Are you a breed loyalist or are you willing to play the field? Often pup parents tend to adopt the same breed again and again, which is perfect for those experienced canine caretakers, who know exactly what to expect. However, “canine newbies” should keep in mind some basic information before adopting a certain breed. If you live in a small flat, for example, you will need to keep in mind the grown size of your new pup, how much shedding, and how much exercise he will need. Other Considerations for potential pet parents should include whether someone will usually be at home with the dog, if the breed is generally good with children, the dog’s energy level, and whether you expect your pup to protect your home. The following descriptions should help determine which breed is most in line with your circumstances.
Best Breeds for Young Families
There are numerous breeds well known for their family-friendly attitudes. These are the breeds that have proven to show patience with young children and have very low instances of antisocial behavior. In addition to the friendliness of the breed, families should also keep in mind how much care their pup will need, the amount of shedding, and if he/she will have access to outdoor exercise before determining which family-friendly breed to get:
- Golden Retriever: Always a family favorite, this breed is great with children and other pets, requires only occasional grooming, is playful, energetic, and easy to train. Keep in mind he needs a lot of exercises, sheds seasonally and barks occasionally.
- Labrador Retriever: Another family favorite, Labs are good with children, get along with other dogs with supervision, is very energetic and easy to train. Labs needs weekly brushing, shed regularly and bark occasionally.
- Collies: These are high energy, graceful and loyal dogs. They are very active and need plenty of exercise. Collies are good with children and with other dogs with supervision. They shed seasonally and need occasional grooming. Keep in mind, they enjoy barking
- Bull Dogs: These calm and friendly dogs are great with kids and other dogs and do not bark much. Bull Dogs are easy to train and not too energetic, but they do need daily walks to maintain their health. They shed seasonally and require weekly grooming.
- Poodles: Although poodles have a reputation for being elitist and yappy, the truth is that these smart, energetic dogs repeatedly score a 5/5 on the American Kennel Club’s “good with young children” rating. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and are very affectionate. They do not shed and their fur has lower dander, which means they are less likely to trigger allergies than other dogs. Poodles are very alert, which means they may bark a lot when triggered.
- Beagle: Smaller in size with short, easy-to-manage hair, these dogs are easy to care for and respond well to training. They are friendly, curious, and good with children and other dogs. Beagles are very energetic and need plenty of exercise. They shed seasonally and will need occasional grooming.
- French Bull Dogs: One of the most popular small breed dogs, Frenchies are friendly, precocious, and playful but not- too-energetic little pups. They are easygoing and easy to train. They shed seasonally and need only occasional grooming. Frenchies require only short daily walks to maintain their health, and they bark very little.
Best Breeds for a Working Couple
If you and your spouse work nine to five you will be understandably concerned about which breed can handle being left alone while you’re gone. If you both work out of the house longer than eight hours, then you should postpone getting a dog altogether. Also never leave puppies or sick dogs on their own for extended periods of time, no matter what the breed. However, for regular nine-to-fivers there are breeds that can safely be left to themselves for hours and then keep you company when you get home.
- Chihuahuas: These tiny little bundles of love are one of the smallest dog breeds, and they live the longest. Although they are known for being spoiled, they are actually quite independent and do not mind spending hours alone each day. Their size makes them perfect for small flats, and they are alert little watch dogs. Always make sure to give your chihuahuas plenty of love, once you are home, however, so that they do not become aggressive.
- Basset Hound: A short-legged dog breed originally bred for hunting, but this pooch loves nothing more than snoozing on the nearest couch or cushion. These dogs are loyal to their owners but have no problem being left alone for hours at a time.
- Corgi: Another short-legged dog breed, these calm and loyal dogs are perfect for working families. They are low-energy dogs that are content to spend a few hours each day on their own. However, it is important that you walk your corgi twice a day, as they are prone to obesity.
- French Bull Dog: Frenchies are not just for families. These playful pups boast an easygoing demeanor and are easy to train. They will not destroy your home if left on their own each day and require only short walks to maintain their health and fitness.
- Grey Hound: These dogs are often large and athletic, but despite this, they are just as happy napping indoors for long periods of time. For those couples who want a dog who can keep up with their weekend hikes, while also being content at home during the week, this is the perfect breed for you.
- Chow Chow: This large, fluffy dog from Chinese descent looks like a Teddy Bear but is best likened to a cat. That is because Chow Chows are fiercely independent, do not like a lot of attention and are fine being left alone for hours at a time. They do not require an extensive amount of exercise for their size and make excellent guard dogs. Chow Chows, however, shed twice a year and require regular grooming.
Best Breeds for Seniors
Dogs and seniors are a wonderful combination. Dogs provide older adults with companionship, exercise motivation and a “baby” to care for, while retired seniors provide dogs with a lot of attention and hours of human companionship. However, there are a few special considerations older adults should keep in mind when choosing a pup. Size is probably one of the most important factors for seniors, as larger breeds can pose a falling hazard and require more vigorous exercise. Other considerations include your living situation and whether your pup will have access to a garden (if you are not able to walk him), or if you live in a small flat. Seniors may also want to consider how much time they want to spend grooming their dog, or if they mind having a dog that sheds in the home. Generally speaking, smaller breeds that require moderate exercise and that are easily trained are the best bet for older adults.
