Everyone needs a canine companion that suits their lifestyle. Whether you’re active and on the go throughout the week, or spend most of your time enjoying a relaxed lifestyle indoors, it’s important to find a dog with a compatible energy level.
Check out this quick guide to find which type of canine would make a perfect addition to your life!
How do you assess whether a particular breed fits your lifestyle?
For the purpose of this guide, we will be assessing dog breeds based on the following criteria:
- Space requirements
- Activity level
- Maintenance requirements
- Temperament
1. Active lifestyles
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America. They make up the bulk of guide dogs in the country, and are commonly featured in commercials and advertisements for their recognizable and friendly appearance.
Australian Shepherds, nicknamed “Aussies”, are known for their intelligence, friendly demeanor, and beautiful coats. They are family friendly and protective of their home. They come in multiple colors including tricolor, merle, black, & red.
Weimaraners are bred to be hunting dogs, their high energy and prey drive makes them an excellent fit for people who enjoy spending lots of time outdoors. They will happily play fetch all day long and still have energy to run in the yard or go out on a walk at the end of the day.
These dogs require a fair amount of indoor and outdoor space to remain healthy and happy. Owners with a decent-sized backyard or a regular walking schedule should be able to accommodate the activity needs for these breeds. They also require at least an hour of exercise each day. If you lead an active lifestyle, these breeds could be the right fit for you.
2. Mixed lifestyles
Boston Terriers are affectionate little dogs that can live comfortably in an apartment setting. They love to run around in the yard during the daytime hours and snuggle up with you every night. They have distinct black and white markings that make them stand out at the dog park.
Greyhounds are known for their extreme athleticism and record breaking stop speeds, but they are true couch potatoes at heart. They will be the perfect jogging partner out on the town and, when you’re ready to binge on Netflix, they’ll be happy to join you.
Pit Bulls are extremely loyal, whatever you’re doing they will want to do with you. Whether you’re going out on a hike or enjoying some down time at your computer. They will be right by your side, ready for any activity you throw at them.
These breeds have energy levels that can vary on an individual basis. Some enjoy running around outside, while others are content living a sedentary lifestyle indoors. They are able to adapt to the activeness of their owners. This makes them a good match for people that have varying activity levels every week.
3. Relaxed lifestyles
English Bulldogs are extremely popular for their wrinkly and irresistible look. Throughout the day, they may have little bursts of energy, but they are naturally very passive. They get along very well with other dogs and easily fit into apartment settings.
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, but don’t let their size fool you. While they get very excited to run and play, this excitement is short lived and usually ends with a nice long nap. They may have excessive drool at times, but their short coats make for very low maintenance grooming needs.
Basset Hounds have a very distinct look with their long ears and short legs. They are a very affectionate and gentle breed that is known for their strong sense of smell and droopy expression. Their ears do require regular cleaning as they tend to drag on the ground and get into their food & water bowls.
These breeds thrive on human contact, so you can expect them to stick close by and snuggle up to you regularly. They make great cuddle buddies and are relatively low maintenance. While every dog breed requires a certain level of exercise, these breeds require the least.
Looking for affordable ways to accommodate your dog’s energy level? Little Friends Pet Sitting & Dog Walking provides professional pet care in the Charlotte, NC area. If your dog needs exercise while you’re at work or specialized care while you’re vacationing, check out their website to learn more and schedule today!