Adding a new dog into your life is a big deal. Taking the time to ensure your pup’s personality matches your lifestyle is important and should not be overlooked. A little bit of research will go a long way towards finding a dog that is well suited for you.
Active/Family Friendly
If your family is one that’s always out and about, ready to hit the park or go on a scenic hike, there are a few dog breeds you should consider. Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Boxers, Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors are excellent options. These breeds showcase excellent family friendly qualities such as loyalty, stable temperaments, and devotion to a family. They will enjoy playing with your kids in the yard as well as traveling on adventures with your family. If you’re worried about shedding, take fur length into account before committing to a breed.
Laid Back
If you consider yourself a little on the lazy side, you’ll want a dog who is laid back and willing to snooze right alongside you. Breeds such as Bulldogs, St. Bernards, Basset Hounds, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are a great choice for a laid back family or individual. These dogs will snuggle you, and lounge around a good portion of the day. While all dogs require regular exercise to stay healthy, these breeds will be totally satisfied taking multiple naps per day.
Safety/ Protection
If the safety and protection of yourself and your loved ones is a priority to you, there are some dog breeds you need to check out. Akita, Rottweiler, Belgian Malinois, Cane Corso, Bullmastiff and German Shepherd are a few you may want to research. These breeds have natural instincts for protection and loyalty. Intensive training must happen in order for these dogs to be able to protect at an elite level. If you’re serious about adding a protection dog into your life, be sure to research trainers in your area. These dogs can be pretty expensive, so their training is worth doing right. They will undoubtedly be an excellent addition to your family life.
Renters/ Apartment Dwellers
According to akc.com, “Apartment dwellers have many dog breeds to choose from when selecting a pet. The size of your living space isn’t the only consideration because many large breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa. Some small dog breeds with high energy are satisfied with indoor playtime or a brisk walk. Just make sure to consider your neighbors when choosing a dog: You’ll want a pet that doesn’t bark incessantly and is polite when meeting other people, in the elevator, on the stairs or in the lobby.” Consider getting a Bassett Hound, Bischon Frise. Boston Terrier or a Corgi. These are all options that can thrive in smaller spaces.
There’s a dog for every lifestyle! Do your research so you can find a dog that will fit seamlessly into your world and your heart.