15 Best Dog Breeds for Single Women Living Alone (with Pictures)
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There are several things to consider when choosing the best dogs for single woman. Many have more to do with the prospective owner than the pup. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility. If you’re living alone, you have to shoulder the obligations of time, money, and care. Therefore, it’s imperative to do some soul-searching to see what you can reasonably bring to the table.
For example, if time is an issue, then a dog prone to separation anxiety isn’t the best choice. If you’re on a limited budget, then look for a breed that doesn’t require professional grooming, which can quickly add to your expenses. Finally, it’s essential to understand the vital role of nutrition, exercise, and preventive care for your pet’s health and well-being.
Consider how much time you can devote to these tasks. The other thing to keep on your radar is that you’ll need to find a kennel or a pet sitter if you travel. That makes a dog a lot more work than getting a cat that is content to be alone all day.
The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Single Women Living Alone
1. Great Dane
First on our list is the Great Dane. The Great Dane is an excellent choice if you want a pup as a watchdog and protector. His imposing figure is enough of a deterrent. He is a sweet pup with a keen sense of loyalty. You can feel safe when you invite one into your home. However, he is an energetic pooch that needs daily exercise to stay healthy. On the other hand, grooming is low maintenance, but he does shed.
2. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is another breed that makes a bold statement. While there is some speculation about his history, we know that Louis Dobermann of Germany championed the breed. The story goes that he was a tax collector and needed a formidable guard dog to accompany him on his round. That should tell you everything you need to know about this loyal pup.
3. Hokkaido
Few breeds are as well-known for their staunch devotion to their owners as the Hokkaido. This Japanese Spitz breed is a powerhouse in a medium-sized dog. He is a bit reserved, which is characteristic of this group. However, he is also fearless. After all, his job back in the day was hunting bears, something they still do in competition in their native land.
4. Great Pyrenees
Dogs that served as livestock guardians like the Great Pyrenees, make an excellent pick for a single woman. Instead of sheep, he’ll protect you against predators. This pup requires early socialization and training because of his independence and need for activity. While he sheds seasonally, regular brushing will keep the hair under control.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
People who know the American Staffordshire Terrier understand that this pup is a sweetheart that doesn’t deserve his negative reputation. It’s all about how he’s raised and trained. He is a muscular dog for his size, making early training imperative. He is moderately active and low maintenance. That makes him a smart choice if you want a low-shedding pet.
6. Saluki
The Saluki embodies elegance and dignity. It’s something you’d expect from a breed that lived with royalty. He is an ancient dog that has hunted as a sighthound since the days of the Egyptians. Because of this job, you must keep your pup on a leash at all times. He has a keen prey drive and will chase anything that runs from him.
7. Boxer
Next on our list is the Boxer. If you want a dog that will make you laugh and never feel lonely, then the Boxer is the pup for you. His happy-go-lucky temperament and fun-loving nature are contagious. As you may expect, this pooch is energetic and needs lots of activity to stay happy and healthy. Fortunately, he is quick to learn and eager to please, which will make your task easier.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a pup to cuddle with and pamper, then look no further than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog is about as cute and friendly as they come. Like the Saluki, his history also includes a brush with the nobility on a grand scale. It’s probably one reason why he’ll lap up all the attention you want to give him. Be careful with the treats because this breed is prone to weight gain.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Few dogs can match the character and liveliness of the Yorkshire Terrier. The American Kennel Club (AKC) may consider him a toy breed, but the Yorkie didn’t get the memo. This pup is a spitfire. He started life as a ratter but soon graduated to a lap dog. While he doesn’t shed a lot, he needs professional grooming to look his best and stay mat-free.
10. German Shepherd
There are good reasons why the German Shepherd is one of the AKC’s most popular ranked breeds. He is a handsome pup that carries himself with all the dignity he embodies. This pup will make a delightful and loyal companion. He is very intelligent, making him easy to train. This pooch is a hardworking dog that is both alert and fearless.
11. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is another flock guardian that brings all these desirable qualities in a pet for single women. He is courageous and loyal to his owner. This pup won’t back down if he senses trouble. However, he does have an independent streak, which isn’t unusual for herding dogs. That may make training more challenging, but he will also make it rewarding.
12. Golden Retriever
Where can we begin when suggesting the Golden Retriever as a pet? This pup can bring so much happiness to your life. He is exceedingly friendly and affectionate. He is also loyal and will stand up for you, whether you need it. This pooch is quite active, so daily walks are a must-do with him. Regular grooming is also essential to keep his coat silky and soft.
13. Akita
The Akita epitomizes loyalty, which makes him an excellent companion for a single woman. He is a muscular and strong dog. Like other breeds in our roundup, this pup was a hunter. His quarry was big game, such as bears. The image of this breed symbolizes a long life, good health, and happiness. For that reason alone, the Akita is worth a look.
14. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound may be a giant breed, but he’s one of the gentlest dogs you’ll ever meet. His name speaks to his early role in his native land. However, he’s not an aggressive pup. However, he is independent, which is a common trait with working breeds. Early training is imperative when dealing with a pet as large as this one. It’s also necessary to stop bad habits like chewing.
15. Labrador Retriever
Last on our list is the Labrador Retriever. Outgoing is one of the best ways to describe the affectionate Labrador Retriever. It’s no wonder that he is the top dog on AKC’s popular breed list. Like the Golden, he must have daily exercise to keep his weight in check. This pup is easy to train because of his keen intelligence. He can be nippy as a puppy, so you’ll need to take an active role in curbing this bad habit.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many breeds will make ideal companions for single women, whether you want a protector or a pup to cuddle with on the couch. Each one has its pros and cons. Therefore, it’s essential to do your homework to see which one is the best fit for your lifestyle. Whichever one you choose, early training and socialization are a must to make him a well-behaved pet.
Featured Image Credit: goodluz, Shutterstock
