If you live alone and have spent some time researching what are the BEST DOG BREEDS FOR LONERS because you are determined to acquire a new pet to be your companion, you should also know that this is not a decision that you should make lightly. The decision to live alone also implies that your dog will spend long periods without the presence of its owner, and it’s necessary to consider that, depending on the breed of the dog, this can lead to a serious emotional problem for the pet.
Unlike other animals, dogs are herd animals and depend on it, this being a compelling reason to try to fully understand their character before making the decision to include them in our lives, since we not only have to consider our needs, but theirs as well. This hasn’t been with the idea of discouraging you, but rather to guide you so that you can make the best decision when choosing one among the BEST DOG BREEDS FOR LONERS that we have selected in this guide to make it easier for you.
Knowing your dog’s breed in depth is important
Dogs are extremely intelligent and friendly animals that have adapted [https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54690458] to the company of human beings over thousands of years of evolution and that find their world in their owners. However, the opposite is also true and today, there is ample scientific evidence that clearly indicates that human beings also obtain an important number of benefits [https://time.com/4870796/dog-owners-benefits/] by living with these wonderful animals, among which we can include:
- Decreased stress
- Increase in serotonin levels
- Improved social life
- Increased time of physical activity
- Development of discipline and responsibility
- Greater resistance to allergies
- Greater sense of security
- Dogs provide therapeutic effects
- Dogs provide moments of entertainment
Apart from these benefits, the truth is that THERE ARE CERTAIN BREEDS THAT ARE POSTULATED AS PERFECT FOR CERTAIN ROLES, something that is determined by their habits, their character or even their psyche. So, without further ado, let’s see what are some of those dog breeds that, due to their characteristics, are ideal for lonely people.
- Greyhound
GREYHOUNDS ARE ATHLETIC AND FAST DOGS, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also enjoy moments of calm and relaxation, either on the sofa or in some special corner of the home. Although these dogs are very active and love running, THEY ARE ACTUALLY CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE LONELY AND INTROVERTED DOGS, which already says a lot about their personality. This means that when meeting a stranger, they will act rather shy and reserved.
As they are hounds with strong hunting instincts, it’ll be very usual to see them frequently trying to locate and chase small prey, so with a good activity routine combined with several sessions of intense short-term exercise, followed by several small naps throughout the day, Greyhounds will feel like they’re in their natural paradise. - Newfoundland
It’ll be very normal for these attractive dogs covered in thick fur to constantly attract the attention of other people, so if you like to start casual conversations about dogs with other people, this breed will come in handy. However, THESE DOGS ARE IDEAL FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO SPEND A LONG TIME SHARING ONLY WITH THEIR PET AND WITH NO ONE ELSE. They have a fairly gentle character and are very loyal animals that, with proper training, can become inseparable companions of their owners.
You should also take into account that they are quite independent animals that also love to enjoy their good doses of daily physical activity, so walks around the neighborhood shouldn’t be missed. - Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu has become over the years the favorite pet of Japanese, but it has also been gaining more and more popularity in many western countries. Their peculiar fox-like face became very popular as a meme on the Internet in the last decade, and there are even cryptocurrencies — similar to Bitcoin — developed in their honor.
SHIBA INUS ARE MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE SPENDING MORE TIME WITH THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE than trying to socialize all the day with other dogs, and they are also very reserved when approaching strangers. Shiba Inus ARE CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING VERY STRONG EMOTIONAL BONDS, so it’ll feel very good for them to be alone with you during those weekends when you prefer to stay at home watching movies and eating popcorn. If you want to learn more about how to take care of your Shiba Inu read our Shiba Inu Grooming Guide. - Basset Hound
This hound is quite popular and has many followers who prefer it as a pet for coexistence. Although these are dogs with a long body, their short stature makes them appear smaller than they really are. BASSET HOUNDS ARE A FAIRLY CALM COMPANION that will rarely show signs of aggression. Being fairly intelligent dogs with a fast learning ability, IT IS RELATIVELY EASY TO TRAIN THEM.
Of course, it’s natural that when you take a Basset Hound out for a walk, its instincts come to light, so it’ll get very excited taking a good walk and sniffing everything it finds in its path. Basset Hounds are also known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. - Chihuahua
Although they have a certain reputation for being grumpy, in reality, Chihuahuas are one of the BEST DOG BREEDS FOR LONERS. And in reality, it isn’t that they are so grumpy, but that these dogs establish strong emotional ties with their owners and although their habits make them very calm and sleepy animals, if they observe their environment threatened by strange agents, THEY WON’T HESITATE TO QUICKLY BECOME DEFENSIVE, FACING EVEN MUCH LARGER DOGS.
ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF CHIHUAHUAS IS ITS SMALL SIZE, which makes them ideal dogs to travel with and even take them to the office — if your boss allows this. It is also important to know that THE SERENITY OF CHIHUAHUAS MAKES THEM TEND TO BE OVERWEIGHT, so you should feed them healthily to avoid this as much as possible. In addition, you should consider that THE IDEAL STATE FOR CHIHUAHUAS IS TO SHARE THEIR LIFE WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER COMPANION WHO HAS THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS. - Pug Carlino
Even with that serious face and that frown, Pugs hide one of the most carefree and affectionate canine personalities. CARLINOS LIKE TO BE SURROUNDED BY A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT AND FEEL LOVED, this being the way that best shows their character. They’re sociable, expressive, intelligent and courageous dogs, but they also adapt very well to the quiet life in a single apartment because THEY DON’T NEED LARGE SPACES TO FEEL GOOD.
