Dog expert reveals the breeds that match your personality

A canine expert has revealed the dog breeds that align perfectly with various lifestyles, and her insights might catch you off guard. We often harbour certain ideas about our furry friends’ temperaments. You might believe Rottweilers are intimidatingly aggressive, or that Chihuahuas yap excessively.

However, Jeanette Muldoon from The Family Dog Club is keen to dispel such myths, suggesting that some breeds of pup will match our personalities more than we expect. Whether you’re in search of an adventure buddy or a snuggle partner, Jeanette is convinced there’s a perfect match for everyone.

In a previous interview with the Mirror, she said: “Some of the cutest puppies – huskies for example – are often adverse to lots of cuddles, which can be hard for some people as they can look cuddly in some people’s eyes

“… For some dogs, living in a built up area could be stressful for them, herding breeds for example are the managers of the dog world, and struggle if they’re only given road walks. They may find the fast traffic difficult to cope with.

“[It’s important to] do your research into the breed, breed specific Facebook groups give an indication if the issues other people have.” Keeping this in mind, Jeanette has identified four dogs that align with four unique lifestyles and personality types, some of which may surprise you.

The Sporty One

Are you a person who’s always on the move? Maybe you can’t stand being cooped up indoors for too long, participating in everything from marathons to mountain treks, constantly seeking that extra adrenaline rush.

For such adventurous souls, a terrier might be the ideal companion, suggests Jeanette. This is mainly due to their high endurance, with breeds like Cairn Terriers and Jack Russells renowned for excelling in agility and flyball competitions.

Working breeds, such as German Shepherds, Border Collies and Rottweilers, are also excellent for outdoor activities, thanks to their larger size and higher energy requirements. A daily exercise regimen of two hours is often recommended for these breeds.

“So for a sporty person who wants to do sports with their own dogs, breeds such as your working breeds tend to have a lot of stamina [too],” Jeanette continued.

“There are breeds such as the… Husky, Beagle, Terriers, Spaniels that are often more than happy to spend a lot of time outside getting physical exercise. [But] you’d then look at the personality of the owner, [they need to be able to] cope with a dog who still needs a lot of attention in the home.”

The Cuddly One

It’s easy to forget that fluffy dogs aren’t just cuddly toys, with some breeds preferring less affection than others. But if you’re in search of a dog that’s typically ready for cuddles all day, Jeanette has got you sorted.

She said: “Your Cockapoo, Cavapoo, and Spaniels like to be very much attached to their owners. They may struggle a little more than other breeds when left alone.

“We have Staffordshire Bull Terriers and they’re very affectionate [too]..Staffies are normally loyal dogs who like to spend as much time with their owner as possible, but most are often ok if their owner isn’t there.”

However, Jeanette stressed that any breed can become the perfect cuddle companion, provided the owner understands the dog’s temperament and needs. “If an owner understands their dog’s behaviour and doesn’t overhandle them, then they will often have a dog that loves cuddles,” she said.

The Overworker

For those constantly tied up at work yet yearning for a furry friend to return home to, Jeanette suggests that low-maintenance non-working breeds might be the answer. Breeds such as Bichon Frise, Bulldogs, and Chihuahuas fall into this category, requiring just 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise to remain fit.

Nonetheless, Jeanette cautioned against leaving puppies alone for extended periods, as it could lead to destructive behaviour or even anxiety and depression. “For anyone working full time I would be really careful,” she urged.

“You’ll need to get a dog walker to come and help you; and in the first stages it can be hard for a puppy to feel comfortable being left on their own. If you’re able to afford a walker and can work from home in the beginning, then I would look for easy non working breeds.”

Utility dogs are also suggested for this purpose. Typically, these dogs are bred for various roles, such as companionship or protection, including breeds like Standard Schnauzers and Tibetan Spaniels.

These dogs are generally smaller than working breeds and lack the same drive for extended exercise.

The Quiet One

Do you relish having your personal space? While you might enjoy a hug occasionally, you also treasure your solitude and downtime.

Surprisingly, Huskies, Labradors, Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers have more in common than one might expect, mainly because of their confidence and occasional desire for solitude.

Huskies are frequently considered one of the least affectionate breeds, as noted by Jeanette, but this can vary depending on the individual dog’s personality.

She said: “Within a litter of puppies, there will be a variety of personalities, some will be more laid back than others, for first-time owners a laid back puppy would probably be better suited to them. The more adventurous puppies often have more needs in terms of making sure their needs are met.”