Your Activity Level
There is a dog for every activity level. But it is extremely important that you match your activity level with the dog you choose. It is all well and good to think: “I should get a dog that will force me to walk more often to get more exercise.” In practice, however, most people will revert to their old habits and create an unfair environment for a dog that has been bred for a specific energy level that you knew about well in advance.
On the flip side, if you are a very active person who enjoys outdoor activities, you should get a dog that can keep up with you. A breeder is usually a good person to ask if his or her specific breed of dog is a good match for you. Following is a simple chart that should give you a basic idea of what breed might suit you best.
IF THIS DESCRIBES YOU |
THINK ABOUT THESE BREEDS: |
I am very active. I like rollerblading, biking, hiking, and swimming. |
Dalmatian, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimeraner, Vizsla, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Brittany, Alaskan Malamute, Airedale Terrier |
I am somewhat active. I jog short distances, I often go on long walks, I like light exercise. |
Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Beagle, Rottweiler, Standard Poodle, Boxer, Siberian Husky, Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheep Dog, Australian Sheepdog, Great Dane, Collie, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow-Chow, Saint Bernard, Mastiff, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Newfoundland, Bloodhound |
I am less active. I like to watch movies, go for a nice stroll, garden in the backyard. |
Poodle (Toy or Miniature), Dachshund, Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Bassett Hound, Maltese, Bulldog, Pekinese, Bichon Frise, Lhaso Apso, Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan) |
Consult with a breeder who can help you with specific nuances, such as which dogs will do better with certain types of exercise. You can also look at the same chart in reverse to learn which dogs are a poor match for specific activity levels.
