There is no one specific dog breed that is the easiest to train, raise or live with. Even mongrels or mixed-breed dogs can have issues. But potential dog owners can reduce a lot of potential heartbreak and expense by doing research before bringing a dog or puppy home. If a person knows what he is getting himself in for, then any dog or puppy can be the easiest to live with.
Research Your Local Laws
The first thing potential dog owners need to check out is whether they are allowed to keep dogs where they live. Although this may seem like an obvious thing to do, a surprising number of people do not discover they are not allowed to keep dogs until after they bring a canine home. Some apartment buildings will only allow toy dogs. Never assume – always ask.
Then the potential dog owner needs to check if there are breed-specific laws where he or she lives. Many countries, cities or towns have a strict ban on so-called “aggressive” breeds such as American pit bull terriers, German shepherds, Dobermans or Rottweilers. For example, there are breed bans on all American military housing units. However, those dogs brought in before the 2009 ban was initiated are allowed to stay if they behave themselves.
Research Basic Dog Needs
Next, it’s best for the potential dog owner to research dog behavior. If they have never lived with a dog before, then they should not get a labor-intensive puppy, but consider an older shelter dog that is already trained. Dogs need a routine where the owner spends at least a few hours a day with them. Otherwise, they will develop bad habits. Also, an owner needs to see if they can financially afford a dog. They need health care, quality food and, depending on the breed, regular trips to the groomer.
Again, this may seem like an obvious step to take, but sadly, many people do not. In a 2008 study by PetHealth Inc., 86% of all dogs and puppies surrendered to shelters did not have any sort of behavior issue. The number one reason was that the person claimed they had too many pets and the number two reason was that the dog was “incompatible” with the owner’s lifestyle. The sixth most popular reason was that the owner simply could not afford to care for the dog. Since the time this survey was taken, this reason has become more popular for why owners abandon dogs and pets in general.
Research Specific Dog Breeds
After a potential dog owner determines he is allowed to own a dog and there are no breed restrictions, he or she needs to learn about specific breeds of dogs. If he or she already knows about a specific rescue dog, he can look to see what that breed or mix of breeds tends to be like and what their needs are.
He can ask the veterinarian or the local animal shelter what are the most popular breeds or breed mixes that come into the shelters. In America, breed mixes often include pit bull, the Jack Russell or Labrador retriever. In the UK, mixes often include the Staffordshire terrier, the border collie, the Jack Russell terrier, the lurcher and any of the retriever breeds.
The best shelters will help match dogs or puppies to your lifestyle. If you are young and very active, then border collies, boxers or mixes to those breeds may work out best because they are active breeds. If you are a senior citizen and live in an apartment, then a Cavalier King Charles spaniel or mix may work out. By taking the time to do some research to find a dog compatible to one’s situation, any dog breed or mongrel can be the easiest to live with.
Sources
- “ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
- Petfinder.com. “Pit bulls, other breeds banned in military housing.” Feb 23, 2009.
- DogChannel. “Dogs Surrendered for Reasons Unrelated to Pet.” Jan. 2, 2008.
