Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle

Choosing a dog is a big decision for them and for you. It’s vital to choose a dog that suits your lifestyle so you’ll both enjoy your lives as much as possible.

Here’s our top tips for choosing the right dog for your lifestyle.

Tip 1 – Consider your home

For example, do you live in a house with a decent-sized backyard where both you and your dog could spend plenty of time? Or do you live in a townhouse with a small yard, or perhaps an apartment with no yard?  If you live in a townhouse or apartment, you’ll inevitably spend the bulk of your home time indoors.  

Some dogs breeds need more space than others, especially larger dogs. Others will be happier to spend more time indoors. Popular indoor dog breeds include:

• Pugs
• Chihuahua
• Maltese
• French Bulldogs

Tip 2 – Consider how much time you have to give your dog regular exercise

Some dogs need more exercise than others, but all dogs need at least some exercise to stay fit, healthy and happy.

Do you work long hours or travel a lot? If the answer to either (or both) of those questions is ‘yes’, will you (or will someone in your family) have the time to give a dog the regular exercise that it needs?

Dogs that need a lot of exercise include:

• Cattle Dogs
• Australian Terriers
• German Shepherds
• Great Danes.

Tip 3 – Consider how active you are

Try and choose a dog that matches your energy levels. If you’re a couch potato, don’t choose a breed that’s energetic. Or if you want to get more active, choose one that is! Energetic dog breeds include:

• Border Collies
• Australian Kelpies
• Jack Russell Terriers

If you like to be active and get outdoors, an energetic dog will be perfect for you. You can even incorporate your buddy into your exercise routine!

Less active dog breeds on the other hand include:

• Saint Bernard
• Basset Hounds
• Maltese

Tip 4 – Consider how much time your dog will spend alone each week

Some dogs have more social needs than others. But it’s important to remember that dogs are naturally ‘pack’ animals, and you and your family become their pack. Breeds that are particularly social include:

• Labradors
• Golden Retrievers
• Poodles

Tip 5 – Consider your children if you have them (or any planned children)

Some breeds are better with young children and families than others. Good dogs for kids include:

• Dachshunds
• Beagles
• Collies
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

How we can help

At DOOG, we have a great range of products you can use for any dog, including:

• a range of fun fetchable and other toys.
• collars and leads.
• treat pouches and training gear.
• water bottles and bowls.
• harnesses that you can use for walks and runs.
• our innovative and award-winning walking and running belts, so you can take anything you need with you and keep your hands free.
• a dog bath towel that you can use if you go swimming at the beach.