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Are you planning to get a dog? Then you should definitely read this article because here you will find out what the biggest and most common mistakes are when choosing a dog and how to avoid them!

1. Mistake #1: Choosing based only on appearance
2. Mistake #2: Not getting to know the breed
3. Mistake #3: Not researching the drawbacks
4. Mistake #4: Overestimating yourself
5. Mistake #5: Underestimating grooming requirements
6. Mistake #6: Rushing the decision
7. Mistake #7: Not choosing a reputable source
8. Mistake #8: Not gaining dog experience before getting your own dog
9. Mistake #9: Not researching the breed’s health
10. Mistake #10: Choosing a trend dog

Mistake #1: Choosing based only on appearance

If it were up to looks, I’d have a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Malinois, Saluki, and Irish Wolfhounds. Unfortunately, they all have characteristics that don’t fit my life right now.

Where I was fortunate to figure it out, many others make THE biggest mistake when getting a dog: they choose based only on appearance.

And then? They’re surprised when the hunting dog hunts, the herding dog herds, and the watchdog barks at everything. Surprise turns to frustration, in some cases leading to giving the dog away, and in others, trying to make the dog fit into their life somehow. The thing is, dogs are genetically predisposed to display certain behaviors.

You can read more about this in the article: THE Biggest Mistake in Dog Selection.

Mistake #2: Not getting to know the breed

You’ve watched videos, read breed descriptions from top to bottom, so you’re fully prepared to get a dog? Many think so, and many end up disappointed. The seemingly great Collie may turn out to be a lot more vocal (loudly and constantly) in real life than imagined. The supposedly low-maintenance coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback spreads hair that gets caught everywhere and digs into every fabric. The oh-so-sweet Labrador has more energy than expected.

Better: Attend shows, visit breeders, connect with owners of the breed, and pay attention to the following mistake:

Mistake #3: Not researching the drawbacks

For a while, Border Collies were all the rage. Everyone wanted one because they are incredibly smart and beautiful. Shortly after, however, the flood of Border Collies disappeared. When Hachiko aired on TV, many Akitas appeared. And then disappeared again…

Many people, dazzled by the positively sounding breed descriptions and media portrayals, get a dog and are shocked by the drawbacks the breed brings with it. Whether it’s health, behavior, or just suitability for their own life.

Better: Get information from breeders, breed-in-need organizations, or read up on why this breed is often given up in shelters. If the descriptions are vague, ask owners, breeders, and dog trainers when and why they would strongly advise against getting the breed.

Mistake #4: Overestimating yourself

“I’m athletic, so I’ll choose an athletic dog!” sounds logical. But in reality, it’s often a major mistake! Unfortunately, this happens very often.

You jog, cycle, hike, and want to do all of this with your dog? You don’t need a Husky, German Shepherd, or any other specialist for that. Any healthy dog can jog with you at a reasonable pace, run beside your bike in appropriate weather, and hike with you.

Athletic dogs, working dogs, specialist breeds, or even just large dogs are not necessary for normal sports activities. Their unique traits and requirements may make them unsuitable for such activities, and they could even stop you from maintaining your previous athletic lifestyle or ask for more than fits your expectations or life.

Mistake #5: Underestimating grooming requirements

Non-shedding dogs are the first choice for many people. What is often ignored or underestimated is that they also require regular brushing and often grooming. The typical result: the dog quickly becomes matted, not just a cosmetic issue, but also causing skin conditions, movement restrictions, and pain.

Better: Get honest feedback before acquiring a dog. You’ll get the best insight from the people who have to fix neglected grooming: groomers.

Mistake #6: Rushing the decision

You want a dog, and you want one quickly! When someone has the strong desire for a dog, they often don’t look closely enough. Some people „fall in love“ with a photo or a dog and overlook all the limitations and obvious or potential problems through rose-colored glasses.

Better: If you want a dog now, you’ll still want one in one or three months. Use this time to thoroughly research and gain experience with dogs without having your own. This will help you avoid a lot of mistakes and problems.

Mistake #7: Not choosing a reputable source

Buying puppies from the trunk of a car is a dumb idea – that’s widely known by now. However, official breeders aren’t always the best option either, and you can also encounter issues in animal rescue.

Inappropriate placements, hidden problems, or plain ignorance can happen anywhere. If you have no experience yourself and don’t know what to look for, experienced dog owners, trainers, or even your vet can help or even accompany you on your first visit to the dog you’re considering.

Mistake #8: Not gaining dog experience before getting your own dog

You want a dog! Are you sure? Are you absolutely 100% certain?

If you don’t have direct and extensive experience with dogs, you can’t answer this question confidently. Many people with a strong desire for a dog are shocked when they finally get one. “This is not how I imagined it!” is one of the most common phrases I hear. It’s also often assumed that the playful puppy is hyperactive, the herding dog is aggressive, or the German Shepherd is power-hungry and wants to take over the world.

Despite the strong desire for a dog, walking them can become a chore, barking can become a real problem, or you may constantly feel disgusted by the mess. However, if you’ve already gained practical experience with dogs, you’ll know much better what you’re getting yourself into. You’ll realize what you want, what you can live with, and whether you even want a dog at all.

Mistake #9: Not researching the breed’s health

Overbred breeds seem to be on everyone’s lips nowadays. Still, some owners are shocked when typical health issues arise. And they’re not alone. The tendency of Bernese Mountain Dogs to develop cancer, Dobermans suddenly dying, many Border Collies not fitting into modern life, or more serious health issues arising in Labradors – this is new for most people. But with a little research, it’s easy to find out.

• Search online for typical and common diseases of the breed.
• Ask veterinarians and animal physiotherapists which diseases they often see in these breeds.
• Pay attention if you hear the term „breed-typical“ in a description or from a breeder when something negative stands out.

Mistake #10: Choosing a trend dog

Border Collies became popular with „Babe the Pig.“ Akitas were popular after „Hachiko.“ Collies after „Lassie,“ Chihuahuas because of Paris Hilton and „Legally Blonde,“ and who didn’t want a Labrador after „Marley and Me“?

In short: Movies, TV shows, advertising, famous personalities, and the mere image of a breed can create a trend. German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and Pomeranians were all once trendy dogs.

This brings us back to choosing based on looks and reputation. When a breed is in vogue, many skip the necessary research. They don’t consider whether the dog fits into their life or whether the breed has significant health problems.

Another, significant problem arises: trendy dogs make breeders see dollar signs. Female dogs are turned into breeding machines, and as many puppies as possible are sold quickly, often sacrificing the quality of the breeding process.

When the trend fades or is replaced by another one, the dogs grow up or start causing problems, and the trend moves on. It doesn’t end well for any of them.