How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle
- Walksfar Dogwalking
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Bringing a dog into your life is a big commitment. It’s not just about picking the cutest pup in the litter or choosing a breed you’ve always admired. Dogs have different energy levels, temperaments, and care needs that can either complement or clash with your daily routine. Matching a breed to your lifestyle is crucial for a happy, lifelong companionship—both for you and your future furry friend.
So, before you bring home a new pup, let’s explore some breeds and who they’re best suited for (and who they’re not ideal for). We’ll also cover how easy they are to train, how much exercise they need, and any other key considerations.
Traits: Friendly, energetic, loyal.
Best for: Active individuals, families with kids, people who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Not ideal for: Those with a sedentary lifestyle, people who dislike shedding.
Training Difficulty: Easy to train, highly food-motivated.
Exercise Needs: High – at least 1-2 hours daily.
Other Considerations: Prone to obesity if overfed.
Traits: Affectionate, low-energy, adaptable.
Best for: Apartment dwellers, first-time dog owners, people who want a companion dog.
Not ideal for: Runners, those who prefer a highly active dog, people unwilling to deal with potential breathing issues.
Training Difficulty: Moderate – can be stubborn but respond well to positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs: Low – short walks and playtime.
Other Considerations: Prone to overheating and breathing problems.
Traits: Extremely intelligent, high-energy, work-driven.
Best for: Athletes, people who love training dogs, those with lots of time to provide mental and physical stimulation.
Not ideal for: Couch potatoes, those who work long hours, people looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Training Difficulty: Very easy – highly intelligent and eager to learn.
Exercise Needs: Extremely high – needs a job to do, at least 2+ hours daily.
Other Considerations: Can develop behavioural issues if under-stimulated.
Traits: Bold, independent, small but feisty.
Best for: Apartment dwellers, those who appreciate a strong-willed personality, people who don’t need an overly active dog.
Not ideal for: Those with small children (can be nippy), people with lots of stairs (prone to back problems).
Training Difficulty: Moderate – can be stubborn but responds to patient training.
Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks but not intense exercise.
Other Considerations: Prone to back problems due to long spine.
Traits: Playful, social, escape artist.
Best for: Active individuals, cold-weather lovers, those who enjoy training and socialising dogs.
Not ideal for: First-time dog owners, people looking for an easy-to-train dog, hot climates.
Training Difficulty: Hard – independent and strong-willed.
Exercise Needs: Very high – needs lots of running and mental stimulation.
Other Considerations: High prey drive and strong escape tendencies.
Traits: Friendly, affectionate, trainable.
Best for: Families, therapy work, people looking for a friendly and social dog.
Not ideal for: Those who dislike shedding, people with little time for grooming and exercise.
Training Difficulty: Very easy – intelligent and eager to please.
Exercise Needs: High – daily walks and playtime.
Other Considerations: Prone to ear infections and obesity.
Traits: Loyal, muscular, affectionate.
Best for: Families, active owners, those wanting a strong and loving companion.
Not ideal for: People uncomfortable with strong breeds, those not willing to provide proper training.
Training Difficulty: Moderate – strong but eager to please with consistent training.
Exercise Needs: High – at least an hour of activity daily.
Other Considerations: Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long.
Traits: Gentle, affectionate, lively.
Best for: Families, those who enjoy a friendly and adaptable dog.
Not ideal for: Those unwilling to groom regularly, people wanting a very low-energy dog.
Training Difficulty: Easy – eager to learn and highly trainable.
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – needs daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Other Considerations: Prone to ear infections and requires regular grooming.
Jack Russell Terrier
Traits: Energetic, intelligent, fearless.
Best for: Active owners, people who enjoy training and playtime, those with space for an energetic dog.
Not ideal for: Sedentary individuals, those looking for a quiet lap dog.
Training Difficulty: Hard – smart but stubborn, needs firm training.
Exercise Needs: Very high – requires lots of play and activity.
Other Considerations: Strong prey drive, can be destructive if bored.
English Bulldog
Traits: Calm, affectionate, stubborn.
Best for: Apartment dwellers, people who want a relaxed companion, those looking for a low-energy dog.
Not ideal for: People who want an active dog, those concerned about health issues.
Training Difficulty: Moderate – stubborn but trainable with patience.
Exercise Needs: Low – short walks and relaxed playtime.
Other Considerations: Prone to breathing problems and overheating.
Beagle
Traits: Curious, friendly, vocal.
Best for: Active families, scent work enthusiasts, households with outdoor space.
Not ideal for: People who prefer quiet dogs or those uncomfortable with independent thinkers.
Training Difficulty: Moderate – food-motivated but easily distracted by scents.
Exercise Needs: Medium to high – daily walks and plenty of sniffing time.
Other Considerations: Can be escape artists; loves to follow their nose (sometimes too far!).
Poodle
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, or Toy)Traits: Intelligent, energetic, hypoallergenic.
Best for: People with allergies, those looking for a trainable and active companion, city or suburban living.
Not ideal for: Owners who can't commit to regular grooming or mental stimulation.
Training Difficulty: Low – highly intelligent and eager to please.
Exercise Needs: Medium to high – walks, games, and mental challenges.
Other Considerations: Requires regular grooming; excels in dog sports and obedience work.
Corgi (Pembroke or Cardigan)
Traits: Lively, loyal, bold.
Best for: Owners looking for a small dog with a big personality, people who enjoy training and enrichment games.
Not ideal for: Very inactive households or those with lots of stairs (those little legs and long backs don’t love them).
Training Difficulty: Moderate – very smart but can be a bit bossy.
Exercise Needs: Medium – daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation.
Other Considerations: Prone to barking; can be herders of children, other pets, and the postman.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog breed is about more than just looks—it’s about lifestyle compatibility. Whether you’re an active adventurer or a homebody looking for a cozy companion, there’s a breed that fits your world. Think carefully, do your research, and pick a pup that will thrive in your environment. A well-matched dog means a happier home for both of you!
Need help keeping your dog active and happy? Walksfar Dog Walking is here for you! Reach out today to ensure your pup gets the care and exercise they deserve.
