5 Best Dog Breeds For Busy Singles
Being a busy single and responsible dog parent is possible. You just need the right dog breed – low-maintenance with an independent spirit and moderate energy levels. Here is a review of the 5 best dog breeds for busy singles.
Chihuahua
Native to Mexico, the Chihuahua is the smallest canine in the dogdom. Despite the size, this dog is known to be spunky, spirited, and fearless. The Chihuahua is one of the best dogs for busy singles.
Let’s find out why!
First of all, the Chihuahua is small – it is between 6 and 9 inches tall at the withers and weighs around 2 to 6 pounds. Also, it easily adapts to different living situations (including crowded apartments).
Secondly, the Chihuahua is naturally suspicious of strangers and quite loud (can bark a lot) – meaning it will watch the house while you are busy at work.
Thirdly, because of their small size and love of being “purse dogs,” Chihuahuas do not require extensive exercise sessions. Playing an interactive game indoors can be enough to satisfy their physical activity needs.
How convenient!
Last but not least, Chihuahuas are low-maintenance in terms of grooming. They do not shed much, and weekly brushing is enough to keep their coats healthy. It comes in several colors, including:
- Black
- White
- Fawn
- Chocolate
However, if considering this breed, remember that Chihuahuas can be hard to train. Additionally, they are very vocal and need proper socialization. During cold months they should wear comfy sweaters and are prone to dental issues.
Overall, the Chihuahua is the perfect dog for busy singles who want a dog with an attitude. It is adaptable and independent. Plus, it can handle being alone and does not need much exercise.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is best known for its white, fluffy coat and friendly personality. The breed was developed in France. If you are busy single, the Bichon Frise is definitely worth considering.
The Bichon Frise is small – weighs between 10 and 18 pounds and is around 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders. Despite the small size, it is sturdy and compact. Moreover, it is adaptable to various living arrangements.
As noted, the breed’s hallmark is the white, fluffy, and somewhat curly coat. Keeping the coat healthy and free from mats requires grooming – ideally, it must be brushed daily.
So, why is the breed still good for busy singles?
Well, because Bichon Frises do not need much physical activity. They are very playful and can tire themselves just by playing inside the house. If you can add the occasional interactive game now and then, that would be great.
Plus, the Bichon Frise’s coat does not shed much and is suitable for people with dog allergies. In fact, this breed is considered to be hypoallergenic.
What is more, they are eager to please and very smart, hence being simple to train. The best training technique is positive reinforcement accompanied by tasty treats.
If you decide to get a Bichon Frise, ensure you have time for dental care – teeth brushing and dental chews. This is because the breed is susceptible to dental disease.
Overall, as a busy single, the Bichon Frise can be your perfect companion. This is particularly true if you want a small and low-maintenance dog filled with love and affection.
French Bulldog
Another canine perfect for busy singles is the French Bulldog. Popularly known as the Frenchie, this dog is famous for its unique “bat ears.” Due to its friendly personality, this dog is suitable for both singles and families.
So, how big is the Frenchie?
The French Bulldog is relatively small – it weighs between 16 and 28 pounds and is around 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulders. The body is stocky and muscular, but the small size makes this dog fit for apartment living.
Frenchies are affectionate and social. However, they can also be left alone. Additionally, they are very straightforward to train, especially with positive reinforcement techniques.
They are relatively moderately demanding in terms of exercise too. A short walk or some playtime in a fenced area is more than enough. If you do not have the time, an interactive indoor game can also do the trick.
Lastly, French Bulldogs are low-maintenance regarding grooming. Their coat is short and smooth. Therefore, it does not shed much and can even be a good choice for people sensitive to dog dander.
Amazing!
However, if you get a Frenchie, remember that the breed is susceptible to skin issues and ear infections. You would also have to clean its skin folds and wrinkles.
All in all, the French Bulldog is one of the best canines for busy singles. It is easily adaptable, small, and low-maintenance. Plus, it is perfectly capable of spending some alone time.
Greyhound
Greyhounds come from ancient Egypt and were originally used for racing and hunting. Even today, the Greyhound is well-known for its remarkable speed – supported by its sleek and rather muscular build.
The Greyhound is the only large breed on this list. It stands between 27 and 30 inches tall and weighs around 50 to 80 pounds. The short and smooth coat comes in several colors:
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Black
- White
The Greyhound is affectionate and gentle. It is also calm and laid-back. In the house, they are not very active (despite their running background). The average Greyhound can reach a running speed of up to 45 miles per hour.
How awesome!
Yes, regardless of this ability, most Greyhounds are low-energy dogs and do not require extensive physical activity. Daily walks and occasional off-leash runs in fenced areas are the ideal exercises.
Plus, Greyhounds get along really well with others pets and kids. They are social and intelligent. However, like most independent breeds, Greyhounds can be challenging to train.
Is this a deal-breaker?
No, but keeping the training sessions short and interesting is important for successful results. Choosing the right technique (positive reinforcement) and being consistent is also vital.
In terms of grooming, the Greyhound’s short coat is low-maintenance. This dog sheds moderately and can be brushed on a weekly basis. However, its nails must be trimmed as needed.
Also, if you get a Greyhound, make sure you invest time in dental care. Also, based on where you live, you may have to get dog sweaters to keep it warm during cold winter months.
Overall, the Greyhound is the ideal dog for busy singles. It is lazy enough not to need much exercise and independent enough to spend time alone. Plus, it is adaptable to various living situations and has low grooming needs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The last dog on our list of breeds for busy singles is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Refrain from being confused by the large name – this dog from England is quite small and popular for its sweet personality.
Perfect!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 12 and 13 inches tall and weighs around 13 to 18 pounds. Its small and compact body is covered with a soft, silky, and medium-length coat that can be in one of these four colors:
- Ruby (solid red)
- Tricolor (black, white, and tan)Ruby (solid red)
- Blenheim (chestnut and white)
- Black and tan
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affectionate and outgoing. With its family, it is very loving, but it also enjoys meeting new people. As an intelligent breed, this dog is very easy to train.
So, what makes the breed a good match for busy singles?
Well, first, the size and adaptability. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not require much space and can do great even in a tiny apartment.
Additionally, they are not particularly energetic. Short daily walks or active playtime are enough to keep them tired and well-behaved.
As far as grooming is concerned, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does need regular brushing. However, the coat does not shed intensely, and the brushing can be limited to several times per week.
We must note that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need proper ear care. Their floppy ears trap moisture and dirt, thus increasing the risk of ear infections.
Moreover, it is important to get your dog from a reputable breeder, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to:
- Heart disease
- Syringomyelia
All in all, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the right dog for you if you are a busy single. Its easy-to-maintain nature and adaptability make it a great choice. Plus, despite its affectionate personality, it can spend time alone without getting anxious or destructive.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog breed suitable for busy singles, consider factors such as size, adaptability, maintenance (physical activity or grooming), independence, and the ability to spend time alone.
The above-described breeds fit these criteria perfectly. However, that does not mean they are not affectionate and enjoy spending quality time together (when possible).
