How to Choose the Right Dog: Why Your Dog Deserves as Much Research as Your Car
When I bought my Forester in 2020, I spent several months in search of the right car.
I knew heated seats and a sun roof were non-negotiables.
I didn’t want a reclaimed title.
I wanted to find something with fewer than 60K miles.
It needed to be large enough to accommodate Sitka and me for car camping.
My top picks were the Crosstrek or Outback, but I also knew they would likely be out of my price range given my requirements, and so I added the Forester to the list.
I drove all throughout the Seattle-area in search of cars.
I test drove an Impreza and liked how it drove. It was a newer car compared to what I could get with the other three Subarus, but it didn’t have the clearance, and ya girl needs to go on pothole-filled dirt roads.
Pass.
I found a Forester nearby well within my budget. It had mold and was missing some important features, like a seat belt in the rear.
Hard pass—I’m not trying to die in a ditch because I wanted to save a few bucks.
I tried a Mazda CX-5 and LOVED it. But the car was pretty new at the time and used models were out of my price range.
Very reluctantly, pass.
Finally, after a few months, I found a Forester that checked all my boxes.
Sun roof? Check.
Heated seats? Check.
Under 60K miles? Check.
All parts intact and no mold? Check.
The following evening, I took my new companion out to camp near on a dusty, pot-holey road near Mt. Rainier. The car performed exactly as I had hoped and I knew we’d be in for many future adventures together.
Dogs Deserve the Same Research we Give to Cars
A lot of research and consideration goes into purchasing a car.
Buyers select cars based on their needs—is the car safe? Can it accommodate kids? Can it navigate bumpy roads? Does it get good gas mileage?
They pour over Consumer Reports rankings and test drive multiple cars in pursuit of the perfect car.
Yet, when it comes to dogs, we just fall for the first sob story we read on Petfinder or see on social media.
I wish that people devoted the same kind of energy into learning how to choose the right dog as they do into buying a car.
We demand CarFax reports for cars, but adopt dogs based on a 15-minute meet-and-greet and a well-crafted spiel that would make Sarah McLachlan weep.
I see mismatched pairs constantly.
Sedentary sixty-year-olds with German Shepherd puppies because that’s what they had as kids—not exactly the best breed for them at this stage of life.
Parents who purchase Malinois for their CHILDREN. Because nothing says ‘family fun’ like a dog bred to take down armed suspects.
Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds going to families who get frustrated when their genius-level pup decides to herd their toddler or redesign their backyard landscaping.
People buy dogs off Craigslist that turn out to be nothing like what was advertised, and the unsuspecting buyers don’t realize that the “pitty/GSD mix” they just purchased is a full on Malinois.
Emotions, crafty marketing, and nostalgia often factor too heavily into the equation when it comes to picking the best dog for their family situation.
Free “Shepard” to a Good Home!
I think it’s far too easy and inexpensive to get a dog.
You can get free dogs off of Craigslist.
You can get dogs at shelters for $200.
The neighborhood dog has an accidental litter and the owner just needs to pawn them off on anyone who will take one home so they’re not stuck with 8 puppies.
Meanwhile, I’m over here with health-tested, temperament-evaluated, properly-socialized, turnkey Border Collie raise and train and people ooh and ahh, but don’t want to spend the money on a quality dog (which they’ll probably wind up paying for down the line sooner or later).
They’d rather take home the backyard-bred mess from someone who can’t spell shepard sheperd shepherd correctly.
Here’s the thing that baffles me: People don’t want to get a well-trained dog.
They want the sob story. They’ll pass on the fully functional, ready-to-go dog and beeline straight for the one with that needs “saving.”
You wouldn’t adopt a child specifically because they had behavioral problems. You wouldn’t buy a house because it was falling apart. You definitely wouldn’t buy a car because it didn’t run. So why do people actively seek out dogs with baggage?
People spend months researching a $25,000 car but 20 minutes picking a dog they’ll spend $15,000+ on over its lifetime. If they spent half that car-shopping energy figuring out how to choose the right dog, we’d see dramatically better matches.
Cue the Sarah McLachlan Music
In the dog world, pity sells.
“Oh, this dog is really scared and cowers in the back of the kennel all day long. It’s so sad.”
