First, you should carefully consider why you want to have a dog and what you can offer it. You shouldn’t just focus on the appearance, but also pay attention to character and hunting instinct. Who do you live with in your household? If you have children, you should look for a family dog. Ideally, this dog is resilient, balanced, playful, good with children, peaceful, and affectionate. Aggressive behavior is a #NOGO. All family members, especially small children, should feel safe and comfortable with the dog. Yorkshire Terrier and Bolognese are considered particularly easygoing and friendly. Additionally, breeds like Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador, and Golden Retriever are also very suitable. If you have no prior experience with dogs, your first dog should be as uncomplicated as possible. Breeds like the Longhaired Collie, French Bulldog, and Havanese are well suited for this. How much space do you have? If you live in a city apartment, you should choose a dog with low exercise needs. The actual size of the dog is not decisive here. Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Pug are good choices. Finally, we would like to introduce you to the five most popular breeds.
German Shepherd
Is intelligence, willingness to work, and ability to learn important to you? Then the German Shepherd is perfect for you. It is very people-oriented and will always stand by its owner loyally, faithfully, and reliably, which also makes it a perfect family dog. However, the Shepherd should be well trained and mentally stimulated. Then it is very good with children and compatible with other pets. A prerequisite for life as a family dog is that the active dog is sufficiently physically and mentally challenged. Shepherds are quite muscular and weigh between 22 – 44 kg. They can grow between 55 – 65 cm tall and have a life expectancy of 9 – 13 years. A purebred German Shepherd is relatively affordable compared to other breeds, with a puppy price of around 800 euros.
Dachshund
They lovingly remind you of a sausage. Dachshunds look really cute with their elongated body and short legs. Besides their adorable appearance, the Dachshund has a lot more to offer! Despite a size of 30 – 35 cm, it has quite an #ATTITUDE. Although it weighs only 6 – 9 kg, it was originally used for hunting because it loves to decide independently where to go. Due to their suspicious and alert nature, your Dachshund is even suitable as a guard dog. With consistent training, it will definitely become a loving companion who is always loyal and friendly. It enjoys being petted and likes playing with children. As a genuine hunting dog, it needs appropriate activity. The Dachshund has a life expectancy of 12 – 16 years. A puppy costs on average around 1000 euros, but the price can unfortunately be significantly higher.
German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is also one of the most popular breeds. It could become your good-natured family dog. With a size of 57 – 68 cm, it belongs to the larger dogs. It weighs 27 – 32 kg and has a life expectancy of 12 – 14 years. A special feature of the breed is the expressive head with distinct eyebrows and a striking beard. Its long coat invites you to extensive #CUDDLES and is even water-resistant in the undercoat. It needs consistent handling and can then build a close bond with you. Especially if the Wirehaired Pointer is not used for hunting, you should control its hunting instinct early on. With enough consistency and leadership, it can even be “controlled” off-leash. However, it will never behave submissively but act as your equal partner. If it is not in the hands of a hunter, it needs an appropriate alternative activity and can also accompany you well while riding, jogging, or cycling. Reputable breeders charge prices starting at about 1000 euros for a puppy. Dogs already trained for hunting cost between 2000 and 3500 euros.
Labrador Retriever
It is good with children, sensitive, and loyal. Its friendly, cheerful nature and reliability make it one of the most popular family dogs. The Labrador Retriever could become your #BESTBUDDY. Nothing can unsettle it, and it is very good-natured. It always meets strangers and other dogs without aggression, which is why it is hardly suitable as a guard dog. Retrievers often want to please their owner with all their might. The Labrador is curious and learns at a rapid pace. Perfect if you have no prior dog experience. It suits you especially well if you and your family are sporty and include your dog everywhere you go. The Labrador is very energetic and needs a lot of exercise and variety. The Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 – 12 years and grows between 55 – 62 cm tall. It weighs 25 – 36 kg. A normal and reasonable price for a Labrador is about 1000 – 1600 euros.
Golden Retriever
Golden long fur, a friendly nature, and a loyal gaze. Like the Labrador Retriever, it wants to please and is devoted and affectionate. By nature, it is cheerful and lively in every situation. Retrievers are very patient, playful, and adaptable. A real #DREAMDOG, right? It learns extremely quickly and enjoys various games. It also gets along well with other dogs and is wonderful as a second dog. The Golden Retriever suits you especially well if you do a lot of sports and like to hike. It is also great for beginners. A Golden Retriever weighs between 25 – 35 kg and is 51 – 61 cm tall. Its life expectancy is 10 – 12 years. The purchase price varies greatly. Depending on whether it is purebred or not, the price can range from 500 to over 1000 euros.
Thinking about getting a dog?
We hope these #INSIGHTS have helped make choosing the right four-legged partner a little easier for you. Each of these breeds is wonderful and unique, and there are many more! Whatever four-legged friend you choose, it’s important that the breed matches both your personal ideas and your goals and character. Because you carry lifelong responsibility for your little furball.
