In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell unpacks what you should really be looking for when choosing a dog — beyond just the cutest breed on Instagram. From energy levels and lifestyle fit to financial readiness and long-term commitment, Mariska shares practical tips (and personal lessons from life with her Frenchie, Piper 🐶) to help you find your perfect canine match.

She also explores dog breed tendencies using insights from Kim Brophey’s book Meet Your Dog, breaking down 10 canine categories to understand how instincts and personalities shape compatibility. Whether you’re adopting, shopping, or still dreaming about your future pup, this episode will help you choose with both your head and heart.

Takeaways:

• Match first, breed second: A great fit reduces frustration, behavior issues, and rehoming risk.
• Know your energy + time: High-drive dogs need work, purpose, and movement. Low-key households should choose accordingly.
• Budget honestly: Some breeds can be costly; plan for vet care, training, nutrition, and insurance.
• Life changes matter: Think travel, kids, moves, retirement—pick a dog you can support through seasons.
• Tendencies ≠ destiny: Even within a breed, personalities vary. Respect the individual in front of you.
• Use categories as a compass: Brophey’s groupings (e.g., sighthounds, guardians, toys, herders, bulldogs, terriers, gundogs, scent hounds, “natural,” and “world dogs”) help you predict instincts and needs.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Meet your Dog Book by Kim Brophey

Episode 11: Adopt or Shop

Where Tails Meet Heart Stories

• What About Bunny
• 3 Snouts and their abouts
• Doug The Pug
• Crusoe The Dachshund
• Dino and Ruby
• Jason Heigl Foundation
• Father João
• Kelbie and Nixie
• Magie and Gus
• Meemaw - 1510 Foundation
• Elko The Travel Dog
• Litter Logie

Paw-Lebrities

• Haya_London
• Eroc Dog
• Cricket the gremlin
• Koa The Doodle
• Gnocchi The Frenchie
• LouLou the Pug
• Dolly Pawton
• Tuna Melts Hearts
• Some Frenchie Named Apollo
• The Kevin and Kayla Show
• Leo
• Billy The Kid
• Payt & The Doods

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Intro

[01:11]- Welcome + adopt vs. shop (see Ep 11)

[03:10]- Rescue vs reputable breeder: what matching can look like

[04:40]- When the match is right: joy, ease, fewer issues

[05:20]- When it’s wrong: unmet needs, guilt, burnout, rehoming risk

[06:50]- Piper’s story: making a non-obvious fit work (stroller runs!)

[09:46]- The money talk: planning realistically for care

[10:50]- Thinking long-term: lifespan and life changes

[14:08]- Breed tendencies 101 + Kim Brophey’s categories overview

[27:45]- Community segments: Where Tails Meet Hearts & Paw-lebrity

[32:52]- Final message: partnership over perfection