Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the plunge and bring a new pet into the family. You’re finally ready for the responsibility and magic of dog ownership, but you’re also responsible enough to realise that you should find a dog breed that fits your overall health and the type of lifestyle you lead. We’re proud of you.
You may ask why? A dog’s personality is linked to its genetic breed and this may well affect the impact that your new dog has on your life (and on the flipside, your effect on its wellbeing, too). It is important, then, to make sure that you and your pup are the perfect match.
If you’re keen to learn more, with the help of The Pampered Pup, who provide Dog DNA Test Kits, here are 7 IDEAL dog breeds to best suit your lifestyle.
DOG BREEDS FOR CHILDREN
The best dog breeds for homes with children will depend on a few factors, such as the age of the kids, living situation and activity levels of the household.
In general, you will want to look for a dog that can be easily trained, has a gentle demeanour, and is good-natured. The best dog breed for families with kids should also be able to keep up with a fast-paced atmosphere and not get overwhelmed by lots of (sometimes somewhat clumsy) attention.
If you want a dog that fits in well with your large family, you won’t go wrong with the following: French Bulldog, Alaskan, Malamute, Dachshund, Pug, Beagle, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Papillion, Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever.
DOG BREEDS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
While many senior citizens are active and agile, others may be relying on a walker, cane, or wheelchair to get around. If you are looking for a dog breed best suited to a senior citizen, carefully examine the atmosphere in which you or they live. A low-maintenance dog will often be the best choice, and provide wonderful companionship to those in their golden years.
Check out the following breeds if you are picking a dog for a senior as these breeds are popular choices for this age group: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle, Maltese, French Bulldog, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Greyhound, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier.
THERAPY AND SERVICE DOG BREEDS
A service dog can help a person who is dealing with various physical health challenges, young or old. Some service dogs can predict when their owners are about to have a seizure while others help their handlers get from one place to another.
A therapy dog can help someone who is struggling with an emotional or mental issue, such as PTSD, stress disorders, or anxiety issues. As such, such a dog should always have a strong work ethic, a friendly demeanor, and a calm disposition.
The following dog breeds are the best at being trained to be a therapy or service animal: Golden or Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull, Poodle, German Shepard, Border Collie, Pomeranian, Boxer, Great Dane.
DOG BREEDS FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
When you lead an active lifestyle, you want a dog that can keep up with you. Some breeds are much more enthusiastic than others when it comes to participating in long walks and fun hikes in the woods. A high-energy dog breed is the type you will need if you want to take your dog with you on adventures. As a bonus, more exercise will help an excitable breed behave better.
Look for the following breeds: Bernese Mountain, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Dalmatian, Terrier, Border Collie, Beagles, German Shorthaired Pointer.
INDEPENDENT DOG BREEDS
It’s okay to want a dog even when you lead a busy lifestyle, as long as you make sure to pick a breed that can deal with your absence. While every dog requires time, love, and attention, some breeds are more low-maintenance than others.
These breeds include the following: French Bulldog, Greyhound, Chihuahua, Maltese, Bullmastiff, Shar Pei, Whippet, Basset Hound, Shiba Inu, Chow Chow.
DOG BREEDS FOR SMALLER HOMES
You may want a cute furball to call your own, but you also accept that you don’t have a lot of space for one. If you’re considering getting a dog but live in a smaller home, then your best bet is to stay away from the larger breeds or breeds that are high energy. Some smaller dog breeds with high energy levels are considered okay to live in small homes or apartments as long as they get enough playtime, indoor or out.
Look for these breeds if you want a dog but reside in a smaller home: Basset Hound, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Terrier, Pug, Pomeranian, Bichen Frise, Maltese, Pekingese, Bolognese.
DOG BREEDS FOR COLD WEATHER
If you are living in an area that gets a lot of wet snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, you should consider a dog breed that is more familiar with this climate. The right dog breed will have a dense coat that will keep them warm and a preference for being outside in the cold.
The best breeds for cold climates are as follows: Akita, American Eskimo, German Shephard, Bernese Mountain, Chow Chow, Newfoundland, Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond.