Dogs make the best companions because they are loyal, protective, and offer comfort. However, dogs are not created equal. There are best dog breeds for different needs, depending on their personality. Therefore, when looking to adopt a dog, you should choose a breed that is compatible with your accommodation, life, and needs. The right dog breed can make a huge difference for you and your dog. Here is a guide on the best dog breeds for different needs.
Best Dog Breed for Seniors
A dog can be a man’s best friend, regardless of age. Seniors need companion dogs that love to offer companionship and minimal physical activity since older adults are not overactive. Besides companionship, pets can
The best dog breed for elderly people is the Shih Tzu. While it needs a lot of love and attention, a Shih Tzu is affectionate and enjoys spending time with their parent. Therefore, they can cuddle with their senior parents and accompany them as they walk around the house. Shi Tzus are not very active, so they are okay with downtime and moving around the house, as most older adults do. They are also welcoming to other people and can peacefully coexist with other pets.
If the Shih Tzu does not meet your preference, then try the French bulldog. It is a great dog breed for seniors since it was initially bred for companionship. They are majorly food motivated and they love attention. So, you can expect to spend a few hours of your day tending to them and bonding with them.
Among the best dog breed for older adults is the pug. Pugs are great companions that seniors who like to spend their day on the sofa can have. They love playing indoors, and they are very loyal and loving. Pugs can devote to a pet parent, although they can get temperamental when ignored. They are also easy to take care of, and brief strolls are enough activity for them.
Best Dog Breed for Cat Owners
When it comes to keeping pets, most people believe you can either be a dog lover or a cat lover. However, some people love cats and dogs and would love to keep them. Although they have been mortal enemies, dogs and cats can coexist if you choose the right dog breed for cats.
The best dog breeds for cats should be one bred to offer companionship. For example, the Toy Group breed or the Sporting Group breed. In contrast, some dog breeds, like the Terriers, were bred to hunt and kill. Therefore, having a dog from this breed in the house with a cat might trigger these predatory instincts since cats tend to move around.
Some of the best dog breeds for cats are basset hounds. They are lowkey, playful, and patient. Golden Retrievers, preferred for their playful nature, is great with cats, and so are Beagles because they tend to be friendly and peacefully coexist with other animals.
Best Dog Breed for First-Time Owners
If you are willing to take the next step and become a dog owner, setting it off on the right foot is important. The best dog for first-time owners depends on your needs. Do you want a dog to go on walks with, or are you a retiree who needs a dog to cuddle up with in your home?
One of the best dog breeds for new owners is Golden Retrievers. They are popular for most reasons. They are very friendly and loyal to their owners. Golden retrievers are also easy to train and are obedient. Their outgoing personality makes it easy to live with them, making them a suitable option for a first-time dog owner. Labrador Retrievers also have an outgoing personality, are playful, and are very well-behaved.
A Standard poodle is also among the best dog breed for beginners because they are smart. They are suitable for people looking for a high-energy dog with whom they can do outdoor activities.
Best Dog Breed for Lazy Owners
Dealing with your daily activities and playing with your dog after a long day at work can be exhausting. If you are a couch potato and want a dog that matches your energy, knowing there are perfect breeds for you might be comforting. However, even the best dog breed for lazy owners will need some playtime and walks, just that they need minimal mental or physical stimulation.
The best dog breed for lazy owners is the English bulldog. They cannot engage in strenuous activities because they are brachycephalic, i.e., their nose is short and pushed in. They are calm, take a lot of naps, and love spending time with their owners. Another great option is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a companionship dog that enjoys spending time with its hooman. They give a lot of kisses and desire to stay curled up on the couch with their owner.
A third option is the Pekingese, a great breed with short bowlegs, and thus, are not great with a lot of activities. They are comfortable spending time with their owners, either beside them on the couch or their laps. If you like to have your fur friend on your lap, the Pekingese should be a top consideration, especially if you don’t own other pets and don’t have kids.
Best Dog Breed for Mental Health and Emotional Support
Besides the company, dogs are great too for emotional support. They can provide comfort and attention and give you a sense of purpose, distracting you from anxiety. Additionally, dogs make us happier and decrease blood pressure, anxiety, and stress. Thus, helping with mental health issues.
The best dog breed for emotional support is one that is calm, has an easygoing personality, and is loyal to stick by your side. For example, Corgi. Corgis are easygoing, happy, and playful, and hence, are among the best dog breed for emotional support. Watching your Corgi play can bring joy; seeing them move around with their rotund hinds and short legs as they wag their tail will bring you joy.
Great Pyrenees are also a great dog breed for emotional support and the best breed for anxiety if repetitive motions help you. They need a lot of grooming, so you will need to brush them often. Great Pyrenees are calm and mildly active, so you can spend a lot of time indoors with them if going out gives you anxiety.
Best Dog Breed for Dementia Patients
Have you been diagnosed with dementia? Worry not. You can get a furry friend to help with your memory and keep your health in check. Schnauzer is a good breed for dementia patients because they enjoy physical contact and like spending time with their pet owners.
