The Ultimate Guide to Adopting a Dog (By Breed)

Over the past few months, I've been writing a series of guides detailing everything you need to know when adopting a dog, by breed. I've covered the most popular dog breeds in America, but there's only so much time in a day, and I can't cover every single one of the 350+ different breeds, at least not any time soon.

That doesn't mean I can't help. I've put this guide together to help you go through everything you would need to know about a breed, even if I didn't cover that breed, as well as where to find the information, and how important it should be to you.

I've done my best to make this guide comprehensive, but there's always the chance that I've missed something. If you have a question I haven't answered, let me know in the comments, and I'll add it to the guide!

Why You Should Read This Guide

This is kind of two questions in one.

First: why do you need a guide like this? Adopting a dog is a big decision. Most dogs live to an average of 15 years old, which means you're making a commitment that will span well over a decade. That's not a decision you should make lightly or without being prepared.

Even experienced pet parents can benefit from reading a guide like this. Maybe you're looking at adopting a breed you aren't familiar with, and want to know what to look out for. Maybe you've just developed bad habits over the years and want to start fresh with a new pup. Or maybe you're doing everything right and just want to validate your knowledge. It's all fine!

The other question is, why this guide? Why trust me? I've been a pet parent for over 20 years, and I founded this blog to help share my knowledge, build a platform to help facilitate pet adoptions, and promote safe, non-toxic pet supplies. You can read more of my story here.

I strive to help people make good decisions and connect them with the right resources to give our fur babies the best lives they can live.

Adopt, Don't Shop

One of my guiding principles in parenting our furry children is to adopt, not shop.

Now, I know there are some ethical breeders out there. And I know that, if you're searching for a specific breed, it can be hard to find them at shelters and rescues. It can be very tempting to simply buy a puppy from a breeder. Nevertheless, I think it's lazy and potentially cruel.

The truth is, unless you're searching for a very rare dog breed, you can find one to adopt somewhere. There are entire organizations dedicated to rescuing specific breeds, and you can save a dog from a shelter halfway across the country with the right motivation. I've seen some wondrous pet trains, carrying a cat or dog from a shelter hundreds of miles away to their forever home.

When you buy from a breeder, even from a reputable breeder, dogs living in shelters lose that opportunity. In the worst cases, those shelters might be kill shelters, and that dog loses its life. I abhor the idea that any animal should die for being unwanted. Shelters are full of dogs that can be some of the most loving, incredible, wonderful additions to our lives you'll ever find.

So, whether you go to your local shelter and pick the pooch that clicks with you, or you seek out a specialty breed and move them from across the country to their forever home, I will always say: adopt, don't shop.

How to Know if a Particular Dog Breed is Right for You

Some of you already know what breed you want to adopt. If you aren't sure, let's talk about what you need to think about when picking a breed.

Exercise and Attention Needs

Different breeds have different needs. Trying to keep a Great Dane in a tiny apartment, adopting an anxious pup when you spend ten hours a day at work, these kinds of lifestyle mismatches can be harmful to both you and your pooch.

Consider activity levels. If you don't like to get up and move, getting a highly active breed probably isn't for you.

Consider your family. Some breeds are better with children than others, for example.

Consider your resources. If you adopt a greyhound, do you have a place for them to run, or do you have to drive an hour to the nearest track?

All dogs need exercise and attention, but some are going to be stuck to you like Velcro, while others will be content to see you a few times a day. Some need to be running any time they're awake, while others will be happy to just watch you. Picking the right breed to match your lifestyle is critical.

Noise, Activity, and Shared Housing

Another consideration to make is the noise and activity levels associated with the breed. Some dogs are naturally quieter than others. If you live in a detached suburban home, a dog that loves to bark at squirrels or the mailman isn't going to be too disruptive. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment or condo, a dog that demand barks or night whines isn't just a disruption to you; it's a disruption to the people around you.

While you can certainly train a dog to bark less, there's always going to be some amount of noise. They are living creatures, after all! It's going to be better for everyone if you pick a breed that best fits your living situation.

Special Care or Training Needs

Some breeds need special care compared to others. Some have sensitive skin. Some shed a lot and need more brushing and grooming. Some have wrinkly skin and are prone to irritation and infections. Some have droopy ears and need special cleaning.

Mentally, you might also have to contend with traits relevant to training. While all dogs can be trained, some are more stubborn or resistant to commands than others, and some are, let's be real, too clever for their own good.

Both of these factors basically boil down to two concerns: time and money. Training takes time and dedication, and care often takes both time and specialty products. Sometimes it feels like a subscription fee to having a healthy dog, and it's one you have to be prepared to handle.

