Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions when bringing a new furry friend into your home. It’s not just about picking the cutest pup—it’s about finding a breed that suits your lifestyle, energy levels, and family dynamic.

We sat down with Emily from Canine Clarity Dog Training to discuss why breed research is so important, what to consider before choosing a dog, and how to set yourself up for success when welcoming a new pet into your life.

Why Choosing the Right Breed Matters

“When we pick the right breeds for us and our lifestyle and our family, fewer dogs end up for adoption,” says Emily.

Many people fall in love with a breed’s appearance but don’t always consider whether their energy levels, temperament, and care needs match their own lifestyle. Some dogs need constant mental and physical stimulation, while others are happy to lounge around all day.

Doing breed research before choosing a dog helps ensure you can meet their needs—leading to a happier pet and fewer behavioural issues down the track.

Matching Breeds to Your Lifestyle

A dog’s breed can tell you a lot about what they need in terms of exercise, training, and day-to-day care. Emily emphasises that it’s important to think about how a dog will fit into your routine.

Families with young kids

“If you, for example, have a family with young kids, maybe getting a farm-style dog like an Australian Cattle Dog or a Kelpie is not the right fit for you,” says Emily. “Maybe something that is a little bit more relaxed and chilled would be a better option.”

These high-energy working breeds were bred for herding and require constant stimulation, making them a challenge for busy families. Instead, breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often better suited to homes with children.

Active lifestyles

“If you do have a more active lifestyle, you do exercise often, go running and things like that, then you would be looking at a breed that is a little bit more hyperactive, a little bit more energetic,” says Emily.

For those who enjoy hiking, running, or long outdoor adventures, breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and German Shorthaired Pointers thrive in active environments and need lots of exercise to stay happy.

Lower-energy lifestyles

If your lifestyle is more relaxed, a dog with lower exercise needs may be a better match. While Emily doesn’t mention specific breeds in this category, breeds like French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, and Shih Tzus are known for being great companions for less active owners.

The key takeaway? Do your research. “Reach out, ask some trainers what would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle,” Emily advises. “They’d be more than happy to help you.”

Why It’s Important to Find a Reputable Breeder

Once you’ve found the right breed, sourcing your dog ethically is just as important.

“Sourcing your dog from the right place is really important,” says Emily. “You want to stay away from places like social media and things like that. When you are sourcing your dog, you just want to set yourselves up for success and make sure you have as much information as possible.”

Finding a responsible breeder ensures your new pup has been bred in a healthy, ethical environment. Emily explains that responsible breeders understand their dogs’ genetics and lineage, which can help prevent inherited health and behavioural issues.

“The reason you want to source your dog from a reputable breeder is because they are familiar with the lineage and the genetics that they have bred,” she says. “If you are unsure on the genetics or the lineage of your dog, you may get some undesirable behavioural traits in your dog—things like anxiety, reactivity, nervousness.”

A good breeder will be transparent about the dog’s medical history and temperament and will prioritise responsible breeding practices.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Choosing the right breed and finding a responsible breeder can make all the difference in creating a positive, lifelong bond with your dog. By taking the time to research, ask questions, and plan for your new pet’s needs, you’ll be ensuring a happier, healthier life for both you and your furry friend.

If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your home, start with research—and don’t be afraid to ask a professional for guidance. As Emily says, "Reach out, ask some trainers what would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. They’d be more than happy to help you.”