Planning to introduce a furry best friend in the form of a bouncing bundle of canine energy into your life is an exciting milestone. However, there are some strong connotations associated with certain breeds of dog, often perpetuated by the media, but generally, the personality of your dog is based on how they are treated.
Continue reading to learn some top tips on how to choose the right breed of dog to suit your lifestyle.
For 9-5ers
Firstly, suppose your professional job role consists of a routine, traditional nine-to-five schedule. In that case, you may not want to commit to a minimum of an hour’s evening walk when you get home and the expense of securing a dogsitter for when you are at work.
Breeds such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, Labrador, and Golden Retriever need a considerable amount of exercise and, as such, may not be suitable if you enjoy spending your evenings at home.
For Family Homes
As previously touched upon, even though it is entirely true to state that certain breeds of dogs are naturally more protective and even prone to aggression than others, in most cases, a dog will behave according to how they are treated.
Having said that, when looking for a dog to introduce into a family home, specifically with smaller children who may unknowingly be rougher than they should be when playing, you should perhaps avoid the following breeds:
- Chihuahuas, due to their naturally aggressive reaction when cornered
- Siberian Huskies who are incredibly physically strong and strong-willed
- Australian Shepherds who need a high level of focus and attention on themselves
- Chow Chows who appear fluffy but who usually dislike kisses and cuddles
For Home Bodies
If you work from home, are usually at home throughout the day and evening on a normal day, or are planning on having someone take care of your dog when working but live alone, lapdogs and lazy dog breeds are definitely your best bet.
While all dogs, except those in later life, love to run and play, there is certainly a selection of considerably lazier breeds, such as the Boston Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Basset Hound. These are great options if you will be at home a lot.
For Those Looking For A Close Bond
With any animal, from rabbits to cats to dogs to budgies, the more time you invest into nurturing a trusted and deep connection, the stronger the bond will be.
However, there are certain breeds of dogs who generally seem to crave human attention and companionship more than others and are often described as ‘clingy breeds.’ Perhaps the most loyal and bonded breed of them all is the Vizsla, who will never want to leave your side, but the Border Collie, the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Shetland Sheepdog, and the Doberman Pinscher are all similarly naturally drawn to their owners.
With this advice, you will be able to select the right breed of dog for your lifestyle.