A lot goes into caring for a dog, so don't make it harder on yourself than it needs to be.

The Most Important Things to Know About Adopting a Dog

When you're considering adopting a dog and you're looking at breeds, what should you dig into? Spoilers: these are the same categories I cover in my guides on specific breeds.

The Physical Characteristics of the Breed

The first thing you should learn about a dog is the physical characteristics of the breed.

This includes the obvious information, like average size, weight, and type of fur coat. But, it should also include details like:

• Skin type (such as whether they have wrinkles)

• Ear type (since floppy ears require special care)

• Muzzle shape (since brachycephalic dogs have more issues)

You can even consider learning about the breed's standard colors and markings. Why? It can tell you if the specific dog you're looking at is common for their breed, a rare coloration, or likely to have a mixed ancestry and not be a purebred. You'd be surprised at how mixtures of different breeds can look a lot like other breeds, too.

The American Kennel Club provides great resource pages for different dog breeds, where you can get all of this information and more. Here's the one for Golden Retrievers, for example.

The Mentality and Personality of the Breed

Mentality and personality are tricky. Some characteristics are very much quirks of a breed. A dog that was bred over centuries to be a tracker that goes after prey in burrows is going to love digging up your yard. A dog breed bred to be a loyal guard dog is more likely to bark and alert at strangers. A dog bred to be a companion animal is more likely to be sociable and loving, even to strangers.

Obviously, every individual pup is unique. You might end up with the quietest beagle in the world, the most confident chihuahua ever seen, or a lab that somehow isn't food motivated. But those are going to be the exception rather than the rule, and you always want to know what you're probably getting into, so you can be prepared.

The Potential Health Issues Characteristic of the Breed

In all of my dog breed guides, I cover the common health issues of the breed.

I always try to put in a disclaimer, though.

See, breeds can be more prone to certain issues than average, but that doesn't mean that your pup is guaranteed to develop the issue in question, or even that it's very common. A rare issue is still rare, regardless of whether it occurs in 0.01% of dogs or 0.02% of your breed of choice.

Likewise, your pup is never guaranteed to develop issues common to their breed, and can develop issues uncommon to their breed. It's just the nature of living things to be variable. We love them for those differences, after all.

Still, it's important to know the most likely health issues your pup could face. That way, you can keep an eye out for the symptoms that can indicate something serious, when you might not otherwise recognize them for what they are.

Even for less common issues, you may be able to do things to mitigate stress in your fur baby's life. A pug with a short snout is going to have breathing issues and temperature regulation problems, so you can know to keep play sessions short and provide ways to cool off.

Some breeds will also benefit from genetic testing to look for the possibility of certain issues. This also varies by breed, and it's important to know whether or not you should get that test, or look to see if the information is available from a previous owner or local vet.

I've included the information I can in my guides, but since I only cover a few breeds, it's beneficial to know where to find it. I tend to like PetMD the most for these kinds of rundowns. Here's their page for Goldens, like the AKC above. You can see how they give you a rundown on common issues and the symptoms to watch for, along with why it's important and how severe the issue is.

The History of the Breed

Do you actually need to know the history of a breed? Well, probably not.

Personally, I always find it interesting to learn where a breed came from. Some have been much older or much younger than I thought they were. It can also help to know why a dog breed was created, which can inform their temperament and personality. Dogs bred for hunting versus dogs bred for running versus dogs bred for companionship, for example.

Plus, learning the history gives you something to talk about with other pet parents. Fans of specific breeds are more than happy to talk your ear off about their history, and learning about it gives you common ground.

Essential Supplies for Adopting a Dog

When it comes time to adopt a new puppy (or an older dog from a shelter), you want to make sure you have everything you're going to need. There are a few resources and checklists out there, but some of them are focused on a particular brand's items or might be incomplete. Here, I've put together the best list I can think of.

Some supplies, including healthy treats, grooming tools, and toys, can be found in my store. I do a lot of diligence to make sure I'm only selling items that are safe, non-toxic, and good for our pups, because it's a dangerous world out there in the online stores. You don't have to buy from me, but if you do, I'd appreciate it, and I know your pup will too.

Health and Care

Some elements of canine healthcare are non-negotiable.

Vaccinations are a big one. Your puppy needs their shots, and you want to have records of them, especially if you're planning to travel. Note that depending on where you live, some vaccinations may be more or less mandatory than elsewhere. Rabies, for example, is only mandatory in 39 states. It can still be a good idea to get it, though.

You'll also probably want some useful supplies based on your breed. One of the most common is skincare items, like lotions and wipes, especially for dogs with wrinkled skin. You may also want wipes or drops for eye care, swabs and supplies for ear care, and so on.

