Choosing your new best friend is exciting, but can also be quite challenging. You need to consider the right dog that will fit your lifestyle, home, and other family members. There are a number of things to consider before you decide on the right breed for you, and this guide will help you through your decision-making process.

Ask yourself a few things first, like how big is your yard? Can you keep your dog safe? How much time do you need to dedicate every day to your dog’s play and training time? And which size are you looking for? The puppies are all small and cuddly, but how fast do they grow? A puppy growth chart will introduce you to the stages of their growth, according to the breed’s size, week by week and month by month. We have collected a list that will help you pick the breed that’s right for you:

Mixed breeds

Although they used to be disliked by many dog owners, they are now more of a fashion. It was found that they have less genetic inherited health problems than pure breeds.

Labrador retrievers

They are the people-pleasers and very playful. They make the perfect family dog as they have good temperaments, which make them gentle with children and other animals. They are very smart and are commonly chosen for guiding and serving blind and autistic individuals.

Pembroke welsh corgis

They look funny with their huge ears, long torso, and huge butt! They have the sweetest, cutest, and the most adorable personality, and they love to please their owners and play all the time. Legend has it that they’re known for transporting fairies all over Wales. Just watch their food intake, as they are prone to overeating, and can be idle. This can be ideal for older people who are not able to move around a lot.

German shepherds

German shepherds are an exceptional breed; courageous, obedient, protective, incredibly loyal, intelligent and have an eagerness to learn. You will find them used more as a service and police dogs, yet they can be good family dogs too, especially with a big house and a backyard it can protect. But watch out for their separation anxiety, they run the risk of becoming destructive if they get bored because you’ve left them alone for a long time.

Huskies

Siberian huskies are the most beautiful and stunning animals because of their thick, white, and gray coat, and they have the most beautiful eyes. This makes many owners choose them over other breeds. They can be family friendly dogs only if you start training them while young. However, do not choose them as your first-time dog because they need a lot of attention and exercise. Also, you need to secure their home, as they are known to try to escape at times because of their need to run long distances.

Golden retrievers

They are beautiful, friendly, sweet, loyal, and are the best companion dog. They are tolerant and even-tempered, especially with young children.

Maltese

One of the first toy breed dogs, they are sweet and adore their owners. Maltese dogs used to be called “the comforter” in the Elizabethan times; they believed they could take away people’s pain and even cure illness.

No matter what dog you choose for your own safety and theirs as well, you need to train them, and build a bond between you and the rest of your family. Remember, regardless of what breed you choose, you must treat them like a family member, because they need constant care and attention.