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In the United States, many animal shelters always need good homes for adoptable pets. However, this doesn't mean we should all go to our local shelter and bring a homeless pet home without any research. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility both emotionally and financially. From vet bills to dog vitamins, the costs can accumulate so it is essential to research before you decide to adopt. 

There are many factors to consider when adopting a pet, such as size, coat type, trainability, and energy level. But did you know that all of these factors boil down to the breed? This is why dog breed choice is one of the most critical decisions a potential dog owner must consider when adopting. Some dog breeds are better suited for specific environments and lifestyles than others. In this blog post, we will discuss how different dog breeds can impact the human-animal bond and whether or not they are successful pets. 

What is the human-animal bond, and how does it form? 

The human-animal bond is the special relationship between humans and animals. This bond can be beneficial to both parties involved. For example, research has shown that petting a dog can lower human blood pressure and heart rate. Animals can also provide emotional support and companionship to humans. The human-animal bond is formed through positive interactions between humans and animals. These interactions can include petting, playing, and talking to the animal. We've written a little about this in an article called The Pet-Human Connection: How to Show Love to Your Pets This Valentine's Day. 

Because of the benefits of pet ownership, pet adoption has become increasingly popular. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 37% of households in the United States own a dog. But with such a large number of pets available for adoption, it can be hard to choose the right one. This is where breed comes into play. 

How do dog breeds impact the human-animal bond and pet adoption success rates? 

Different dog breeds can have different impacts on the human-animal bond. For example, some dog breeds are better suited for certain lifestyles than others. 

Smaller dogs tend to be less active than larger dogs and may be better suited for apartment living. Conversely, larger dogs may need more space to run and play and might do best in a house with a yard. Certain dog breeds may also be more prone to certain behaviors, such as barking or digging. Therefore, when choosing a pet, it is crucial to consider which dog breed would best fit your lifestyle and personality. 

In many cases, dogs getting returned to shelters may be attributed to having an ill-fitting lifestyle for dogs and their humans. But, problematic behavior is one of the top reasons dog owners declare why they're rehoming their fur babies, which may frequently simply result from a lack of research on the part of the adopters. 

If you're looking for a dog to adopt, we'll try to make it easier for you by giving an idea of what to expect from different dog breeds.  

Below are some popular dog breeds and a brief description, history, and their personalities: 

Retrievers (Labrador and Golden)

The famous breed is known for being friendly, loyal, and obedient. They are also good with children. And they've become so popular in American households that movies have even been made about them! Remember Marley and Me? 

According to the American Kennel Club, they were bred as working dogs in the 1800s. They were game-hunting companions back then. Therefore, they're naturally good swimmers and have keen senses for finding and retrieving waterfowl and other games that their owners have hunted. Today, because of their natural affinity for focused work, they continue to thrive alongside humans as assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and even in law enforcement as sniffer dogs. 

However, Retrievers can be destructive if they are bored or not exercised enough. So, as a pet, they're not the best for busy professionals who tend to be out of the house all day. Most problematic behaviors that pet owners typically complain about may be partly due to a lack of exercise and focused work or play. 

They're best suited for homes with yards with plenty of space to run and play. However, they are also suitable for people who have the time to exercise and play with them at their local dog park. 

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are known for being affectionate, loving, and low-maintenance. In fact, they were bred to be as low-maintenance as possible as they mainly served as conversation starters in French brothels and high society parties in the 1890s. 

They're typically peculiar-looking dogs that are muscular yet compact, with large square heads and bat-like ears, making them excellent conversation starters at a party. And they come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and black. 

Nowadays, they continue to be popular as low-maintenance pets. They don't require much exercise and are suitable for people who live in apartments or small spaces. They're also known to be good with children and other animals. 

While they may be low-maintenance, they are also known to have some health problems. For example, their bodies are so compact that they often have trouble giving birth and may require Cesarean sections. They're also susceptible to heat stroke and respiratory issues. So, this may not be the best breed for you if you live in a hot climate.  

To help with their respiratory inadequacies, supporting their cardiovascular development with dog heart health supplements is extremely important. It would also be beneficial to give them the best dog vitamins for a more holistic approach to nutrition. 

Poodles

Poodles come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and are highly intelligent, trainable, and good with children. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Germany and France over 400 years ago. But because of their high intelligence, they were quickly trained to be companion dogs for the wealthy. 

Nowadays, they continue to serve as excellent companion dogs. They are also popular in dog sports and as therapy dogs. And, because of their intelligence, they excel in obedience training and other forms of training. 

The three different sizes may also be categorized into different dog categories. For example, standard and miniature poodles are considered non-sporting types of dogs, while the smallest one of the breed group is thought of as a toy dog. 

The coat that they're so famous for doesn't come without maintenance. They require regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles. 

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are known for being intelligent, loyal, and protective. They were originally bred in Germany in the 1800s as herding and general utility dogs. But because of their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability, they quickly became popular as police dogs, assistance dogs, and military dogs. 

Nowadays, they continue to serve alongside humans in a variety of roles. They are also popular as family pets because of their loyalty and protective nature. 

However, they are not the best breed for everyone. They require a lot of exercise and are not well-suited for people who live in small spaces or apartments. They also need a lot of training and socialization to prevent them from becoming anxious or aggressive. But, with some natural supplements for dogs designed to provide some 

Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are a medium to large dog breed that is often misunderstood. To begin with, American Pit Bull Terriers are not even recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club but as a general breed group that includes dogs that have descended from bulldogs and terriers. 

Part of their vilification in recent years is due to their reputation as fighting dogs. But in reality, they were initially bred as farm dogs in England and Ireland and only came to the United States in the 1800s. 

Nowadays, they are often considered an oppressed breed that is often subject to breed-specific legislation. Unfortunately, this means that some laws in some places ban or restrict ownership of Pit Bulls. 

Despite their reputation, Pit Bulls can make great pets. They are loyal, loving, and protective of their families. They also have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise. So, if you're looking for an active dog to take on hikes and runs with you, a Pit Bull may be a good option. Just be sure to get them good joint supplements as they’re prone to hip dysplasia and other issues. 

Wrapping Things Up: How to Choose a Dog According to Their Breed

When it comes to choosing a dog, there are a lot of factors to consider. But one of the most important factors is the breed of the dog. Different breeds have different temperaments, needs, and health concerns that you need to be aware of. 

Of course, every breed is susceptible to to diseases so do make sure that you’re also giving them the appropriate immune boosters that’ll help them live a healthy and happy life. 

So, do your research before you choose a breed. And when you've finally decided on a breed, make sure to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization to adopt from. 

So, what breed of dog are you considering?