A dog behaviourist has revealed the breeds best suited for various lifestyles, and her insights might surprise you. It’s no secret that we often have preconceived ideas about our pets’ temperaments.
You might have pegged Rottweilers as intimidatingly aggressive, or Chihuahuas as excessively yappy. Yet, Jeanette Muldoon, an expert at The Family Dog Club, has now dispelled many of these myths, claiming that certain dog breeds may align with our personalities more than we realise.
Whether you’re in search of a furry companion on your outdoor adventures or a snuggle pal for life, Jeanette is convinced there’s a breed out there for everyone. In a previous conversation with the Mirror, she said: “Some of the cutest puppies – huskies for example – are often adverse to lots of cuddles, which can be hard for some people as they can look cuddly in some people’s eyes
“… For some dogs, living in a built-up area could be stressful for them, herding breeds, for example, are the managers of the dog world, and struggle if they’re only given road walks. They may find the fast traffic difficult to cope with.
“[It’s important to] do your research into the breed, breed-specific Facebook groups give an indication of the issues other people have.” With this in mind, Jeanette has pinpointed four dogs that correspond with four distinct lifestyles and personality types – and some are rather unexpected.
The Sports Maniac
Are you always on the move? Perhaps you can’t bear to stay indoors for too long, participating in everything from marathons to mountain hikes, always seeking an extra adrenaline rush.
For adventurers such as these, a terrier might be the ideal companion, Jeanette suggests. This is largely due to their high stamina, with breeds such as Cairn Terriers and Jack Russells known for being excellent contenders in agility and flyball competitions.
Working breeds such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Rottweilers excel in outdoor activities due to their robust physiques and elevated energy needs. Two hours of daily exercise is often recommended for these breeds.
“So for a sporty person who wants to do sports with their own dogs, breeds such as your working breeds tend to have a lot of stamina [too],” Jeanette continued.
“There are breeds such as the… Husky, Beagle, Terriers, Spaniels that are often more than happy to spend a lot of time outside getting physical exercise. [But] you’d then look at the personality of the owner, [they need to be able to] cope with a dog who still needs a lot of attention in the home.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Snuggler
It’s easy to overlook that fluffy dogs are not merely cuddly toys; some breeds actually prefer less affection than others. However, if you want a dog that’s typically ready to cuddle all day, Jeanette can help you find one.
She continued: “Your Cockapoo, Cavapoo, and Spaniels like to be very much attached to their owners. They may struggle a little more than other breeds when left alone.
“We have Staffordshire Bull Terriers and they’re very affectionate [too]..Staffies are normally loyal dogs who like to spend as much time with their owner as possible, but most are often ok if their owner isn’t there.”
Jeanette emphasised that any breed can make an ideal cuddle buddy, provided that their emotions and needs are recognised owner. “If an owner understands their dog’s behaviour and doesn’t overhandle them, then they will often have a dog that loves cuddles,” she said.
The Workaholic
For those who are always at the office but want a friendly pooch to come home to, Jeanette suggested that easy non-working breeds may be ideal. Bichon Frise, Bulldogs and Chihuahuas are included in this list, requiring only 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day to stay healthy.
However, Jeanette cautioned that leaving a puppy alone for too long is a big no-no. Not only could this lead to destructive tendencies, but also anxiety and depression. “For anyone working full time I would be really careful,” she urged.
“You’ll need to get a dog walker to come and help you, and in the first stages, it can be hard for a puppy to feel comfortable being left on their own. If you’re able to afford a walker and can work from home in the beginning, then I would look for easy non-working breeds.”
Utility dogs are also recommended for this. These generally refer to dogs bred for a variety of purposes, whether it be companionship or guarding, and include breeds like Standard Schnauzers and Tibetan Spaniels.
These dogs are typically smaller than working breeds and do not possess the same motivation to engage in prolonged exercise.
(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
The Quiet One
Do you enjoy having your own space? Maybe you appreciate a cuddle now and then, but you also value your solitude and personal time.
Believe it or not, Huskies, Labradors, Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers share more similarities than one might think, largely due to their confidence and occasional need for solitude.
Huskies, in particular, are often regarded as one of the least affectionate breeds, according to Jeanette, although this can differ based on each dog’s unique personality.
She said: “Within a litter of puppies, there will be a variety of personalities, some will be more laid back than others, for first-time owners a laid back puppy would probably be better suited to them. The more adventurous puppies often have more needs in terms of making sure their needs are met.”
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