Of course, they love to sleep comfortably and it is common to hear them snoring while they sleep, so you may want to consider preparing a separate room so that both of you can sleep peacefully. - Akita
If you saw the movie “Hachi” starring Richard Gere, you will know that AKITAS ARE ONE OF THE MOST LOYAL DOG BREEDS OUT THERE. They are an introverted breed that DOESN’T USUALLY SHOW INTEREST IN MEETING NEW PEOPLE, and even trying to socialize with other dogs. In reality, Akitas prefer to spend more time with their owners, always attentive to their needs and with a protective attitude.
Although from its look it may seem that Akitas are a breed that doesn’t like to have a lot of fun, when they’re in a family environment, they can totally relax and enjoy spending a lot of time alone sharing with their owners without being distracted by anything else, even enjoying those moments of total solitude lying on your lap while watching your favorite TV program, for example. - Boxer
Although Boxers give the impression of being difficult dogs to handle due to their size and great physical shape, the truth is that they are one of the best recognized breeds for living with human beings. Boxers are faithful, respectful, extremely playful and very noble animals. In fact, MANY PEOPLE TURN TO THESE DOGS FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES IN ORDER TO GET THEIR VITALITY AND JOY.
And precisely because of that vitality and joy, Boxers become animals that by nature need to burn that surplus of energy every day, so THEY WILL BE IDEAL PETS IF YOU LIKE TO EXERCISE FREQUENTLY AND YOU ALWAYS COMPLY WITH GIVING THEM ITS RATION OF DAILY EXERCISE. This is also recommended to prevent them from adopting a dominant attitude. - English Bulldog
This breed comes from the United Kingdom and its ancestor is the Old English Bulldog, a breed that was widely used in the past in sports fights against bulls. This is considered one of the BEST DOG BREEDS FOR LONERS due to their personality, since they have a calm, patient and gentle character, as well as being very affectionate and sociable, but also brave and voracious!
In this last aspect, it’s important to bear in mind that THESE DOGS ARE PRONE TO OBESITY AND BONE PROBLEMS, so it is advisable that you create a routine with daily walks to keep them active and in good shape.
Another aspect that you should take into account is that English Bulldogs love to bite. We are not only talking about their puppy stage, but about a gesture that is maintained throughout their entire life. That is why it’s important to offer them an accessory to entertain themselves at an early age, since that way, they will get used to it even being adults — and so you will avoid that they end up biting your shoes. - Beagle
Beagles have quite an outgoing personality in the sense that they always want to be up to mischief. However, these little hounds can provide wonderful moments for lonely people who need to focus their attention on some frequent physical activity.
Although they love to be in constant contact with their owner, they also enjoy having their own space and moments of solitude. Be prepared because THEY WILL ALWAYS BE TRYING TO GET YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE TO BURN THEIR ENERGY, but once they feel satisfied, you can return home and they will stay as still as a photograph. Beagles are synonymous with adventure, especially when they feel like they are in good company. - Schnauzer
This is another dog with a reputation for being grumpy, but in reality, it is not so much. The Schnauzer is a loving and close dog with its owners, but in addition, IT IS ONE OF THE IDEAL DOGS TO COEXIST, EITHER CONSTANTLY OR AT SPECIFIC TIMES, WITH CHILDREN.
But in addition to these characteristics, another of the main reasons why these dogs are one of the best dogs for loners, is that they’re one of the most balanced breeds on an emotional level. This means that although they greatly enjoy the company of their owners, LEAVING THEM ALONE DURING WORKING HOURS IS NO PROBLEM.
Another aspect to highlight is that THEY ARE EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT DOGS, SOMETHING THAT GREATLY FACILITATES THEIR TRAINING. The Schnauzer is a calm dog, but also vigorous and energetic that needs a good daily dose of exercise. That is why it is also important that they don’t get bored. - Dachshund
This breed of dog stands out for establishing an exceptional relationship with its owner. Indeed, due to their extremely loyal character, they are capable of establishing an extremely close bond with their human partners. These calm and balanced dogs also have a great mental restlessness. That is why it’s important that when we are away from home during the day, WE TRY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY TIME FOR THE ANIMAL TO HAVE ITS DAILY WALKS. THEY NOT ONLY NEED IT PHYSICALLY, BUT ALSO EMOTIONALLY.
Another aspect that you should consider, as with the Chihuahua, is the possibility of having a playmate. ONLY A DOG WITH THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS WILL BURN ALL THE ENERGY THEY HAVE. - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles Spaniel is one of the largest among small breed dogs. THESE DOGS ARE ATHLETIC ANIMALS THAT ENJOY LONG WALKS AND FRANTIC RUNS. For this reason, they also excel easily in agility sports, flyball, and racing, as well as being very intelligent and responding very well to positive reinforcement.
King Charles Spaniels are loving and sweet dogs that don’t like loneliness at all, so they’ll follow you everywhere. They can show a very dependent character and love to chase birds and small prey. Although they tend to bark at any stranger who comes to the door, THEY’RE ACTUALLY VERY FRIENDLY DOGS. With their size of around 12 inches and a weight of 6-8 kgs, the King Charles Spaniel maintains its sporty nature intact and a life expectancy that ranges between 9 and 15 years of age.