Which dog would suit your lifestyle?

When you’re getting a new dog, you may find yourself pouring over pictures of cute puppies or older dogs you could adopt. This is an exciting time and one in which you will likely fall in love with many different kinds of dogs. But choosing the right dog can also have a lot to do with your lifestyle. Not every breed may be the right choice.

Which dog should you get for each different lifestyle?

Some dog breeds enjoy being very active and like to run. Breeds such as Huskies and Labradors need to have enough space available to be healthy and happy. Smaller dogs with shorter legs, such as the Chihuahua, don’t need to run as much.

Will your dog join you in a snuggle on the sofa?

If you love to snuggle with pets and are someone who prefers to stay home rather than go hiking or enjoys other kinds of outdoor activities, some dogs may be better suitable than others. Smaller breeds such as the Bichon Frise and larger dogs such as the Golden Retriever are known for being affectionate and are great to cuddle with.

In a survey done by National Accident Helpline the Labrador and Retriever are named as “the most sought-after pets in the country”.

How much do pets calm their owners down?

The study asked 2,000 people in Britain how much their pets are able to reduce their stress levels in difficult circumstances. Some people suggested that while they find comfort in having their pets around during stressful situations, they can also be distracting when things around the house need to get done.

“87% of pet-owner respondents agreeing that their pet helps them destress during difficult moments. Only 2% of those surveyed stated their pets were not a calming influence during stressful moments”, the NAHL survey data revealed.

Especially, if repairs are carried out in the home, dogs and cats should be kept out of the way, in order to avoid injuries. Certain tasks require a lot of focus and should be done without distractions.

Before going ahead and choosing a dog, ask yourself some important questions:

How does getting a dog benefit your life? How do you make sure you’re ready for the responsibility? Sometimes, a living situation may just not be suitable to keep a dog. If you live in a small flat or don’t have a garden or park nearby to keep your pet active, it might not be the right situation for a pet to feel comfortable. Choosing a pet to suit your lifestyle can make things a lot easier in the long run for both you and your dog.

And think about holidays as you might need kennels, or start looking at UK Staycations where the whole family can go.

Dog Breeds

If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion but don’t have a lot of space or time to give, then a small dog is perfect for you. Small dogs typically live longer than larger dogs and require less exercise. If you’re interested in adopting a small dog, some popular breeds include: Miniature Pinscher, Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese.

Pugs

Pugs are a bit on the heavy side, but they’re a lovable breed that suits a number of lifestyles. They don’t shed and are relatively small, which makes them a good option for apartments. Pugs also have a low exercise requirement so they’re perfect if you can’t have a dog in your crate at work or home.

Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are small, loyal companion dogs that are perfect for apartment living. These pups don’t require a lot of time outside of their home, but will need walks and playtime on occasion. Shih Tzus are also known for being very affectionate and love to be cuddled with.

Bulldogs

Bulldogs are an affectionate, low-maintenance breed. Bulldogs are full of energy and need a good walk every day to work off their excess energy. Bulldogs don’t do well in hot environments, so they’re not the best breed for people who live in warmer climates hence why popular in Britain.

Bulldogs are really intelligent and very loyal. They also make excellent guard dogs because they were originally bred to be used as hunting dogs! If you’re looking for an active dog that has some guarding qualities, the Bulldog might be the perfect fit for you!

Havanese

The Havanese is a very energetic dog with a high level of intelligence. They are playful and love to run around the house with their family. The Havanese are perfect for families because they are eager to please their owners and always want to be close!

Border Collies

If you’re looking for a high-energy pup that doesn’t require too much attention, Border Collies are the breed for you. With their high energy levels, Border Collies need a lot of exercise, and enjoy going on long walks.

Border Collies are intelligent, independent creatures who can sometimes be stubborn or difficult to train at first. They need an owner who is confident and persistent with positive reinforcement when training them. But with enough patience and persistence, these dogs can be obedient and well-mannered pets.

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the UK for good reason. They are friendly, active, and intelligent canines who enjoy spending time with their families. Their coats come in three colours; black, golden, and chocolate.

Labradors can be trained to be service or therapy dogs, as they are very social and good around people of all ages. Labs are excellent family dogs that love playing with children and other pets in the house.