Choosing a dog breed should be done carefully, since you will hopefully be spending 10–15 years together (some large breeds, however, have a shorter average lifespan). It’s important that you enjoy living with each other.
Sit down, preferably together with the rest of the family, each with a pen and paper, and ask yourselves a few questions: What do I want the dog to look like as an adult? Maybe you want a large dog – but if so, do you actually have enough space, so the dog isn’t always in the way? Coat type is an important question, since long-haired dogs bring in much more dirt and, in cases where the dog has an undercoat, they usually also have a much stronger smell.
Take a good look at your life situation – your job, free time, and interests. Once you have that under control and know what your everyday life looks like, then you can start looking for a dog.
There are more than 350 dog breeds in Sweden to choose from. Some are quite common, while others are very rare, which means there’s a good chance you can find a combination of looks and traits that suits you and your family.
Some breeds are typical hunting, working, or herding dogs, and they don’t do well if they don’t get to work. Some breeds require a lot of coat care, others need more exercise and activity. There are large dogs, small dogs, dogs with lots of fur, dogs that shed, and dogs that need trimming.
Common sense when choosing a breed
When you choose a dog, you need to approach it with common sense. Have you had a breed before that worked well, or a breed that worked less well? Browse the ads on our Annonssida and see if there’s a dog for sale from a kennel or seller that might suit you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – they will be more than happy to answer as long as you are serious and polite.
To find more information about different breeds and their characteristics, visit Svenska Kennelklubbens hemsida. From there you can follow links to the various breed clubs’ websites and find information about breed-specific traits, and so on.
Get help from the breeder – don’t choose only by looks
All dogs are different. Many traits are typical of the breed, but temperament can vary from one dog to another. Try to visit the breeder or seller to get an overall impression of the particular puppy you’re interested in. Make use of the breeder’s knowledge. They are very skilled at finding a puppy that suits you and your lifestyle. Look for a dog that fits you and your family – don’t base your choice on appearance alone.
Pedigree
With dogs that have a pedigree, you have the advantage of knowing the dog’s background. You can see and check the dog’s health and mental characteristics. Even if a dog doesn’t have a pedigree, it may still have undergone tests and examinations. Ask whether this has been done and request the information in writing.
Common diseases
Some diseases are more common in certain breeds. Read up properly and talk to the breeder to get all the information available, so you don’t discover things only after you’ve made your purchase. If it’s a mixed-breed dog, this information is not always as easy to find. Keep in mind that statistics can’t guarantee whether your dog will be affected or not, but they do give an overview of the most common diseases.
The breed’s original purpose
Originally, every dog breed was developed for a specific purpose. Very few breeds were bred solely to be companion dogs. From the beginning, they worked as hunting dogs, herding dogs, or guard dogs. It’s important that you understand why the breed you are considering was developed. We have gathered information about each breed that you can read here. You can also take a breed test we have created, which can give you ideas about breeds that might suit you; you’ll find it here.
Finding a breeder
Once you’ve made your choice and decided on a breed, it’s time to find a breeder. You can easily do this on our Annonssida by searching for the breed you’re interested in. Be sure to clearly explain your expectations to the breeder so they can guide you and make sure the breed is right for you. Read reviews and ads and, if it feels right, contact the seller.
Internet, books, and dog shows
There are many good and useful websites about dogs – both breed-specific and general. This can help you rule out a large number of breeds that are not right for you. Spend some time online to learn more.
There is also a lot of literature about dogs. Here are two good books to read before getting a dog:
- Stora boken om att skaffa och leva med hund by Åsa Ahlbom and Anders Hallgren (Semic 2007, ISBN 978-91-552-3596-3)
- Valp på väg by Ingrid Tapper (Prisma 2004, ISBN 91-518-4343-9)
You can also visit dog shows. There you can see different breeds and meet dog owners who can give you valuable information before you buy your future dog.
