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Whether you’re looking for a exercise buddy or a friend you can constantly cuddle, dog expert Jeanette Muldoon believes there’s always a breed that will suit you
A dog behaviourist has unveiled the breeds that are best suited for different lifestyles – and her answers may just surprise you.
We often have preconceived notions about the personalities of our pets. Perhaps you’ve always thought that Rottweilers are frighteningly hot-headed, or that Chihuahuas bark far too much for their own good.
But Jeanette Muldoon, an expert at The Family Dog Club, says it’s time to debunk some of these famous stereotypes, claiming that certain breeds of pup will match our personalities more than we expect. Whether you’re looking for a companion on your adventures or a constant cuddle buddy, Jeanette believes there’s always a breed that will suit you.
Speaking to 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 if the issues other people have.”
In light of these different needs, Jeanette has outlined the dogs that match four different lifestyles and personality types – and some of them are quite unexpected.
The Sports Fanatic
Are you always on the go? Perhaps you can’t bear to stay inside for too long, taking part in anything from marathons to mountain hikes, always looking for an extra adrenaline kick.
For adventurers like this, a terrier may be the perfect companion, according to Jeanette. This is primarily thanks to their high stamina, with the likes of Cairn Terriers and Jack Russells known for being great candidates in agility and flyball competitions.
Working breeds, like German Shepherds, Border Collies and Rottweilers, are great for a bit of outdoor fun too, due to their larger builds and higher energy needs. Two hours of daily exercise is often recommended to nurture these.
“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.”
The Cuddle Addict
It’s easy to forget that fluffy dogs aren’t just cuddly toys, with some breeds preferring less affection than others. But if you’re looking for a dog that’s usually up for hugging all day, Jeanette has you covered.
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.”
Importantly however, Jeanette says that any breed can be a perfect cuddle buddy, as long as their moods and wants are understood by the owner. “If an owner understands their dogs behaviour and doesn’t overhandle them, then they will often have a dog that loves cuddles,” she said.
The Workaholic
If you’re always at the office, but want a friendly pooch to come home to, Jeanette claims that easy non-working breeds may be ideal. Bichon Frise, Bulldogs and Chihuahuas are encompassed in this list, needing only 30 minutes to an hour of exercise everyday to stay healthy.
However, Jeanette warns that leaving a puppy alone for too long is a big no-no. Not only could this give rise to destructive tendencies, but even 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 all sorts of purposes, whether it be companionship or guarding, and include the likes of Standard Schnauzers and Tibetan Spaniels.
These are often a lot smaller than working dogs and lack the same drive to go out and exercise for hours on end.
The Introvert
Do you like your own space? Perhaps you’d love an occasional doggy cuddle, but crave your solitude and alone time.
Believe it or not, Huskies, Labradors, Bulldogs and Golden Retrievers are not too dissimilar, thanks to their confidence and ability to go without social time now and again. Huskies in particular are known to be one of the least affectionate dog breeds, according to Jeanette, though this can vary depending on the individual personality of the dog.
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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