Top 25 Best Dog Breeds for Every Lifestyle

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, there’s a lot of things to think over. Getting a dog isn’t like buying a random toy at the supermarket — you have to consider how this living animal will fit into your lifestyle. The best dog breeds for every lifestyle depend on factors like activity level, whether you live in a house or apartment, any allergies you have and if you have children.

Active Lifestyles

Calling all nature lovers! If you have an active lifestyle, you can’t have a dog that isn’t going to want to go outside. You need to have a dog that matches your energy level. You need to have a dog that is going to be your companion when you go on your hikes or runs. Let’s take a look at the dog breeds that are active and energetic. 

1. Labrador Retriever

The labrador retriever is an energetic dog that loves to play outdoors. This is perfect for those that love to exercise and go on hikes.

2. Border Collie

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent dog. These dogs need a lot of physical and mental exercise.

3. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is an energetic dog. They’re also agile and the best part about them is they enjoy taking long walks, going on runs and even hiking.

4. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in history. They’re friendly with everyone and great with children. The Golden Retriever is also an act of dog that fits well with active families.

5. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky needs to have a lot of exercise. They also love cold weather, which makes sense since they’re from Siberia (but that means you should run the A/C when it gets hot).

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle with breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Border Collies, ensuring they receive proper nutrition is crucial.

Fresh, human-grade dog food provides balanced nutrients to support their energy levels and overall health.

Families With Kids

You have decided to start a family and now you have a couple of children. You would like to expand that family unit by adding a pet. Of course, as a parent of two small children, you can’t just have any pets in your house. The pet has to fit in with your children in terms of their temperament and their activity level. Let’s take a look at some dog breeds that are perfect for families with kids.

6. Beagle

The Beagle is a perfect dog for children because they’re friendly and outgoing. The Beagle will have a great time adapting to a life with children.

7. Boxer

The Boxer is a perfect dog for children. They’re energetic, playful and best of all, protective. Despite their size and strength, they’re extremely gentle.

8. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dog is a large dog. It is known as the gentle giant and it is a dog that behaves magically well around children.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog. They’re very affectionate and are fantastic with children, which means you won’t have any problems with this dog and your kids.

10. Bulldog

The Bulldog is a funny looking dog, but it is also a calm and patient one. These are two good attributes to have when you have children in your house.

When welcoming a new family-friendly breed such as a Beagle or Boxer into your home, it’s essential to provide them with engaging toys and treats to keep them stimulated.

Consider exploring subscription boxes that offer a variety of toys and treats tailored to your dog’s preferences.

Apartment Living

When you live in an apartment, sometimes you think that having a dog may be counterproductive. After all, a dog needs exercise. But don’t let your apartment life deter you from having a dog. There are many dogs out there that don’t need a lot of space and don’t need a lot of exercise either. Let’s take a look at some dog breeds that are perfect for your apartment living. 

11. French Bulldog

The French bulldog is a small and quiet dog. Luckily, they do well in smaller spaces and they don’t need a lot of exercise. 

12. Pug

The Pug is a very unique-looking dog that has a sort of wrinkly and short-muzzled face. These dogs are quite compact and they’re also easy going and don’t require a lot of space. 

13. Chihuahua

Originally from Mexico, the Chihuahua is a tiny little thing. These dogs became popular after Paris Hilton had one that would hang out in her big purse. Because they’re tiny, they’re perfect for those living in apartments. 

14. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a smaller dog that doesn’t require a lot of space. They also don’t need to have a lot of exercise either. These friendly dogs are originally from Tibet.

15. Boston Terrier

Hailing from Boston, the Boston Terrier is a small dog. Thus they do not require a lot of space. They’re also quite easy to train and friendly creatures.

Living in an apartment with breeds like French Bulldogs or Pugs requires thoughtful space management.

Providing comfortable and space-efficient dog beds ensures your pet has a cozy spot to relax without taking up too much room.

Allergies and Hypoallergenic Breeds

Growing up, you wish you had a dog, but you found out from your parents that you were allergic to dogs. Thanks to breeding, there are many hypoallergenic breeds. That means they don’t have typical dog hair that causes allergies. 

16. Poodle

Originally from France and Germany, the poodle comes in various sizes and colors. Besides being hypoallergenic, poodles are usually intelligent, alert, active and faithful dogs. 

17. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a playful dog. Apart from being hypoallergenic, they’re also affectionate, cheerful and even feisty.

18. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog was bred for the purpose of helping fishermen with retrieving lost items or even helping with nets. Today, they’re intelligent, brave, docile and obedient dogs. 

19. Maltese

The Maltese is playful, affectionate, easygoing, gentle and sweet-tempered. These toy breed dogs have long, white hair.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier, or colloquially called the Yorkie, hails from Yorkshire, England. These small dogs can be quite bold, but can also be intelligent, independent and confident.

Older People or Low-Activity Lifestyles

You may think that having a dog can be too much work. After all, you worked for 30 or 40 years and the last thing you want to do is work more. Likewise, if you have a low activity lifestyle, you may not want to deal with energetic dogs that yearn to go on long walks. If you have a low activity lifestyle, there are dog breeds just for you. They don’t require a lot of grooming and they don’t require a lot of exercise. Let’s take a look at these dog breeds below.

21. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound looks cute, adorable and even funny looking. They were originally a scent Hound in order to hunt hare. Now, they’re low energy dogs that love to nap. Basset hounds are also sweet-tempered, affectionate and gentle.

22. Greyhound

You wouldn’t have known from the size and reputation of the Greyhound, but they love to lounge around. These low energy dogs hail from England and were originally used for racing and hunting (oddly enough!). The Greyhound can be affectionate, intelligent and gentle creatures.

23. Cocker Spaniel

There are two types of Cocker Spaniels: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. These small/medium size dogs are considered to be affectionate, easygoing and good with children. 

24. Pekingese

Originally from China, the Pekingese is a dog that can come in a variety of colors. They’re small dogs that can have contrasting temperaments — from being opinionated to being good natured and aggressive, but also affectionate.

25. Papillon

Originally from Belgium and France, the Papillon is a small toy spaniel. These dogs don’t require a lot of exercise, which is great for the older people or those that do not have an active lifestyle. Papillon is also intelligent and friendly. 

Wrapping Up

Each dog breed is unique. They all have different traits and personalities. And like humans, they don’t all fit with each person. The dog breed you choose needs to be on par with your activity level.  You also need to make sure that your dog breed fits with how you go about your life on an everyday basis —  including its grooming needs and temperament. At the end of the day, you need to choose a dog that is going to be a perfect match for your lifestyle. All you need to do is a little research and the right dog will pop up just for you.

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