Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. It’s also one of the biggest commitments. Dogs become part of the family – sharing your home, routines and adventures for many years. Choosing the right one deserves careful thought.
If you’ve been asking yourself what dog should I get, you’re certainly not alone. With hundreds of breeds, countless crossbreeds and thousands of wonderful rescue dogs looking for homes all over the country, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that there isn’t one “perfect” dog. Instead, there’s a dog that’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
This guide will help you think through the most important factors before making your decision, whether you’re buying a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopting through a rescue organisation.
Why choosing the right dog matters
It’s easy to fall in love with a dog’s appearance or personality online, but owning a dog involves far more than choosing your favourite breed.
The right dog should fit comfortably into your daily life. When your lifestyle and your dog’s needs match well, you’re far more likely to enjoy a happy, rewarding relationship together.
Choosing carefully can help avoid:
- Behaviour problems caused by unmet needs
- Frustration for both you and your dog
- Unexpected costs
- Lifestyle changes that become difficult to manage
- Dogs being surrendered because they weren’t the right match
Taking the time to research now is one of the kindest things you can do for your future dog.
Start with your lifestyle, not the breed
The first question isn’t actually what dog should I get. There are so many factors that will affect the answer.
Here are some questions to ask yourself first:
- How active am I?
- How many hours will my dog spend alone?
- How much time can I dedicate to training?
- Do I enjoy long walks or shorter strolls?
- Can I afford ongoing costs like food, insurance and vet care?
- Do I travel frequently?
- Am I happy with regular grooming?
Being honest with yourself is much more important than choosing the trendiest breed.
For example, if you love quiet evenings at home, a high-energy working breed may not be the best fit. Likewise, if you’re planning mountain hikes every weekend, you may find a lower-energy companion struggles to keep up.
If you want to see how I chose the right dog for my lifestyle back in 2022, here is a blog post about my dog’s breed and why I chose her : Is a Springador the best dog breed for you?
Think about your home environment
Your home plays an incredibly important role in finding the right dog. Here are some home factors to consider:
House or flat?
Contrary to popular belief, many larger dogs are surprisingly relaxed indoors, while some small breeds have huge amounts of energy. What’s more important is whether you can provide enough daily exercise and mental stimulation. If you live in a flat, does your building have any rules on pets?
Garden
A secure garden is helpful but isn’t a substitute for walks, enrichment and spending quality time together. A garden is fantastic for playing with and training your new dog, and an excellent space for toilet training, particularly if you have grass.
Renting?
Check your tenancy agreement before bringing a dog home. In the UK, the Renters Rights Act now in 2026 means Landlords cannot put blanket bans on pets in their property. You can submit a request in writing and they have 28 days to respond. They have to have a valid reason to refuse pets, you can read more about it in this BBC News article.
Neighbours
Some breeds are naturally more vocal than others, which may be worth considering if you live in close proximity to neighbours.
Who lives at home?
How many people live in your home? If you have children you might need to consider breeds with particular family friendly personalities.
Wherever you live, it will be necessary to puppy-proof your home to try and keep your new pooch out of mischief! Everyone will get off on the wrong foot if they chew up your favourite shoes.
How much exercise can you realistically provide?
One of the biggest reasons people struggle after getting a dog is underestimating exercise needs. Even though I have a high energy dog and chose her for my active lifestyle, while long hikes sound great at the weekend my dog still needs plenty of exercise on a workday, or when I’m poorly. Thats when reality really hits!
Some dogs are happy with a couple of moderate walks each day.
Others need:
- Long hikes
- Running
- Dog sports
- Training sessions
- Puzzle toys
- Scent work
- Regular enrichment
A bored dog often creates their own entertainment—and it usually isn’t the kind we enjoy. Always make sure to have back up entertainment for in the house when your dog needs to burn some energy. Here is a list of enrichment toys available on Amazon to keep your dog busy on a rainy day.
Consider your experience level
If this is your first dog, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a breed that’s generally considered easier for beginners. In fact I would say that’s a very wise decision.
Some dogs are more independent, stubborn or sensitive than others. First-time owners often benefit from dogs that are:
- Eager to please
- Motivated by food or praise
- Sociable
- Relatively easy to train
- Adaptable
Consider a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
That doesn’t mean experienced breeds are impossible for beginners—but they often require more patience, consistency and training knowledge.
Read More: Getting a Dog: A Complete Guide for First Time Dog Owners
Puppies or rescue dogs?
When deciding what dog should I get, it’s worth considering whether you’re looking for a puppy or an adult rescue dog.
Choosing a puppy
Puppies allow you to shape their early experiences and training from the beginning.
However, they also involve:
- Toilet training
- Chewing
- Night-time wake-ups
- Socialisation
- Intensive training
- Lots of supervision
They’re adorable—but they’re also hard work. After only having a rescue dog growing up, my first experience with a puppy was eye opening. Night time wake-ups for toilet trips in the garden was the biggest shock!
