For single women with dogs: how did you decide which dog was best for you?

21 comments

  3. I decided to get a dog that fits my lifestyle. I could not handle a working breed dog, I’m not energetic enough myself. I have a low energy black Lab and she’s perfect ❤️.

  4. I didn’t. My mom adopted Missy, a terrier mix. Three years later, she lost her home. She moved into an apartment that didn’t allow pets. I took Missy.

    It took another three years of training and walkies and treats, but slowly, Missy became the best dog for me. Those first years were rough, Mom had given her no training. But we kept at it, and she became a good dog.

  5. The correct way I suppose…found out what I want and don’t want from a dog and found a breed that fit those criteria

  6. I couldn’t decide on The One so I decided to foster instead! It’s kind of catch 22 because it’s unfortunate that pit mixes make up such a high percent of the population of shelter dogs here, or dogs just needing rescued/rehomed, but they are my favorite so it works out for me. They’re (typically) great with kids, and don’t mind playing for a bit and then being a couch potato. I can also screen the foster dogs to an extent. I don’t want a working breed because I can’t give it what it needs, and a very large dog wouldn’t work for me.

  7. My pupper did the deciding for me, 4am coffee run and I see a lil dog in the drive thru about to get hit. Opened my door, she jumped in and fell asleep. Spent 3 months trying to find her owner (no chip or tags). She’s a stinky lil goblin (aka minpin) but the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Stubborn but not barky, bitey, destructive, easy to train and the best co-pilot.

    Edit to add: shes small enough that I can carry her if need be, but is active and a great walking buddy.

  9. I used to travel all over the country for work so I needed a breed that’s easy to train, up for a 5 mile hike or a 5 hour nap, feared by no one, and okay in a new environment every 3 months.

    Hound dog.

  10. I had a list of what I wanted in a dog.

    Chill

    Good with kids. Didn’t have them yet but knew I wanted them one day.

    Could be by itself and not be anxious. I was in college and worked so spent a lot of time gone.

    One that could handle an apartment

    Not barky

    Playful

    Then I looked at the shelter. I met a few dogs that were sweet but I didn’t feel “it”. Then one day I met an elderly dog who was very sweet and wanted to do a meet with the kid I nannied (permission from parents). She was gone when I went back the next day. As I was walking out I saw this little black dog at the end of his out door kennel. I went back in and he was the cutest little guy ever. Looked like an all black Jack Russel Terrier. I did a visit with him and instantly feel in love, mainly because he friendly but ignored me lol. He was just doing his own thing sniffing the grass and the kid. I told the shelter I wanted him and they gave me until close to come get him. As soon as I was done with work I picked him up.

    He helped me through some very sad times. He was a good friend. Cuddled behind my knees at night. Was never mischievous. Didn’t bark much. Only chewed something twice, both my fault for leaving something out he would view as a toy. When I got married and had kids he was the best big brother. Sweet and gentle.

    I had him for eleven years before he passed away. He’s been gone five years now and I miss him deeply. Especially as I navigate a divorce. I wish I had my best friend right now.

    I recently adopted a cat and he’s sweet as can be but he’s no Edison. I really think he was a once in a lifetime kind of dog.

  11. I just got a Chihuahua puppy and I love him. I can tote him around and even put clothes on him. He is small so he doesn’t need much space, no haircuts are needed, baths are super quick, a bag of dog food lasts as long time (cheap to feed), they sleep a lot, and like to snuggle up. They are also VERY alert and will bark at strangers, etc. The only thing is that they usually bond with one person (you) and when they get oldet can get agressive if other people come around. So if it would ever be around children or you might get a partner, it might not be the best choice. Plus, they are quite fragile. After having this one I can’t see how one would survive around a small child. Anyway, I have had all kinds of breeds of dogs in my life, and a Chihuahua is turning out to be one of my favorites.

  12. When I was in college I was looking to get an ESA so I had to have some limitations. I needed a smaller dog that didn’t shed and had a friendly temperament. I ended up deciding on a mini goldendoodle and just love her to pieces. Doodles have now become my favorite breed all because of her

  13. I’m not an active person so I got a pug. He enjoys doing whatever I’m doing- that could be being active or laying in bed. They were bred to be companions so that’s what he does.

  14. I had a list of what I wanted in a dog, but I got my first pup when I was with my ex, so there were some compromises.

    Turns out my first pup was better than I could have ever imagined or designed, so when we split, I got a puppy that was the same as the first pup and now I have two perfect dogs.

    I couldn’t be happier. My life is absolute bliss. Even the puppy stage is wonderful – more work than the adult stage, but still wonderful. Raising these girls has been the greatest privilege of my life.

  15. I got one when I was working 12 hour shifts. He was a 10 year old lab happy to snooze while I was at work. He’s 15 now. He’s the best boy. My other wild thing wasn’t planned. She’s a husky/lab/Cane Corso and she’s a handful. She was in need of a home and a planned adoption fell through so I took her. I love her to pieces but she’s a lot of work. She hadn’t been trained or socialized and the Cane Corso gives her an aggressive streak but she’s getting better.

  16. I’ve always liked big dogs and grew up around labs, pits, boxers, rotties, mastiffs, etc. I never really was able to connect with small dogs so I knew I wanted a big dog. I was 25 in college and moving out in my own for the first time so I didn’t want a dog that was too difficult to train. I got a lab and the universe did me a favor and gave me the calmest, most well behaved puppy, then teenager, and now dog I’ve ever met. He is my best friend and single handedly the best decision I have ever made for myself. Hell be 3 in a few weeks 🥺. He is so snuggly and genuinely happy 24/7. I have never loved anything so unconditionally and it’s so cool. I enjoy watching him make new friends, I love watching him play and just sleep. My husband and I hike him off leash for 7-14 miles at a time and he’s a dream with impeccable recall. I’ll never have another dog like him. He’s my soul dog.

  17. I’ve had dogs in my life since I was 6 years old so when I moved out of my parents home to live on my own and in a living situation where I could get a dog, I purchased the dog I wanted. That was well over 20 years ago. I started with 2 that have now passed and now have 3 spoiled rotten 4 legged toddlers.

  19. One important factor is getting a dog with a similar energy as you.

    If you have a 9-5 and live in the city, there’s a 95% chance that a bordie collie is not for you. Those dogs basically need access to work constantly.

    There are also practical considerations. If you live in a condo, dogs like huskies and beagles will howl too much and they may be forced out eventually by complaints.

    Be careful with fostering. Some dogs have lots of trauma, and unless you’re an experienced dog owner, you might not know how to handle it.

    So, basically, work backwards a little bit =) find the dogs that don’t work and keep it in mind.

  21. I have a standard poodle because before her I had a Shetland sheepdog. I love, love, love the intelligence and energy level of the sheltie, which the poodle has as well. But I really just wanted a break from the shedding after my sheltie.

    So I have the intensity and drive and intelligence that I love, and my poodle makes an equally fabulous hiking buddy and is lovey dovey towards me just like my sheltie was, and a bit reserved of strangers like the sheltie too, and she loves hanging out with my community such as my friends and people at my CrossFit box.

    But she’s a standard because I wanted a big dog to help me feel safer when out by myself. Big dogs have big voices and big teeth, so most people won’t try to bother someone with a big dog, even if it’s a poodle.

    ALSO an extra bonus is that her hair has become one of my artistic mediums. I learned to groom her myself and now use her to practice clips on and to work on my attention to detail and the steadiness of my hands.

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