Find your perfect pooch

Boxer

• Size: Medium to large

• Exercise: High (at least 1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Active families, experienced dog owners

Boxers are full of energy and love to play, making them perfect for active families. They’re also incredibly loyal and protective, which makes them great watchdogs. These dogs thrive on human interaction and are always up for a game or a run.

Miniature Schnauzer

• Size: Small to medium

• Exercise: Moderate (1 hour daily)

• Grooming: Moderate to high (regular brushing and professional grooming)

• Good for: Families, those looking for a small but active dog

Miniature Schnauzers are small but mighty, with big personalities that fill the room. They’re known for their intelligence and obedience, making them a delight to train. Regular grooming is a must to keep their wiry coats looking sharp.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Size: Small

• Exercise: Low to moderate (30-45 minutes daily)

• Grooming: Moderate (regular brushing, occasional grooming)

• Good for: Families, seniors, apartment living

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their sweet, gentle nature and are great with children and other pets. Whether you want a playful companion or a cuddly lapdog, Cavaliers are incredibly adaptable.

Jack Russell Terrier

• Size: Small

• Exercise: High (at least 1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Active households, those with time for training

Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big energy. They love adventure and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They’re best suited to active households that can keep up with their spirited nature.

Pug

• Size: Small

• Exercise: Low (30 minutes daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Apartment living, families, those looking for a low-energy dog

Pugs are the clowns of the dog world, known for their wrinkly faces and lovable antics. They’re perfect for apartment living and get along famously with kids and other pets. Just be mindful of their tendency toward breathing issues due to their short noses.

Beagle

• Size: Medium

• Exercise: High (1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Low (regular brushing)

• Good for: Active families, those with a secure yard

Beagles are always ready for an adventure! These merry little hounds are known for their incredible sense of smell and boundless curiosity. They’re fantastic with families and other dogs but do need regular exercise to avoid becoming bored and destructive.

Shih Tzu

• Size: Small

• Exercise: Low (30 minutes daily)

• Grooming: High (regular brushing and grooming)

• Good for: Apartment living, seniors, those looking for a low-energy companion

Shih Tzus are the epitome of a lapdog, bred to be royal companions. These dogs are perfect for those who want a low-energy pet that’s content to spend most of their time indoors. Their luxurious coats require regular grooming, but their charming personalities make it all worth it.

Australian Cattle Dog

• Size: Medium

• Exercise: High (at least 2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Active families, those who enjoy outdoor activities

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers or Red Heelers, are true-blue Aussie workhorses. They thrive on physical activity and mental challenges, making them ideal for active families or individuals who love the great outdoors.

Spoodle

• Size: Small to medium

• Exercise: Moderate (1 hour daily)

• Grooming: Moderate to high (regular brushing and grooming)

• Good for: Families, allergy sufferers, those looking for an affectionate dog

A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Spoodles are active and affectionate dogs with a low-shedding coat. They’re great for families and those with allergies, but their curly coats need regular maintenance to stay tangle-free.

Groodle

• Size: Medium to large

• Exercise: Moderate to high (1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Moderate to high (regular brushing and grooming)

• Good for: Families, those looking for a friendly and intelligent dog

Groodles, or Golden Doodles, are a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They’re affectionate, intelligent, and great for families. Their coats are typically low-shedding but require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.

Dachshund

• Size: Small

• Exercise: Moderate (30-60 minutes daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Small households, apartment living, those looking for a loyal companion

Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, are small dogs with big personalities. They’re brave, playful, and make great companions for smaller households or apartments. Just be mindful of their back health due to their unique build.

French Bulldog

• Size: Small to medium

• Exercise: Low to moderate (30-45 minutes daily)

• Grooming: Low (occasional brushing)

• Good for: Apartment living, those with a laid-back lifestyle

French Bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity due to their playful, affectionate nature and easygoing lifestyle. They’re great for apartment living but require careful attention to their breathing due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure.

German Shepherd

• Size: Large

• Exercise: High (1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Moderate (regular brushing)

• Good for: Active families, experienced dog owners, those looking for a protective dog

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their thick double coat needs regular brushing to manage shedding.

Border Collie

• Size: Medium

• Exercise: Very high (2+ hours daily)

• Grooming: Moderate (regular brushing)

• Good for: Active owners, those with a large yard, experienced dog trainers

Border Collies are often considered the smartest dog breed. They’re incredibly active and require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They’re perfect for active owners who can keep up with their energy and enjoy training and dog sports.

Golden Retriever

• Size: Large

• Exercise: High (1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: High (regular brushing and grooming)

• Good for: Families, first-time dog owners, those looking for a friendly and patient dog

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle, loving nature and make wonderful family pets. They require regular exercise and grooming to keep their luxurious coats in top condition. They’re incredibly patient and great with children and other pets.

Labrador Retriever

• Size: Medium to large

• Exercise: High (1-2 hours daily)

• Grooming: Low to moderate (regular brushing)

• Good for: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts, those looking for a loyal and energetic dog

Labradors are the quintessential family dog. They’re friendly, outgoing, and always up for an adventure. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them perfect for active families who love the outdoors.

Cavoodle

• Size: Small

• Exercise: Moderate (1 hour daily)

• Grooming: Moderate (regular brushing and grooming)

• Good for: Families, apartment living, those looking for a social and affectionate dog

A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavoodles are the ultimate companion. They’re friendly, affectionate, and get along well with everyone – humans and dogs alike. Plus, they’ve got those adorable puppy eyes that stay with them well into adulthood.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there is bound to be a breed of pooch out there which is perfect for you - all you need to do is a bit of homework to find the right fit. You could also consider adopting an older dog if you can't commit to taking a dog from puppyhood into old age.

Finding your perfect match

Choosing the right dog breed is all about finding the one that fits your lifestyle and personality. Whether you’re after a playful pup to keep you entertained, a loyal companion to join you on outdoor adventures, or a loving friend to cuddle up with on the couch, there’s a breed out there that’s perfect for you.

Before you make your decision, here are a few questions to ponder:

1. Do I want a puppy or an adult dog?

2. Can I cover all the financial costs of owning a dog, including food, bedding, toys, and veterinary check-ups and treatment, including emergencies?

3. Is my home safe, secure, and suitable for a dog?

4. Do I have time to train a dog?

5. Will I be able to provide them with enough company so they don’t get lonely or bored?

6. Do I have time to walk and play with a dog every day?

7. Am I ready to make a long-term commitment?

Dogs are wonderful companions, but owning one can be long-term commitment. So make sure you’re ready to welcome the right best mate into your life!