Puppies need round-the-clock attention. If getting a puppy know that you won’t be able to leave alone very much for the first couple of months.
Take a look at my puppy daily schedule for working from home, to give you an idea of what a day looked like for me as a remote worker with a puppy.
Choosing a rescue dog
Adult rescue dogs can make incredible companions. Many are already house-trained and may have calmer personalities than puppies.
Rescue centres also spend time getting to know each dog’s personality, helping match them with suitable families. When I got a rescue dog as a child we got to meet the dog at the rescue centre multiple times to ensure we were a good match.
There are many national and local dog charities with rehoming processes, such as the RSPCA, Dog’s Trust, and Blue Cross to name a few.
Think beyond appearance
We’ve all seen a breed that melts our heart. But choosing based solely on looks can lead to disappointment.
Instead, think about:
- Temperament
- Energy levels
- Grooming requirements
- Trainability
- Health considerations
- Size
- Lifespan
A fluffy coat might look beautiful, but are you prepared for daily brushing or professional grooming every few weeks? Likewise, a striking athletic breed may require far more exercise than you expected.
Are you choosing a dog for children?
Many families begin asking what dog should I get when children are involved. The reality is that no breed is automatically “good with children.” Instead, successful family life depends on:
- Good supervision
- Teaching children respectful behaviour
- Appropriate training
- Matching the dog’s temperament with family life
Some individual dogs simply enjoy busy households more than others.
It’s equally important to prepare children for living alongside a dog and to ensure your dog always has a quiet place to rest undisturbed. Crate training can be really helpful to give your dog a private space away from little hands.
Read More: Life with a Dog & Baby
Don’t forget the long-term costs
Dogs aren’t just an emotional commitment—they’re a financial one too. Here is a snippet of what you will need to budget for:
- Food
- Insurance
- Routine vet visits
- Vaccinations
- Flea and worm treatment
- Grooming
- Toys
- Beds
- Leads and harnesses
- Training classes
- Emergency vet bills
I’ve written a full breakdown of everything I spent on my dog in the first year of ownership, from fixed costs to monthly costs. It will help give you a good picture of what to expect.
Read More: The Realistic Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK
Health matters too
Every breed has potential health concerns. Responsible breeders carry out health testing to reduce the risk of inherited conditions, while rescue organisations can often advise on any known medical history.
Take time to research:
- Common breed health issues
- Average lifespan
- Grooming needs
- Exercise requirements
- Insurance costs
Choosing responsibly helps support healthier dogs for the future.
Questions to ask yourself before choosing a dog
If you’re still wondering what dog should I get, work through these questions honestly:
- Why do I want a dog?
- How much free time do I really have?
- How active am I?
- Will my lifestyle change soon?
- Can I afford unexpected vet bills?
- How long will my dog be left alone?
- Do I want a puppy or an adult dog?
- How much grooming am I willing to do?
- Do I have support if I need it?
There are no right or wrong answers.
The aim is simply to find the best match.
Don’t rush your decision
It’s tempting to choose the first adorable puppy you see online.
Instead:
- Research several breeds.
- Speak to experienced owners.
- Visit breed clubs.
- Meet dogs in person.
- Talk to rescue organisations.
- Take your time.
The dog you’ll share the next 10–15 years with is worth waiting for.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself what dog should I get, remember that the answer isn’t about finding the “best” breed. It’s about finding the dog that fits your lifestyle, your home and your expectations.
A carefully chosen dog is far more likely to become a happy, confident companion who thrives as part of your family.
Take your time, do your research and don’t feel pressured to follow trends. The right dog for someone else may not be the right dog for you—and that’s perfectly okay. You might even have read this whole article and decided to consider a cat instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog should I get as a first-time owner?
Many first-time owners do well with dogs that are eager to learn, adaptable and enjoy spending time with people. However, every individual dog is different, so focus on temperament and lifestyle compatibility rather than breed alone.
Should I get a puppy or adopt a rescue dog?
Both can make fantastic companions. Puppies require intensive training and socialisation, while rescue dogs may already have basic training and settled personalities. Think about which option best suits your lifestyle.
Does a bigger house mean I can get a bigger dog?
Not necessarily. Many larger breeds are calm indoors, while some smaller breeds have very high exercise needs. Daily enrichment and exercise matter much more than the size of your home.
How do I know if a breed is right for me?
Research the breed’s exercise requirements, grooming needs, temperament and common health conditions. Meeting owners and speaking to reputable breeders or rescue organisations can also help you make an informed decision.
Is it better to choose a pedigree or crossbreed?
Both can make wonderful pets. What’s most important is finding a healthy dog with a temperament that suits your lifestyle and ensuring you buy from a responsible breeder or adopt through a reputable rescue.
Can I own a dog if I work full time?
Many people successfully own dogs while working, but planning is essential. Consider your working hours, whether someone can visit your dog during the day, and how you’ll provide enough exercise, companionship and mental stimulation.
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