“This sweet baby was found chained up and has never known love.”
“Look at this precious angel who just needs someone to show him that not all humans are bad.”
People swipe left on online dating profiles that raise red flags, but those exact same warnings become irresistible selling points when they’re written about a dog.
Meanwhile, I have a friend who runs an incredible rescue that focuses on Pit Bulls and provides training. Yet she has trouble selling fully trained, family-ready dogs.
When did we decide that a dog without a tragic backstory wasn’t worth our time?
These dogs require constant management, significant investment in training, and adaptations to lifestyles.
Dogs with bite records are adopted out to homes with children or to owners who don’t understand the rehabilitation requirements needed for the job.
Sitka is lucky that I came along.
He was surrendered for biting one of his family’s kids. The family probably had no idea what they were getting into with a heeler, no understanding that a dog tied up in a backyard has no option but to fight when they feel threatened, and definitely no understanding about mixing kids and dogs. If he didn’t land in my hands—someone who knew exactly what they were signing up for—it’s very likely that he would have bitten another child and been put down.
And let me be clear, I am not against adoption or rescues. I have had many rescue dogs. I work primarily with rescue dogs. I think there are plenty of great dogs in shelters.
What I don’t like is the villainization of well-bred dogs from breeders and sales tactics that pull at the heartstrings in order to move dogs through overcrowded shelters.
You Wouldn’t Buy Your Dog if it were a Car
Can you imagine if the same sales tactics applied to purchasing a car?
“This car is such a beauty! Sure, the engine makes some concerning noises and the brakes are more of a suggestion than a command, but look at those soulful headlights! It just needs someone who believes in it. Previous owner said it caught fire a few times, but that’s probably because they didn’t love it enough. With the right owner, this car will definitely not leave you stranded on the side of the highway. Purchase fee: $500, a real deal!”
As the late, great Tom Magliozzi from Car Talk would have said, “You’d have to be nuttier than a fruitcake” to buy that car. And yet, somehow, similar sales tactics work like gangbusters in the dog world.
No one would ever buy this car.
Dogs Deserve Your Research
Now, I’m not saying that cars and dogs are the same. One is a machine, the other is a living being.
But what I am saying is that dogs are living beings.
Which is precisely why they should be given more consideration, not less.
Owners need to do considerably more research and take emotions out of the equation before bringing home a dog. They need to understand how to choose the right dog for their specific situation, not just fall for the first cute face they see.
They need to ask themselves, “is this the right breed and dog for me?” and not fall for a breed because it was featured in the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
They need to consider their living situation, energy levels, experience with dogs, and long-term commitment. They need to research breed-specific needs, exercise requirements, and potential behavioral challenges.
They need to be honest about whether they want a companion or a project.
They need to invest in training, not just toys and food.
Most importantly, they need to understand that love alone doesn’t fix genetic drives, behavioral issues, or incompatible lifestyles.
How to Actually Pick the Best Dog for You
If you’re serious about finding the best breed for you and want to know how to choose the right dog, here’s a guide to helping you determine a good fit. Think of this as your “CarFax report” for dog selection.
Start with Your Lifestyle Reality Check
Be brutally honest about your daily routine and lifestyle. Do you actually go hiking every weekend, or do you just think you will once you get a dog? Are you genuinely active, or are you more of a Netflix-and-chill person? There’s no shame in either, but a Border Collie won’t magically turn you into an outdoorsy person, and a Chihuahua won’t be so keen to join you on your marathon training runs.
Be realistic about your energy levels, available time, and living space.
Match Energy Levels, Not Looks
This is perhaps the most common reason owners falter when they are trying to pick the best dog for their situation. They fall in love with how a breed looks in photos instead of researching what they actually need. That gorgeous Husky you saw on Instagram? They were bred to run for miles in freezing temperatures. Your suburban backyard and weekend walks aren’t going to cut it.
Think about your energy on a scale of 1-10. Now find a dog that matches that level. A couch potato shouldn’t get a 10-energy dog and expect everyone to be happy. A marathon runner shouldn’t get a 2-energy dog and wonder why their new companion can’t keep up.
Consider Your Experience Level
If this is your first dog, or you haven’t had one in decades, maybe start with something known for being easier to train and more forgiving of mistakes (and have a training plan in place before you get your dog!).
Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular for good reason—they’re generally more tolerant of newbie mistakes. Save the Shiba Inus, Chow Chows, and Cattle Dogs for when you’ve got some experience under your belt.
Think 10-15 Years Ahead
This might be the most important factor in how to choose the right dog. You’re not just picking a dog for today—you’re choosing a companion for their entire lifetime. Will you still be able to meet their exercise needs when you’re older? What if you have kids? Move to a different city? Change jobs?
That high-maintenance grooming routine might seem manageable now, but will you still want to brush your Doodle every day and pay for professional grooming every six weeks for the next decade?
Research, Research, Research
Before you even look at available dogs, spend time learning about breeds that might work for your lifestyle. Read breed profiles, talk to owners, and if possible, spend time with dogs of the breeds you’re considering.
Don’t just read the cute descriptions—dig into the potential challenges. Every breed has them. Herding breeds might nip at kids. Terriers can be stubborn and feisty. Hounds might howl. Guardian breeds can be protective to a fault.
Ignore the Hype and Your Nostalgia
Just because everyone on TikTok has a Golden Doodle doesn’t mean it’s the best breed for you. Popular doesn’t equal perfect for your situation. Remember when everyone wanted a Dalmatian after 101 Dalmatians came out? Most of those dogs ended up in shelters because people didn’t realize they’re high-energy, strong-willed dogs that need experienced handlers.
The same goes for nostalgia. Sure, your family had a German Shepherd when you were ten, and it was the best dog ever. But you were ten—you weren’t the one dealing with the shedding, training, exercise needs, or vet bills. Your parents were. That sweet childhood memory doesn’t automatically make German Shepherds the right choice for your current life.
And please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t get your dog a dog. “Fluffy seems lonely” is not a valid reason to double your responsibility, expenses, and chaos. If Fluffy seems lonely, spend more quality time with Fluffy, hire a dog walker, or look into doggy daycare. Don’t assume another dog will solve the problem—you might just end up with two naughty dogs and double the work.
Have a Training Plan Before Day One
Here’s something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: you need a training plan before your dog comes home, not after they’ve already learned to counter surf, chew your shoes, or bark at every delivery truck.
Whether you’re getting a puppy or an adult rescue, start training immediately. Like, literally from the moment they walk through your door. Puppies are learning every second—if you’re not actively teaching them what you want, they’re learning something else (usually something you don’t want).
Research local trainers, sign up for puppy classes, or at minimum, have some basic training resources ready to go. Know how you’re going to handle house training, where the dog will sleep, what the rules are for furniture and counter access, and how you’ll manage any behavioral challenges that come up.
For rescues especially, those first few weeks are crucial. Even if they come “pre-trained,” they need to learn the rules of your house and decompress from the adjustment to your home. Having professional guidance from day one can prevent small issues from becoming big problems later.
Don’t wing it and hope for the best. Hope is not a training strategy.
Ask the Hard Questions
When you do find a potential dog, whether from a breeder or rescue, ask the tough questions. What’s the dog’s energy level? How do they behave around kids, other dogs, strangers? What kind of training have they had? Any behavioral issues or bite history?
For breeders, ask about health testing, temperament testing, and what they’re doing to socialize puppies. For rescues, ask about the dog’s history, any known triggers, and what kind of home they’d thrive in.
Trust Your Gut (But Verify with Your Brain)
If something feels off during a meet-and-greet, listen to that instinct. If a dog seems overly anxious, aggressive, or shut down, that’s valuable information. On the flip side, if you feel a connection with a dog that checks all your practical boxes, that matters too.
But remember—cute pictures and sad stories aren’t good enough reasons to pick the best dog for your life. Your heart might want to save every dog, but your brain needs to make the final decision.
The Bottom Line
Your dog doesn’t need your pity—they need your homework. Do the research. Match the energy. Leave your emotions at the door.
Dogs deserve owners who choose them deliberately, not impulsively. They deserve families who understand what they’re signing up for and are prepared to meet their needs for the next 10-15 years.
The next time you’re considering getting a dog, ask yourself this: “Did you spend more time researching your last car purchase or figuring out how to choose the right dog?” If the answer is your car, it’s time to flip that script. Your future four-legged family member will thank you for it.
