Choosing the right dog is an exciting decision, but it can also be a challenging one. With so many breeds, sizes, and personalities to consider, finding the perfect canine companion that fits your lifestyle and preferences requires careful thought. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a dog, helping you find the perfect furry friend for your home.

Working Dogs

Working dogs are known for their high intelligence, enthusiasm, and sense of responsibility! They are used for various tasks such as herding cattle and sheep, rescue operations, and guarding properties. It’s important to give them tasks to do; otherwise, they might become depressed from boredom.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Height: 25-30 cm

Weight: 9-12 kg

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Exercise Needs: Medium

Grooming Frequency: Low

Originally, Corgis were used for herding cattle. Their short legs allowed them to navigate quickly among the cattle without getting injured by hooves. Nowadays, Corgis are more often seen as popular pets rather than working dogs. Many friends of mine have Corgis as their pets. With their short legs, round bottoms, and pointed ears, they are quite distinctive! On rainy days, their bellies often get wet, but that’s just the way it is with short legs.

Although they are small in size, their personality is quite similar to that of larger dogs. They are energetic, love running, chasing balls, and playing with bigger dogs. They may bark when they get excited, such as when their owner comes home. Additionally, Corgis don’t need haircuts; they are a shedding breed.

German Shepherd

Height: 58-63 cm

Weight: 22-49 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Frequency: Medium

I absolutely adore German Shepherds; they are so impressive! They are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable, quickly picking up various commands. It's undeniable that there's a significant difference in intelligence among dog breeds—some dogs just don't seem to understand commands at all. For example, a friend's German Shepherd will gently place the ball at their owner's feet and lie quietly, waiting for the next throw.

As with all working dogs, German Shepherds should not be confined to the house all day. They need plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. If you can't provide them with enough activity, they won’t be content.

Border Collie

Height: 50-53 cm

Weight: 12-20 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Frequency: Medium

Border Collies are renowned for their top-notch intelligence. Videos of their impressive herding skills are widely available, and they consistently rank as the smartest dogs in various intelligence surveys. Their independent and determined nature, combined with boundless energy, makes them the top choice for shepherds.

However, this also means that Border Collies may not be suitable for everyone. If you don't have a large yard or a lot of time to engage with them, it's best to avoid this breed. Keeping a Border Collie confined indoors all day can lead to health problems.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Height: 58-70 cm

Weight: 32-54 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Exercise Needs: Medium

Grooming Frequency: Medium

Taking a Bernese Mountain Dog out for a walk will undoubtedly make you a magnet for attention! With their broad, sturdy heads and naturally drooping ears, they look incredibly gentle and reliable. Their strong limbs and solid chest, combined with their soft, shiny coat, give them an air of regal charm.

Despite their impressive appearance, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being big, lovable goofballs. Their temperament is extremely gentle and sunny, and they are completely non-aggressive and non-jealous. They get along well with everyone, including children and strangers, making them very easy to get along with.

However, they can be a bit clumsy and excitable, especially when meeting other dogs, often forgetting their size and strength. Proper training is essential to manage their enthusiasm and ensure they behave well on walks.

Rottweiler

Height: 58-69 cm

Weight: 38-59 kg

Lifespan: 10-11 years

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Frequency: Low

Rottweilers might intimidate people who aren’t familiar with dogs, but those raised with people from a young age can be very affectionate pets. While some Rottweilers are trained for guarding or police work, those that are well-socialized from a young age and introduced to people and other dogs regularly are not aggressive.

It's crucial not to confine a Rottweiler to the house out of laziness, as this can lead to behavioral issues. Proper socialization is vital for all dogs, regardless of size. Despite their imposing appearance, Rottweilers have a playful and endearing side. As puppies, they can be quite mischievous, similar to Labradors, enjoying chewing, rolling around, and playfully demanding attention. As they mature, they become more composed, though their behavior can vary.

Spitz-Type Dogs

To summarize, this type of dog generally resembles wolves. They have pointed, upright ears, sharp protruding muzzles, sturdy chests, and thick fur. While their sizes can vary, they all typically require a lot of exercise to keep them from becoming destructive. They have a tendency to dig and bark, and can be quite mischievous when young, requiring ample training.

Siberian Husky

Height: 51-60 cm

Weight: 16-27 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Activity Level: High

Grooming Frequency: Medium

Originating from Siberia, Siberian Huskies were originally sled dogs before becoming popular pets. They have a wolf-like appearance with a fox-like face, mysterious eyes, a strong chest, and powerful legs. Simply walking won't meet their exercise needs; some people even ride skateboards alongside their Huskies. Many people find Huskies to be very destructive, but it's often because they haven't expended enough energy. If you can’t provide them with significant exercise, it’s best not to get one.

Alaskan Malamute

Height: 58-71 cm

Weight: 38-56 kg

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Frequency: High

Alaskan Malamutes, unlike their Siberian Husky counterparts, have a commanding and majestic presence. As one of the larger sled dog breeds, they are muscular and require a lot of exercise and food. Their calm and steady nature makes them great companions, and they get along well with other dogs and animals. They have a thick double coat that can shed heavily, so regular brushing is needed.

Samoyed

Height: 46-56 cm

Weight: 16-30 kg

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Activity Level: High

Grooming Frequency: High

Samoyeds are renowned for their stunning appearance, combining the dignity of a large dog with the playfulness of a smaller one. Their fur is pure white, and their pointy ears add to their adorable look. They're often called "smiling angels," but that characteristic "smile" might just be a way to cope with their thick coat’s heat, as they tend to pant a lot.

Their temperament can be a bit mischievous, typical of many sled dogs. They need to burn off their high energy to stay well-behaved. They are friendly and gentle with strangers and children, showing no aggression. However, their obedience can be a bit hit or miss, as they might seem to misunderstand commands sometimes. They're known as one of the "sled dog trio of silliness," along with Huskies and Malamutes.

Akita

Height: 61-71 cm

Weight: USA 29-52 kg, Japan 34-45 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Activity Level: High

Grooming Frequency: Low

The Akita, immortalized by the story of Hachiko, is known for its robust build and striking appearance. With its strong bone structure, powerful legs, and erect ears, the Akita carries a dignified and alert presence. Its tail curls up proudly, enhancing its noble demeanor.

Personality-wise, Akitas are loyal, courageous, and calm, though they can also be somewhat stubborn. They require proper training from a young age to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Their strong territorial instincts and guarding nature mean they can be wary of strangers, making early socialization crucial.

Originally bred in Japan as hunting dogs, Akitas have been refined over time to become excellent family companions. They remain protective and devoted, making them both loyal friends and vigilant guardians.