People bring dogs into their families for a variety of reasons. Regardless of whether you are looking for a good family pet or an animal to show in competitions, you have to choose a dog breed that fits your family’s needs. Here are three common reasons people decide to get dogs for pets.

Guard Dogs

Many people feel more protected if they have a guard dog on duty at all times. Some dogs are bred for this purpose, so choose large, protective breeds such as Rottweilers or Doberman pinschers. You can also look for German shepherd puppies for sale in South Florida. If you get a guard dog as a puppy, you give him or her time to bond with your family so you don’t have to worry about aggressive tendencies around your kids but can feel confident your dog with be protective when necessary.

Family Companions

If you’re looking for a snuggle buddy, you don’t need a high-energy breed. If you want a laid-back breed, choose a great Dane. If you like small dogs, a dachshund or chihuahua might be a good fit. Try to choose a dog that is bred to be calm but remember that all pets need exercise, so even if you choose a laid-back breed, your new family member won’t be content to snuggle all the time.

Exercise Buddies

If you want a dog to serve as an accountability partner for exercising, choose a breed with a lot of energy. Border collies and Siberian huskies may great hiking companions and you’ll be incentivized to exercise to get their energy out.

Adopting a dog is a big decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. If you are considering bringing a four-legged companion into your family, make sure you choose the right type of dog by identifying the reason you want a new pet.