inclinations are, you should test out different employment opportunities. Perhaps tracking is more interesting than agility, or the other way around.

Hybrid dogs

Labradoodle, Goldendoodle & Co.

In today's so-called designer dogs, two breeds are crossed in order to filter out the best characteristics. For example, the Goldendoodle combines the friendliness and balance of a Golden Retriever, with the non-hairy coat of the Poodle.

With wolf hybrids, such as the Czech Wolfhound, on the other hand, you should be aware that a species-appropriate animal husbandry does not correspond to that of a normal domestic dog. You should definitely have the appropriate experience with such breeds.

Our Tip: In addition to the types of dogs listed above, there are many other types of dogs - find out in advance exactly what the characteristics and needs of your future companion are.