Most people start here with a practical question: which dog will actually fit my home and my week-to-week life? Get it wrong and the costs show up quickly—friction with neighbours, a dog that’s under-exercised or overwhelmed, preventable behaviour problems, and vet bills you didn’t budget for.
A good match is less about “best breed” and more about day-to-day reality: how much space you have, how often you’re home, what you can commit to for exercise and training, and what you can afford over the dog’s lifetime. Dogs are individuals, but there are patterns worth respecting.1
Start with your lifestyle (not the breed list)
Before you fall for a look or a reputation, take a quiet inventory of what you can consistently provide. The dog in front of you will live inside your routines—your mornings, your workdays, your weekends, your energy.
- Time at home: How many hours will the dog be alone on a typical weekday?
- Noise tolerance: Apartment walls and close neighbours change what “manageable” looks like.
- Outdoor access: Yard size matters less than whether you will actually use it with the dog; many dogs still need walks and training even with a backyard.
- Family set-up: Kids, visiting grandparents, housemates, and existing pets all shape what will feel safe and steady.
Living situation and space: smaller homes can still suit bigger dogs
It’s common to assume “small home = small dog”, but space is only one part of the picture. Plenty of smaller dogs have very high exercise and enrichment needs, while some larger dogs are calmer indoors when their daily needs are met. Breed tendencies matter, but they don’t replace the individual dog’s temperament and the life you can offer.1
If you rent or live in strata, check rules early. It’s easier to choose a dog with the restrictions in mind than to try to negotiate later.
Activity level: match the dog’s engine to your week
All dogs need daily movement, but the amount and type varies widely. Some dogs need long walks and extra off-lead runs (where legal and safe). Others are happy with a solid walk, sniffing time, and short training sessions, then they settle quietly at home.1
When you’re judging activity level, include mental work. A dog bred for herding, retrieving, or scent work often needs problems to solve as well as kilometres to cover.
Quick self-check
- If you miss a walk because life gets messy, can you still give the dog enrichment at home (training, food puzzles, scent games)?
- Can you commit to at least one daily walk most days, with extra on weekends?1
- Do you have safe options for exercise in bad weather?
Grooming and day-to-day maintenance: coats come with a calendar
Coat type changes the rhythm of care. Some dogs need routine brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting and skin problems; others shed heavily and need frequent brushing and vacuuming instead of clipping. The “low maintenance” dog often just shifts the work from the groomer to your laundry basket.
Also consider nails, ears, teeth, and parasite prevention—small tasks that are easier when you plan them than when you’re reacting to discomfort or infection.
Temperament: look for steady behaviour, not labels
Breed descriptions can be helpful, but they’re a rough sketch. Within any breed (and certainly within crossbreeds), individuals vary. If you’re adopting, shelter or foster carers can often describe the dog’s real-world behaviour: how they cope with being left alone, what they’re like on leash, and whether they’re comfortable around kids or other dogs.1
If you’re buying from a breeder, meeting the puppy’s parents (where possible) and asking direct questions about temperament can give you a clearer picture than marketing language.1
Training and socialisation: early, gentle, consistent
Training isn’t a one-off course—it’s a daily pattern. The most reliable results come from reward-based methods that teach the dog what to do, then practise it in real places with real distractions.2
Socialisation is similar: it’s not about “meeting everyone”, but about calm, positive exposure to the world—surfaces, sounds, people, friendly dogs—at a pace the puppy can handle. Puppy school can help when it’s well-run and carefully managed.3, 4
Vaccinations and puppy school: don’t guess—ask your vet
In Australia, puppies usually start core vaccinations from around 6–8 weeks, with follow-up doses every 2–4 weeks until they’ve had at least three vaccinations and are at least 16 weeks old. Your vet can tell you what’s appropriate for your area and your puppy’s risk profile.5
Many puppy schools manage risk by requiring at least an initial vaccination and keeping sessions clean and controlled, so pups can learn during the key socialisation window.3, 4, 6
Health and long-term costs: choose with your future self in mind
Different breeds (and body shapes) are associated with different inherited risks, but any dog can develop illness or injury. Budgeting matters because veterinary costs can arrive suddenly, and you’ll still need to make decisions with the dog’s welfare at the centre.
Before you commit, price the basics in your area:
- desexing, microchipping and council registration
- core vaccinations and parasite control
- routine check-ups and dental care
- grooming (if needed)
- training support (especially for adolescent dogs)
- boarding or pet-sitting when you travel
If you’re considering importing a dog to Australia
Importing is a separate decision with strict rules. Requirements depend on the country of export and include permits and veterinary certification; non-compliance can have serious outcomes under biosecurity law. Start with the official step-by-step guides and confirm current requirements before you spend money or make plans.7, 8
Australia also prohibits importing certain dog breeds under customs regulations. Check the current prohibited list if this could apply to you.8
Final thoughts
A well-matched dog tends to look unremarkable on day one. They settle. They learn. They fit into the shape of your life without constant negotiation. Start with your routine, then choose the dog—breed, size, and coat included—that you can support calmly, every day, for years.
References
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — 8 considerations when choosing a dog
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) — Position statements (including Humane Dog Training)
- RSPCA Australia — Socialising your puppy
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — What you need to know about puppy school
- RSPCA Australia — What you need to know about pet vaccinations
- RSPCA ACT — Dog Training School (vaccination requirements and class guidance)
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — How to bring your dog to Australia (step-by-step guide)
- Australian Border Force — Importing animals (including prohibited dog breeds and permit guidance)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom