Are you a single, working person looking for the perfect dog breed?
Dogs can make great companions and if you’re a single person looking for some company, a four-legged friend could be the faithful friend you need.
While some dog breeds are stereotyped as the perfect family pets, we’ve enlisted the help of a number of pet experts to uncover the best dog breeds for singletons.
So whether you’re a high-flyer working in the city who would like some company after a stressful day at work or you live in the countryside and want a four-legged friend to take part in your daily hikes.
In this article, we’ll hear from a number of different experts, ranging from dog trainers to veterinarians, pet behaviourists to dog groomers.
With the introduction over, let’s get started on our best dog breeds for a single, working person.
Dachshund
Dachshund puppy (Photo: Adobe)
The popular Wiener dog is a small breed that was originally bred for hunting. But those days are behind these puppies. Their distinctive long body and short legs will give you a unique appeal when you walk your puppy. And that will not be that often. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty to owners and family, often described as Velcro dogs. Now, you might think a Velcro dog will be prone to separation anxiety? Well, Dachshunds can be trained to stay at home alone for prolonged periods. They have a playful and energetic personality when you give them attention. They love to play games with their owners. When you are out of the home, Dachshunds will be waiting for you. And when you have time to dedicate to your puppy, you can expect tons of joy and entertainment.
Suggested by Aleksandar Mishkov, Owner Of The Daily Tail
Chihuahua
Chihuahua licks paw (Photo: Adobe Stock)
If you work a lot and your dog will be home during the day, you need a dog who is laid back, relaxed, and low energy. There might be times you don’t feel like going for a long walk after a busy day at work, so ideally they won’t need a lot of exercise. A Chihuahua is a great option (although I am biased because I have one at home). They’re happy to go for walks or are just as happy to snuggle up and relax. With appropriate training, they can be fine being left at home for a while. If they’re like mine, they’ll just go to sleep until you get back!
Suggested by Ann-Marie D’Arcy Sharpe, Pet Expert At Fuzzy Rabbit
French Bulldog
French Bulldog (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The best dog breed for a single working person is the French Bulldog. They tend to be very affectionate with their family members, so a single person will appreciate the deep bond they will develop with their dog. Like their physique, they tend to have very sturdy personalities as well, so they don’t experience the same levels of separation anxiety that some of the toy breeds do. That means a single working person can go to work and other aspects of their lives without having the stress of disappointing their dog every day. One other benefit of the adaptable and affectionate Frenchie for a single working person is they can go most everywhere and do most everything. They are compact enough to go on public transportation, they fit in a carrier to go inside a store. Since they are friendly to both people and dogs, the single working person can easily include their Frenchie in almost any activity or social life after the work day is over.
Suggested by Emily Wilson, Owner Of Pets Around The World
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Choosing to take on a dog when working full time is a controversial decision, as dogs do need lots of interaction, socialisation and exercise. Ideally, the owner would plump for an adult dog who has been trained and is content in their own company. They should also be using services like dog walkers and doggy day-care. The King Charles is a nice choice here, as they are generally mellow and laidback dogs, not prone to anxiety or behavioural issues. They’re happy to stay by themselves and snooze, and don’t tend to get too worked up when alone. Importantly, they won’t need marathon walks and loads of attention when their owner is home, so the owner will still have some time for themselves! They’re happiest when snuggled up on the sofa, having lots of cuddles.
Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Veterinarian Consultant At Dogaspet
Greyhound
Two Greyhounds take a nap (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The best dog breeds for a single-person household when their caregiver will be at work most hours of the day will be lower maintenance dogs without high exercise requirements. I might recommend a breed like a Greyhound. In spite of being an athletic breed by nature, these sighthounds are also notoriously lazy, and will likely do just fine lying on the couch while you’re at work (as long as there’s a walk in the morning and evening). They don’t tend to be big barkers so won’t cause a disturbance while you’re not at home, and they’ll likely enjoy a nice run through a park on the weekends.
Suggested by Josh Snead, CEO of Rainwalk Pet Insurance
Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)
In the world of terriers, the Boston Terrier is on the lower side of the stubbornness level. While stubbornness is an original terrier personality trait, the Boston is not as stubborn. And that is what makes him an ideal pet for someone working as a single person. These dogs are playful and energetic, running and playing with their owners. As terriers, they are highly intelligent and pick up commands and cues easily. Bostons respond amazingly to positive reinforcement and are eager to spend time with their owner. Well-suited for an apartment living, Boston terriers can be left alone for longer periods. Yes, they will have plenty of energy when you come back, but they do not need as much exercise as other terriers, for example, the Jack Russell.
Suggested by Aleksandar Mishkov, Owner Of The Daily Tail
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever (Photo: Adobe Stock)
This breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world for a reason. They’re intelligent, friendly, and easy to train, which makes them a great fit for busy owners who don’t have a lot of time for training. Labradors also have a lot of energy, so they’ll be happy to go for a walk or play when you get home from work.
Suggested by Pavel Gertsberg, CEO of Fluffy
Consider Age, Not Breed
While many breeds can be great for single working people (Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, etc.), I believe choosing the right *age* of dog can make the biggest difference. Even commonly calm and low energy dogs require loads of work, effort, and time in the early stages of their life. If a single working person desires a dog that won’t require as much work as others, opting for a dog at least 3 years old will be the best decision they can make! Even higher energy dogs (lLabradors, Shepherds, etc.) that are over 3 years old will require *much less time and effort* than even the lowest energy breed puppies!
Devin Stagg, Pet Expert and Podcast Host at Pupford
