Dogs are a lot of fun, but they need to fit into your life, including whether you’ve got time for a twice daily walk or need a pooch that can be a running companion.
Carefully considering the dog breed may increase your chances of finding your perfect dog fit.
“I often tell people that selecting a dog breed is a little like choosing a car. If we all picked the ‘right’ car we would all likely own a mid-sized, four-cylinder, hybrid engine hatchback,” says Dr David Neck from the Australian Vet Association (AVA).
“However some of us want a soft-top convertible sports car, some of us need a ute, and some of us love a kombi-van.”
So what kind of dog is best suited to your lifestyle? With some help from the AVA, here’s our list of the five main types of dog owners and the top breeds to suit each.
| Full-time worker, low activity | ||
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel These low-maintenance and chilled-out dogs are an easy-to-train pet and get along with everyone. Owners looking for an affectionate and playful dog are likely to find a soulmate in the Cavalier King Charles. Just try to resist their big, round eyes. |
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Bullmastiff Despite the name, Bullmastiffs are gentle, loving and laidback with people they know. It helps to socialise them when they’re young and get them used to strangers. As they're large dogs, they don’t suit apartment living but are relaxed about exercise. |
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Chihuahua This tiny pooch has a big personality. These fiercely loyal and energetic little dogs are great watchdogs and need to be trained to avoid bad manners. They’re excellent indoor dogs and while they do enjoy a walk, they’re happiest in your company. |
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| Full-time worker, moderate activity | ||
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Basset Hound They might look droopy and sad, but Basset Hounds are anything but. They’re happy and love to socialise with animals and humans alike, so if you already have a pet they’re likely to enjoy the company. If they’re not trained well from an early age they can be stubborn and need stimulation. |
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi If you’re willing to put in the time and effort early, these adorable ‘royal’ pooches make a great addition to the family with their happy demeanour. They’re loyal and usually easy to train – especially when food is involved. Corgis are also rather athletic, so they need daily exercise to keep them satisfied. |
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Cocker Spaniel Energetic, smart and lively, Cocker Spaniels love attention so there’s never a dull moment. They’re best suited to smaller homes or apartments. Their beautiful wavy coats require grooming and regular checks for ticks and burrs in their fur and under their floppy ears. |
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| Active and energetic lifestyle | ||
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Border Collie Highly intelligent and alert, this breed is known for being happiest when they’re at work. Border Collies are devoted to their family and love to be told they’re doing a good job. They require daily walks and games, so they’re well suited to active owners. Previous dog experience is advised. |
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Kelpie The iconic Australian Kelpie is known for its high energy, independent personality and desire to work hard. And there’s a reason for that – they can run up to 60km in a day. Best suited for a rural property or large yard where they’re free to run, these dogs commonly make great family dogs when socialised at an early age. |
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Australian Shepherd If you want a pal, this is the breed for you. They want to be involved in family life and will follow you around the house. The Aussie is a high energy, medium-sized dog that loves to learn tricks, play games and run. Even though they can be demanding they’re typically easy to train and keen to please. Previous dog experience is advised. |
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| Young family | ||
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Golden Retriever This naturally smiley dog is fun-loving and wants to be involved with everyday family life. Gentle and smart, they’re great with kids and love the companionship and activity of a large family. A daily walk is usually enough to keep them happy. |
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier These tough-looking dogs are big affectionate softies at heart. Always aiming to please, they’re known for being great with children and the whole family. An athletic and boisterous dog, Staffies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and need to be trained and socialised with other dogs at an early age. |
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Cavoodle A blend of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle, these small dogs love being around people, can make good guard dogs, and are great for people with allergies, too. With crossbreeds, remember that all puppies can vary in temperament and looks. |
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| Retired | ||
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Maltese/Shih Tzu Suitable for small homes, this indoor dog is a great companion. Their small size shouldn’t fool you – they’re independent thinkers, so try not to give in to their every whim. A daily walk and lots of cuddles are usually enough to keep them satisfied. They’re great for people with allergies, too, as they don’t shed much fur. |
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Greyhound These gentle giants are clean, quiet and don’t require much exercise - Greyhounds could sleep all day if they wanted to. They love to be surrounded by their family, so they’re perfect for someone who spends lots of time at home. Many greyhounds are retired racers, so try a local shelter or Greyhound rehoming organisation. |
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Poodle (toy, miniature, standard) The popular Poodle will have no problem settling into your life. As they love company, they’re a good choice for those who expect to spend a lot of time with their dog. They have wonderful temperaments and are very smart, making them easier to train. With non-shedding coats, they’re also great for people with allergies. |
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Last updated April, 2018
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