How do I choose the right breed of dog for my lifestyle?
Updated 17 October 2026
In short: choose based on the dog's needs first (exercise, training, grooming, health), not its looks. Working breeds (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Husky) need a lot of activity; small companion breeds suit a flat better, but still need walks. Very short-nosed breeds (bulldogs) have well-known breathing risks. No breed is truly "hypoallergenic". And temperament depends as much on the individual and its upbringing as on its breed: a shelter crossbreed can be the ideal companion.
What should you consider before choosing a breed?
I already know:
Breed or individual? A large genetic study of more than 2,000 dogs (Morrill et al., 2022, Science) found that breed explains only about 9% of the behavioural differences between dogs. It gives a tendency, not a guarantee.
Which breed for your lifestyle?
- Labrador, Golden Retriever: sociable and easy to train, but energetic when young, food-driven, and they shed a lot.
- Boxer: playful and affectionate, needs exercise; short muzzle, sensitive to heat.
- German Shepherd: intelligent and devoted, needs consistent training and a lot of activity.
With children, supervision and clear rules matter more than breed.
- Cavalier King Charles, Bichon Frise, Miniature or Toy Poodle, Papillon: small and people-focused.
- Chihuahua: very small but lively; socialise early.
- French Bulldog: calm indoors, but a very short muzzle (see the health box).
A small dog still needs several outings a day and mental stimulation.
- Basset Hound: gentle, but stubborn and very nose-led: recall needs work.
- Shih Tzu: affectionate, regular grooming is essential.
- Senior shelter dogs: often already calm and trained. See adopting an older dog.
- Border Collie, Australian Shepherd: very intelligent and tireless; need mental work every day or they get frustrated.
- Siberian Husky: tireless, independent, an escape artist; copes badly with heat.
- Irish Setter: energetic, strong hunting instinct.
See exercise needs and dog sports.
Low-shedding breeds (Poodle, Bichon, Schnauzer, Barbet) leave less hair around the house, but no breed is hypoallergenic: allergens are in saliva and skin. A study (Vredegoor et al., 2012) found no lower allergen levels in homes with so-called hypoallergenic breeds. Spend time with the dog before adopting and talk to an allergist.
Which breed health issues should you know about?
| Breed or type | Watch out for | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Bulldogs, Pug (short muzzle) | Brachycephalic airway syndrome, heatstroke | Choose a breeder who screens breathing, avoid exercise in heat, harness rather than collar |
| Large dogs (Labrador, Golden, German Shepherd) | Hip and elbow dysplasia | Tested parents, lean growth |
| Cavalier King Charles | Mitral valve disease | Regular heart checks |
| Long-backed breeds (Dachshund, Basset) | Slipped disc | Limit jumping and stairs, keep a healthy weight |
For short-nosed breeds, the effect of head shape on breathing is well documented (Packer et al., 2015). A Comfort Y harness avoids any pressure on the throat.
Which myths should you avoid?
A small dog doesn't need to go out.
FALSEAll dogs need walks, sniffing and social contact, whatever their size.
Hypoallergenic breeds exist.
FALSESome shed less, but all produce allergens.
A purebred dog has a guaranteed temperament.
FALSEBreed gives a tendency; the individual, socialisation and training matter enormously.
A Border Collie can live in a flat.
IT DEPENDSYes, if you give it several hours of physical and mental activity every day. Otherwise it's a poor choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which dog breed for a family with children?
Labradors, Goldens or Cavalier King Charles are often mentioned, but the individual, socialisation and supervision matter more than breed.
Which dog for a flat?
A small, calm dog is often a better fit, but every dog needs several outings a day. What matters is the time you can give it.
Are there hypoallergenic dogs?
No. Some breeds shed less, but none is allergen-free. Test contact before adopting.
Should I choose a purebred or a crossbreed?
Both can work. An adult shelter dog has the advantage of a known temperament.
Sources
- Morrill K. et al. (2022). Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science 376, eabk0639.
- Vredegoor D.W. et al. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 130(4), 904-909.
- Packer R.M.A. et al. (2015). Impact of facial conformation on canine health: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. PLOS ONE 10(10), e0137496.