Chihuahuas are a good choice of dog breed for dementia patients because they are best around people. Despite their diminutive stature, they have big personality, are loyal, love interacting with people, and are protective. Nevertheless, they are very active and might need a few more activities.
The Cocker Spaniel is also among the best dog breed for dementia patients because they are a great support dog, majorly because of their happy nature. They are affectionate. A character dementia patients will enjoy.
What Are Some Best Dog Breeds for Children?
There are a lot of factors to consider before getting a dog, including your needs and your family. If you have a child, finding the best dog breed for children is great.
Best dog breed for an autistic child
If you have an autistic child, a dog can be a great source of positive social interaction. It can also foster responsibility in the child and provide a calming presence. The best dog breeds for autistic children are the Bernedoodle, Labradoodle, and Poodle.
The Bernedoodle gets along quite well with kids and other pets like cats. They are excellent assistants and train well. Labradoodles also train well with kids, making them the best dog breed for autistic children. They also have less energy and can be an excellent friend and protector for your young ones. The Poodle likes training, and its small size makes it the best friend for your child.
Best dog breed for child protection
You want the best for your children, including keeping them safe. Boxers, Giant Schnauzers, and Czech Shepherds are among the best dog breeds for child protection. However, you should remember never to leave your children alone with a dog.
Boxers are great family dogs and, thus, are among our best dog breeds for child protection. They have great instincts, which they use to serve as guardians. They are passionate, loyal, tolerant, and very protective of children.
While the giant Schnauzer may have an intimidating physique, they are great protection dogs, especially for children with allergies. Due to their protective nature, the Great Schnauzers have for decades been preferred by police and guards and serve in the most protective roles.
The Czech Shepherds are not only protective but incredibly smart and very loyal. They easily bond with kids and their parents. With their high level of intelligence, they can decipher human emotions, which makes them quite sympathetic. Thus, among the best dog breed for child protection.
Good Dog Breed for Allergy Sufferers
You can keep a furry friend despite having allergies if you select the best dog breed for allergies that do not shed and won’t trigger your allergy. Maltese are great little companions who do not shed. However, you might need to brush them at least once a day to avoid matting. Fortunately, brushing them is an easy task because they are small.
Bolognese is among the best dog breed for allergies because they have low-maintenance grooming needs and are barely shed. A few brushes every week will be enough for them. The Xoloitzcuintli is also a good dog breed for allergy sufferers because they have a hairless coat, so you don’t have to worry about shedding coats that trigger your allergy.
Dog Breed for Small Apartments
With apartment living becoming more popular, getting the best dog breed for apartment living is important. An Affenpinscher is a great dog breed for small apartments because they easily adjust to change and get along with other pets, so don’t worry if you have a cat or dog. You don’t have to worry about too much shedding or too much noise since their barking is moderate to low.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small dog breed and good for small apartments, and so is the Australian Terrier. However, the Australian Terrier bark loudly, and you might need a dog muzzle for the barking.
Best Dog Breeds with Low Maintenance
being busy and occupied should not come between you and your desire to have a fur friend. You can choose a dog breed with low maintenance that you can maintain. Despite the best dog breeds with low maintenance, you should know that all dogs need some maintenance. So, they will need time and attention, too, just not as much as other breeds.
The Dachshund and French Bulldog are some of the best dog breeds with low maintenance. Dachshunds may be stubborn and need training, but they are lovable and affectionate dogs. They do not like excessive activities and, thus, only need mild exercises to keep them in shape and check.
The French Bulldog is a great loafing companion and is quite cheerful. They have low endurance, and moderate daily exercise is enough for them. Their grooming needs are also minimal, but you need to be extra careful with them since they are prone to skin issues because of their shortened muzzles.
Best Dog Breeds with Chicken
Keeping chicken does more than give you fresh eggs. They can be a source of satisfaction and enjoyment. But chicken, too, needs protection from raccoons, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes. While most dogs are a threat to chickens, there are dog breeds that can coexist with chickens. For example, the Maremma Sheepdog. They are agile, alert, and attentive. These Sheepdogs are easy to train, highly intelligent, and have a warm personality.
The Pyrenean Mastiff does not have a high prey drive and, thus, will barely disturb your chicken. Bred for protecting flocks, they can protect your chicken too from predators. They are also great for families with children, even though they work better in colder climates.
Finding the Right Dog Breed for Me
Are you wondering, “Which is the best dog breed for me?”, “how do I choose the right dog breed?” Worry no more. Finding the right dog breed is easy. You need to consider three main factors. First, the breed of the dog. A dog’s breed will determine its personality, well-being, how it should be cared for, and its traits. For example, if you need a dog for allergies, you need a breed like the Poodle, which is hypoallergenic.
Second, your living space. Do you live in a house or apartment, and is your space enough for a big or small dog? Large dogs, for example, Great Danes, are prone to hip problems and might need more space than small breeds like Chihuahuas. Your living space will influence the happiness of your dog.
Third, you should consider the age of the dog. Adult dogs tend to be more clam compared to young dogs but are prone to diseases as well. Some old dogs aren’t also the best companions for children. Young dogs are more active and might need more activity.
Find the best dog breed that complements your needs and matches your activity level. Get the best dog breeds for you and your family from our guide above.