- Bichon Frise: These lovable small-sized pups are playful, loyal, and relatively easygoing. They require only moderate exercise, so a couple of short walks each day should keep both pup and pup-parent healthy and fit. They do not shed as frequently as other breeds but do require periodic grooming. They may bark if a stranger approaches, but not necessarily, and so they are not recommended as watchdogs.
- Poodle: These incredibly smart, adaptable dogs come in a variety of sizes, so choose the best size for your living situation. They are loyal and lovable bundles of energy, but the smaller varieties do not require extensive exercise. Your poodle should be fine with a couple of short casual walks with you each day. They are alert and responsive, so they will let you know if a stranger is around (but they won’t do anything about it). Poodles are very easy to train and generally do not shed, but they will require grooming to maintain their well-known furry poof.
- French Bull Dog: This breed is an all-around favorite for young families, working couples and seniors. This is because Frenchies are some of the most easygoing dogs and are adaptable to almost any living situation. They are easy to train and only require a couple of short walks each day. Most Frenchies are short-haired, low shedding dogs that do not require a considerable amount of grooming. They are not generally yappy dogs, but they will let you know if a stranger is nearby.
- Maltese: These social little pups love to get a lot of attention from their humans. They are smart, loyal, and playful. They are happy to sit with you on the couch or go on a walk as long as they are with you. They are perfect for apartment living and do not need much outdoor exercise if it is not available. They also shed very little and require occasional grooming. They are alert and may bark when a stranger approaches, depending on their training.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This adaptable and obedient medium-sized breed makes a perfect companion for an older adult. They are extremely loving and are happy to go for long walks or to simply cuddle on the couch depending on their owner’s lifestyle. Easily trainable due to their intelligence and adaptability, they make for low-maintenance companions. Keep in mind, however, that the King Charles’ lovable nature does not make him a good watch dog, and that this breed does shed and requires regular grooming to maintain his beautiful coat.
- Greyhound: For those Seniors who have a more active lifestyle and are interested in a larger breed, greyhounds are lovable and gentle companions. They are indeed athletic but do not require as much exercise as other larger breeds, and they actually love to snooze on the sofa next to their humans. They are calm, kind and nonterritorial making them unlikely to attack or bark at strangers. Greyhounds are very easy to groom, but they do shed lightly.
Best Breeds for Family Protection
Are you looking for a family pet that can also make a great guard or watch dog? There are breeds that are innately better for personal and property protection, but all require professional training to optimize their natural abilities. A great watchdog should not be vicious, but be smart, loyal, alert and territorial. They should be loving companions when “off the clock”, while being brave guardians while “at work.”
- German Shepherd: These dogs are brave, loyal, and loving animals that given the chance will form a strong bond with their family. This bond along with their natural protective instincts make them great pets and great guard dogs, as long as they receive the proper training and support. German Shepherds need to be brushed once a week, and they shed throughout the year in addition to shedding more profusely twice a year. This breed is a working one, so they need plenty of space and exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.
- Doberman Pinscher: Intelligent, powerful, and fearless, this breed is often used for protection for good reason. Doberman’s sleek and muscular build make them keen and able guard dogs that can outrun any foolish intruder. They are loving and loyal to family members and view children as the puppies of the pack. Indeed, they are people-oriented dogs but should be socialized and trained from an early age. They are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming and shed lightly. Due to their size, they need plenty of space to move around and regular exercise, as they are high energy dogs.
- Belgiam Malinois: These smart, noble looking, people-oriented dogs make for loving family pets. They are powerfully built and are easily trained as guard dogs. They are a large working breed and need plenty of exercise to remain fit and content. This breed also craves human connection and so should not be left outside and ignored. Their short, waterproof coats make them easy to groom with occasional brushing most of the year and daily brushing during their seasonal shedding times.
- Mastiff: These massive-sized, heavy dogs make for intimidating guard dogs. They are descended from the mountain dogs of Asia and have been used as guard dogs throughout history. The Tibetan Mastiff, for example, was the preferred breed for guarding caravans of people and products as they crossed the mountains, Romans, Ottomans, and the British all relied on this breed to guard people and property. Although they make excellent guard dogs, they are not generally considered high-energy dogs. They are happy to lounge around when off the clock. They are patient and loving dogs with their family, but they are protective when it comes to strangers, so training and socialization is vital to keeping your dog safe and happy. These dogs require basic grooming and shed seasonally. They are caring companions but keep in mind having such a large dog is quite a responsibility.
- Rottweiler: Despite their reputation, rottweilers are people-oriented dogs and are quite affectionate and loving with their families. They are a social and intelligent breed, so keeping them engaged is vital for their physical and mental health. Provide them with training at an early age, and they will make great family pets as well as great guard dogs. They do shed seasonally and require regular brushing and grooming.
No matter what you are looking for when adopting a new pup, there are certain considerations everyone should keep in mind. Make sure you have the time to devote to your new family member and know that he will count on you for his well-being for many years to come. Be realistic in terms of the responsibility you are taking on, and do not simply adopt a pup because he is cute. Dogs are loyal and loving, and it is heartbreaking when they are abandoned by owners who discover, too late, that they do not have the time, means, or inclination to care for them.
