Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

SMITHFIELD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

USA

757-357-9308

[email protected]
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Wellness Exam And Vaccination
    • Nutritional Counceling
    • Parasite Prevention
    • Micro-Chipping
    • boarding
    • Bath and Pedicure
    • Senior Wellness
    • laser surgery
    • Therapy Laser
    • Dental
    • Hospice Care
    • Pain Management
    • Digital Radiography
    • Small Mammals
  • About Us
    • Meet our team
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • Petsimonials
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Request an Appointment
  • Download our App
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • The Best Dog Breed for Your Personality and Lifestyle

The Best Dog Breed for Your Personality and Lifestyle

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Different dog breeds

Finding a Dog Breed That Matches Your Personality

Will you soon be adding a new dog to your family? Selecting a breed that meshes well with your lifestyle and personality will help you make the best choice.

Things to Think About Before Selecting a Dog

Whether you've had dogs before or are considering getting a dog for the first time, you'll need to think about:

  • Who Lives in Your House. Do you live alone or with a spouse, children, or elderly family members? What about other pets? Do you already have dogs, cats, or small animals? Although some dog breeds thrive in busy homes with young children, others are best-suited for a life with a single person or a family with older children.
  • Your Work Schedule. Some dogs are more active than others. A pet that needs hours of exercise every day won't be the best choice if you have long or irregular work hours.
  • Your Activity Level. Do you want a dog that will enthusiastically accompany you on runs or enjoy competing in agility competitions, or would you prefer a pet that's most happy sitting by your side on the couch?
  • Your Experience with Dogs. A laidback breed may be a better choice than a breed that's full of energy or difficult to train if you've never had a dog before.
  • Allergies. Allergies won't necessarily prevent you from adopting a dog but will limit the number of breeds that will make good pets.

Which Dog Breed Should You Choose?

Once you've thought about your preferences and lifestyle, it's time to spend a little time researching breed characteristics. You may want to consider these breeds if you want a dog that's:

  • Good with Kids. A Labrador retriever is an excellent choice if you have children. In fact, the breed is the most popular one in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club. Labradors are friendly, affectionate, and enjoy the company of kids, adults, and other pets. Other good options for families are golden retrievers, beagles, bulldogs, Irish setters, pugs, poodles, boxers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and collies.
  • Energetic and Athletic. If you envision afternoons spent tossing a Frisbee to your new dog or hiking mountain trails, you'll want to choose a high-energy breed like the border collie. Originally bred for herding, border collies are happiest when they have something to do. They're easy to train and often excel in flyball and agility competitions. German shorthaired pointers, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, vizslas (also called Hungarian pointer), Russell terriers, poodles, Airedale terriers, German shepherds, Dalmatians, Pembroke Welsh corgis, Australian shepherds, and Irish setters are also energetic breeds.
  • Gentle and Calm. Looking for a calm, affectionate dog? A bulldog may be the perfect option. These dogs love nothing more than spending time with you and are playful and fairly easy to train. Other good choices include Basset hounds, greyhounds, Saint Bernards, Boston terriers, Bichon Frise, bloodhounds, great Pyrenees, Pekingese, Great Danes, Shih Tzus, and bullmastiffs. Although these dogs are lower energy than some dogs they still need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.
  • Better for People with Allergies. Although no dog breed is one hundred percent hypoallergenic, some are less likely to trigger allergies than others. Breeds that have less hair or don't shed as much are good choices. Shedding sends dander, a common allergen, floating through the air, triggering sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms. The Yorkshire terrier, one of several breeds that don't shed, may be the ideal dog for you if you have allergies. These dogs are energetic, friendly, and get along well with family members and strangers. You may also want to consider poodles, American hairless terriers, Afghan hounds, Irish water spaniels, schnauzers, Pulis, Chinese cresteds, Kerry blue terriers, Portuguese water dogs, and soft-coated Wheaten terriers. Spend a little time with the dog before you bring it home to ensure it doesn't cause an allergic reaction.

Have you recently welcomed a new pet to your home? We'll help you make sure your dog is in good health and has all its shots. Contact our office to make an appointment for your pet.

Sources:

American Kennel Club: Labrador Retriever

PetMD: Low Energy Dog Breeds, 7/8/21

American Kennel Club: 10 Best Family Dogs, 3/26/21

American Kennel Club: Can I Have A Dog If I Have Allergies?, 10/7/20

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Sign up for our newsletters!

Featured Services

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonials

  • "I took my 12 week old puppy in today and was very impressed with the care given to him. The ladies at the front desk were so friendly and welcoming. The vet answered all of my questions, was patient, and really seemed to care about my puppy. Having been to another clinic in the area, I was pleased with not only the care, but also the value. Thanks for the excellent service."
    Colleen W.
  • "Mr Boo Boo loves all his friends at SAH.. They take really good care of him."
    Brenda M.

Featured Articles

  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Online Games & Quizzes

    In this version of badminton, your tail is the racquet. Make the dolphin do flips and tricks. Play Zipper's Kennel Chaos game! Can you help get water in Zipper's dish? Use your frog tongue to catch delicious bugs. Create your very own prize-winning pooch! Speed down the ice while ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More
  • Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In