Living by yourself can be lonely, but nothing fills that void quite like a furry friend. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure which breed of dog is right for your lifestyle, these five dog breeds make the perfect companion!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Also known as the couch potato, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred to warm the Queen’s lap. If that’s not enticing enough to every royal lady out there, I’m not sure what is.
In terms of temperament, these dogs are loving, gentle, low-energy pets that are just as happy going for a walk as they are cuddling on the couch. They are the ultimate lap dog (obviously) and perfect for apartment living, as they don’t need a lot of space to be happy.
Cons: This breed can be pricey, not only in terms of adoption fees, but also in terms of care, as they require frequent grooming and are predisposed to a number of health concerns that could make vet visits pricey down the road.
Whippet
Aside from having the coolest name, this dog breed is also small, energetic, and fun. They are extremely social and prefer your company to being left alone. These pets are perfect for single women, as even in a family setting, they will likely choose one person to be “their person.” Whippets are great for apartment living, though they will require frequent walks and playtime to expel some of their boundless energy.
Cons: Whippets are known to have separation anxiety, so they aren’t great companions if you work long hours away from home. Their energy requires plenty of playtime and companionship. In addition, they are not built for cold weather and don’t tolerate it well.
Corgi
If you’re looking for a dog that will make you laugh, look no further. The Corgi has a mischievous personality, but they’re also notoriously affectionate and cuddly, making them the perfect snuggle companions.
That being said, they are not satisfied lying around all day. Corgis have plenty of energy and need physical stimulation daily. Some breeders and shelters even recommend extended physical activity twice a day, which means they might be better suited to a large yard.
Cons: Corgis are known for their stubbornness, and while it contributes to their fun-loving personality, this can make training difficult. In addition, Corgis shed quite a bit and are known to bark often.
German Shepherd
If you’re more interested in a guard dog that’s easy to train and has enough energy for your daily cardio, a German Shepherd is the pooch for you.
That being said, this is not the right dog for apartment living. Many apartments ban the breed due to its history of aggressive behavior. German Shepherds also need much more space than an apartment can usually offer.
Cons: German Shepherds are known to be barkers, though they are highly intelligent creatures and can be trained to stop if adopted early in their life.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are gentle giants known for their friendly, caring demeanor. While these dogs are huge, which will likely deter thieves and intruders, they are unlikely to actually attack and have a very sweet nature. This breed is very low energy and loves to cuddle, so despite their size, Bullmastiffs make fantastic lap dogs.
Cons: Big dogs have short life spans: the Bullmastiff’s is only 8 to 10 years. In addition, any health concerns come with a hefty price tag given the size of these animals. Finally, expect a lot of drool from this breed due to the massive size of their jowls.
Regardless of your personality, lifestyle and living situation, there is a perfect companion animal out there waiting for you. While these dog breeds run the gamut in terms of temperament, energy level, and care, there are so many more breeds out there just waiting for you to discover them (and fill out their adoption papers).