The best dog breed for your personality and lifestyle

Even if you already have a dog, sometimes it’s fair to say that the perfect pooch for you might not be the one that’s in your dog kennel. Strong personalities and habits suit some dog breeds well whereas others will clash.

Regardless, all dog lovers know dogs are wonderful, delightful creatures who deserve to be loved. But that doesn’t mean they’re all the same.

So which type of dog fits your personality and lifestyle?

Diabetes/heart disease sufferers who crave motivation

If you need incentive to get out for a bit of exercise because you have hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, which not think about a pooch that delights in walking, such as:

• Spaniels
• Eskimo dogs
• Pomeranians
• Toy poodles

Grandparent carer

Most dogs love children but there are some breeds that are particularly known for their love of children:

• Beagles and boxers are good for little kids
• Dachshunds are great for older kids
• Labrador retrievers and Saint Bernards adore having children of all ages

Homebody

If you like to stay at home for most of the time, a pup that enjoys that lifestyle too is optimal. Think:

• Pomeranian
• Chinese crested
• French bulldog
• Toy poodle
• Beagle
• Bloodhound
• Cocker spaniel

Depressed/Stressed

If you have depression, anxiety or are highly stressed, a yappy dog definitely isn’t what you need! You’ll need a soothing dog to cuddle up to after a long day. The best dogs for this are:

• Shiba Inu
• Pyrenees
• Pugs

Mobility issues

If you have difficulty getting around from knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, or MS, you probably want a pooch that can get plenty of exercise romping around the house, or needs only short walks. Think very small or very big (not terriers or medium dogs!):

• Bullmastiffs
• Saint Bernards
• Basset hounds
• Shih tzu
• Pekingese

Insomniacs

If you have sleep problem that keep you awake at night, a quiet canine companion could be the dog for you. Steer clear of boxers, bulldogs and pugs, who snore:

• Basenjis
• Greyhounds
• English sheepdogs

Fitness/gym junkies

If you love to get out and about, you’ll need a dog who enjoys the outdoors too. Just about every dog loves to get out and about, but these are the breeds that crave long daily walks or vigorous exercise:

• Labrador retrievers
• Doberman pinschers
• Rottweilers
• Irish and English setters
• Border collies
• German shepherds
• Dalmatians

Social butterflies

If you can never stop moving and you’re barely at home, you will be best suited to a doggy that wants to come with you, rather than one that can be left at home. Dogs that love to meet new people include:

• English and Irish setters
• Labrador retrievers
• Beagles
• Siberian huskies
• Bichon frises
• Russian wolfhounds
• Chinese shar-peis

Which dog is your favourite? What type of dog do you have?