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The Best Dogs to Fit Your Lifestyle:
If you live in a tiny studio apartment in Queens, NY, adopting
an Afghan Hound or a Bullmastiff is probably a bad idea. But if
you’re a professional single with ample space and plenty of
assets to protect, adopting a Rottweiler or a South African
Boerboel will do a lot more to protect you and your home than
barbed wire and an electronic ADT System. While it may be a bit
more challenging to choose a pet for individuals that live in
condensed cities and compact spaces, suburban residents, and
people that have chosen the country or rural life will have so
many options, they may not know what to choose!
The good news for city, suburban, and country dwellers alike
is space and security alone won’t determine which is the best
breed for you. There are many other factors to consider such as:
- Your schedule
- Your income
- Whether you are married or single
- If you have kids in the home
- If you are retired
- Your activity level
- Your health (allergies)
- If you own other pets
- Whether you are a jetsetter or a “staycation” type
Wait, there’s more. You should also consider the following
characteristics pertaining to the dog:
- Coat Type (long, short, medium)
- Ease of training
- Energy levels
- Exercise requirements
- Whether the dog is an excessive barker, average or
doesn’t bark much at all
- Potential health problems (certain health problems are
specific to the breed)
- Size of the dog
- Temperament (aggressive, timid, protective, calm)
- The role of the dog in your home
There are more than 800 breeds recognized by various kennel
clubs around the world, so no matter how unique your lifestyle
maybe, there is a dog out there that’s perfectly suited to your
special situation. For example, if you’re desperately seeking a
furry companion, but you don’t want to give up your lazy
lifestyle, a Bulldog or a Pug would be the best options for you.
Bulldogs prefer to pass out on the couch and log some serious
slobbering hours rather than go running and playing at the local
park. And although the condition is easy to maintain, Pugs have
upper respiratory problems, so they prefer to go outside
quickly, poop, and go right back inside to sleep or lounge or
stare at the TV. Sound like someone you know?
Another trick for those with sedentary lifestyles is to adopt
an older dog or adopt two low energy dogs. This way they will
keep one another entertained, which means less work for you.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you are very active and
like to hike, jog, run, and spend hours on end enjoying the
great outdoors, you might consider adopting a high energy pooch
such as a Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie, German Shepherd
or a Siberian Husky.
Continue reading to find out which breeds are best for
families, to browse through a list of some of the best hunting
dogs, and to check out just a few more popular high energy and
low energy breeds.
Best Family Dogs
American Cocker Spaniel
Beagle
Beaded Collie
Cockapoo (designer dog)
Dachshund
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Schnauzer
Best Hunting/Sport Dogs
Beagles
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Coonhond
English Cocker Spaniel
English Setter
German Shorthaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Lakeland Terrier
Poodle
Whippet
High Energy Breeds/Dogs
Weimaraners
Setters
Spaniels
Corgis (Cardigan Welsh Corgi)
Low Energy Breeds/Dogs
Pekingese
Shih Tzu
Greyhound
Maltese
Tip: Most toy dogs are perfect for couch potatoes. They get
much of their exercise indoors playing with toys or anything
they can get their pretty little paws on!
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