Food and Feeding Supplies

Almost all dogs are vulnerable to obesity, so feeding them appropriately is critical to keep them healthy.

You'll want to:

• Consider looking up a feeding guide for your breed, which can tell you how much and how often to feed your pup based on their age.
• Get good food and water bowls that can be kept clean.
• Get the right food. There are a million opinions on brands and formulas, but at the very least, make sure to look for foods with no filler, and get special puppy food when your pooch is a baby (they're always our baby, but you know what I mean).

Over time, you might need to change what you use, getting timed feeders or even just storage tubs to keep food away from your furry troublemaker. You don't need to invest in all of that right away, though, as long as you start with the basics.

Fun and Games

Just like all dogs need food, all dogs need exercise, even the tiny ones that love to ride in your purse, and the giant ones that love to sleep.

At the bare minimum, you don't need a lot for exercise; it can be as little as a ball or a stick, after all. But you can also consider more advanced exercise supplies, from cognitive games to agility courses.

Some breeds are absolutely too smart for their own good, and mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to keep them from getting into trouble.

Grooming Tools and Items

Grooming is a full-body, lifelong activity, and you'll need more than you think you do.

Some of the most notable items include:

• Brushes for the fur. You'll usually want at least two or three different kinds of brushes for different purposes, though the specific brush types can vary based on your dog's coat.

• Nail trimmers. From clippers to motorized tools, you'll want something to keep those beans healthy.

• Tooth care. Brushes, dog-focused toothpaste, canine oral chews; dogs don't get fillings or crowns the way we do, so we have to care for their teeth as much as we can along the way.

• Bathing supplies. Whether they're just getting smelly through daily life or they jumped in a scummy pond or played with a skunk, you're going to need to give your pooch a bath, and that means all sorts of supplies. Dubs, scrubs, shampoos and soaps, driers, rugs for traction, you'll need a lot.

Depending on the kinds of pests local to you, you might also need a tick remover tool, along with other little helpful gadgets.

General Care Items

What have I missed so far?

There's plenty:

• A harness or leash. Most places have leash laws, so even if your pup is very well-trained, they need to be kept on a lead. You'll probably want a few, for different purposes and with different lengths.

• A crate. Crate training a dog is probably the one thing that feels cruel while being both important and safe. Make sure the crate is sized right for your pup; you don't want it to be too small or too big.

• Beds. A nice, comfy bed for your pup gives them somewhere to relax, away from cold floors or drafts.

• Tags, licenses, IDs, and other identification. A microchip, a collar with a tag, and possibly even a tattoo can all be great at making sure your dog won't get lost for long if they get out. You'll also probably need a license, depending on your city. Look into it for your area.

• Paperwork. Vaccination records, vet records, and breeder records, if they're available, are all useful paperwork to keep on hand, especially if you're going to travel.

• Poo supplies. Like it or not, a big part of being a pet parent is dealing with the various gross things that come out of them. Don't be one of those people who lets their dog go wherever and leaves it. Clean up after them, whether you use a glove, a baggy, a scoop, or something else.

• Toys. I don't have to tell you, though. You're probably just as excited as your pup to buy them toys to enjoy.

You can also consider print or digital guides for pet care. I have dog grooming and dog parenting books available, for example. Sometimes, having a book on hand is easier than trying to search for something on your phone.

Speaking of guides…

Breed Guides for the Top Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds

The actual top ten most popular breeds in America change from year to year, though a few of those breeds are staples and have been there for decades.

I covered a bunch of the most popular, but also a couple of oddballs, to show you that even common mixes can be treated sort of like a purebred. Here are my guides:

1. What You Should Know Before Adopting a French Bulldog

2. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Labrador Retriever

3. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Golden Retriever

4. What You Should Know Before Adopting a German Shepherd Dog

5. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Poodle

6. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Dachshund

7. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Beagle

8. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Rottweiler

9. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Bulldog

10. What You Should Know Before Adopting a Pitbull-Lab Mix

Like I said in the intro, there are hundreds of dog breeds out there, and many, many more crossbreeds that are common enough to have breed characteristics. I definitely don't have the time to write a full guide to every one of them, but if you especially want me to do one specific breed, let me know in the comments and I'll see what I can do.

My blog is also full of more general information on both cats and dogs, so if you have any subject you want me to cover, let me know.

Where to Find Reputable Information on Adopting a New Dog

In the absence of a guide like mine, where can you get information on a specific breed that you can trust?

It's that last bit that's the kicker, right? Anyone can make a website and put information on it, and between social media, pop culture misconceptions, AI-based content with hallucinations, and the occasional outright lies to slander a breed someone doesn't like, it can be hard to take anything out there at face value.

