What kind of dog would suit you? – expert tips to make the right choice

When the decision is made to add a four-legged member to the family, the next question arises: which breed is right for us? With expert tips from dog trainer Balázs Csörgő, we'll show you how to make the best decision.

The most important thing is to not let looks be the deciding factor. There are some families who, despite being extremely busy, chose a working dog with a high level need for exercise because they liked its looks best. They are now looking for a new owner for the dog because they have had to admit that it is not suited to their lifestyle. Before the “what kind of dog should I have?” question, it’s also worth asking yourself whether there is a place for a pet in your life.

You can also consider adoption

According to the expert, if you don’t have enough time, attention and space for the dog, you shouldn’t take a puppy home just because your child is begging for it. You have to admit that if you make a bad decision, it will have a bad effect on everyone later on; dog and owner alike. And once you’ve made a decision, the first consideration is: from a shelter or from a breeder?

“There are grounds for concerns that a sick dog with an inappropriate nervous system might come to us from the shelter, but at the same time, they can also be excellent companions,” says Balázs Csörgő. It is worth asking the caretakers first, as they know the dogs there well, and before making a decision, go to the shelter, get to know the animal and only then make a commitment.”

If you buy a dog from a breeder, you should also be aware that your new family pet may not behave as it did when you saw it in the litter.

“A dog that is shy or lazy among its siblings may behave very differently with us,” he says.

Often, prospective owners make decisions based on emotion. How many times I hear “he looked so lonely, huddled in the corner, separate from the others”.

But it may not be the right decision. It’s best to choose open, friendly, interested puppies.”

According to Balázs Csörgő, prospective owners are often not in an easy situation either, because – no matter how much they may feel that none of the dogs in the litter is perfect for them – they have already paid the deposit, so they take a puppy. However, this is a very important decision, as we are committing ourselves for more than a decade. This is why the right choice is essential.

Do you work a lot? He’s the one for you!

According to our expert, the most dangerous thing to do is to choose from the current designer breeds, because, as he puts it, if there is demand, there will always be supply.

“With these breeds, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unethical breeders and then we take home a sick dog with a bad nervous system” warns Balázs Csörgő. “It is vital that we take great care in choosing where the dog comes from.”

Not to mention that you might really like the border collie – this breed has been very fashionable for a few years now – but it’s not at all certain that we can give it the attention that this extremely clever and highly mobile breed requires. But what kind of dog is perfect for, say, an elderly lady or gentleman who wants a companion but can’t walk it as much?

“An aging rescue dog could be the perfect choice,” says the dog trainer. “For example, a Pekingese or a dachshund mix that is socially sensitive, not expensive to feed and not too demanding on exercise.”

The situation is different if the dog goes to a single or childless couple, where career is still the priority and they are away from home a lot.

“The whippet can be a good city dog, which, despite being a greyhound, does not require a lot of exercise, is not a guard dog, is calm and can live well on its own. However, I would still say that if you don’t have time for a dog at all, you shouldn’t get one.”

What kind of dog should I have?

It’s a big dilemma for people who are just starting out in dog life to decide which breed to choose.

“It’s a mistake to think that golden retrievers, labradors or vizsla dogs are good choices for first-time owners – warns Balázs Csörgő. They are really tenacious, stubborn hunting dogs who need a firm owner.”

For first-time owners I would strongly recommend a rescue puppy or youngster and they should definitely go to a dog school.

Another common question is what kind of dog is suitable for a family with small children.

“Of course, it also depends on the lifestyle and habits of the family. But it is important to make it clear to the parent that they are really getting the dog for themselves and not for the child. You can’t expect a pre-schooler to spend a long time with and take good care of a dog. A westhighland white terrier or even a spaniel who can fit well into the life of a larger family could be good choices. But the key is always the right attitude and consistency. We can choose the most perfect dog, but if we don’t train it consistently, the result will be an insecure owner and an untrained pet.”