When I do research for my guides, there are a few particular sites I trust to have accurate information, and I supplement them with some others.

Now, sure, the internet is going to be full of people with personal stories that run in contradiction to general guides. That doesn't make the information on a reputable site less true; it just goes to show how individual dogs can buck the trends.

The American Kennel Club

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the American Kennel Club.

On one hand, they're a dog-focused institution that has been around for a very long time. They have a lot of breed-specific resources like the guides I've linked up top. They have a well-designed quiz that can help guide you through the process of picking a breed that's right for you. They also have expert advice, a great blog, and a ton of very valuable resources.

On the other hand, they're a kennel club focused on purebreds. That means they promote breeders and buying from breeders rather than my adopt don't shop mentality. They maintain a breeder directory and claim to filter them so the breeders are at least reputable, but the barrier to getting on that list is pretty low, and I've read a distressing number of horror stories.

Trust their information, but still, adopt, don't shop.

American Veterinary Medical Association

The AVMA is the overarching organization that educates and certifies vets in America. Suffice to say, they know what they're talking about.

The downside is that their website isn't really focused on things like education for pet parents or resource guides about breeds. They have some here and there (like this guide for choosing the right pet), but it's not easy to find them or browse through their information.

I put them on the list because if they come up in a Google search or link from elsewhere, you know you can trust what they have to say. But I wouldn't try to browse their site specifically looking for information.

ASPCA

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is one of the foremost organizations for pet care. They help fund outreach and veterinary care, they promote adoption and support shelters, and they have a lot of handy resources like general care guides and planning kits. You can browse dog-specific info starting here, for example.

The ASPCA is better aligned with my own personal ethics than the American Kennel Club. But, since they're focused primarily on rescues and adoptions, they don't tend to go as much into specific purebred information. You're less likely to find a guide to Golden Retrievers and more likely to find a guide to addressing separation anxiety. That's all great, and their information is wonderful, but if you're looking for information on a specific breed, you won't find it there.

VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA is also an organization I have a love-hate relationship with. On one hand, they're pretty reputable and a good authority on cats and dogs. They have both good general guides for mixed-breed dogs and breed-specific guides, all easily available on their website.

Why the love-hate, then? Unfortunately, VCA (or rather, their parent company, Mars) is one of the corporations responsible for buying up a ton of smaller local veterinary clinics, and a lot of those end up closing, restructuring to remove services, reducing their hours, or just increasing prices.

It doesn't make their information any less valuable, and if I need a vet and the only one available is VCA, I'm still going to take my dog there, but it's overall part of a trend that is kind of making pet care worse, even if it's not directly their fault.

PetMD

PetMD is also a pretty trustworthy source of information on dogs, especially when it comes to a candid discussion of the health issues they're likely to experience, and how to handle them.

Critically, their website is also designed as an informational resource first, not a store or service with a blog. It's easy to find pretty much anything you could want, and their resources are written and reviewed by multiple trained vets in most cases.

Really, the only downside is that you'll need to endure some ads and sales recommendations throughout some of their content, but that's true basically everywhere online. Overall, they're definitely one of the better resources you can find.

Other Options

When you search for pet information, you're going to be bombarded with hundreds of options. I've listed a few of the most reputable sites I trust, but what about others?

They often fall into a few categories, and you can usually evaluate them based on that alone.

• Pet Food Websites. A lot of these are reasonably trustworthy. Some of them are a little dated, and some of them will bias their content towards food being the cause of problems (and their food being the solution), but they rarely outright lie. After all, they rely on being a trustworthy brand to sell their products.

• Breed-Specific Pet Sites. These can be very hit or miss. Some of them are very good discussions of breeds. Others are glorified portals to unethical breeders. A few have outdated ideas on what a breed represents. Unfortunately, this is a matter of cross-checking information with other known reputable sites.

• Your Local Vet. This one will vary and is less about a website and more about talking to them in person. You definitely want to trust your local vet, and if you find you don't like what they're saying, maybe you need to find a different one.

• Enthusiast Blogs. Hey, that's me! I'm not a vet, but I do know a lot, and I do my research before I write anything. This is very much a case-by-case basis, though. Verify what they're saying, and if you find you can trust them, swing by again.

• Reddit. The important thing to remember about Reddit is that it's just a lot of normal people saying things with whatever authority they want to claim to have. Sometimes it's very useful, sometimes it's meaningless noise, and a lot of it is in between. I like to look at Reddit for funny puppy pictures and stories, but there are better places to go for reliable information. Caveat: your local city subreddit is probably going to be a good source of information for local shelters and vets, so it can be great for those sorts of reviews.

That should cover most of what you'll find. Have something else to add to the list? Let me know!