The Pawfect Match For Your Stage Of Life
Bad day at work? Rough day of classes? No matter what it is, it is nothing that a sloppy wet kiss cant solve! They are your therapist, your exercise buddy, your companion, and your friend. In any stage of life you deserve a big dose of happiness to help deal with day-to-day stresses.
While owning dog is a great idea for any part of your life, it is important to consider what breed will be the best fit. If you live in a tiny apartment you probably will want a dog that is okay with living in a small space. If you have kids you probably will want a dog that will be happy to deal with the kids dressing him up and playing with him. No matter what age you are, there is a pawfect match for you. Check out these suggestions for what kind of furry friend you should add depending on your stage of life!
College age
At one point or another almost every college student considers getting a dog. Having a dog at any point in a lifetime is great, but you need to make sure you have the right breed for your lifestyle. You probably would not want to have a high-octane dog and leave it in a crate all day, or to have a huge dog coop it up in a small apartment. With the busy lives that college students lead there are definitely some breeds that are better than others.
The busy student: Pug
College can be a very busy time for some people. With balancing schoolwork and a job it can sometimes seem like there are not enough hours in the day. For these busy students the pug is a great pet. The pug is very relaxed and has a short coat making him easy to groom. They also do not need a ton of exercise and you can get away with walking this dog once or twice a day. With the small amount of grooming and walking, these dogs will not make your schedule much more hectic.
Pugs are small, stocky, and thickset dogs. Pugs are sweet and silly dogs that are described by the AKC as charming, loving, and mischievous. Their clown-like nature will lighten your spirits after long days of studying. They are people pleasers and want to keep you happy! The pug is also a great breed for apartment life, which is largely popular among students. They are also not huge barkers and are very small. They are best kept indoors because they do not live well in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
The pug is actually one of the oldest breeds known today. It originated in 400 BC from Asia. They were considered pets of royalty during the 19th century. It is even rumored that a pug saved Prince William II’s life when it barked at approaching Spaniards alerting him of their presence. These dogs will be great company and love to do tricks as well. Training them will be very easy and fun because of their intelligence and light hearted spirits. A studious undergrad needs a dog that will be able to learn quickly just like them!
The party-all-nighter: Bluetick Coonhound
On the other side of the spectrum is the college student who loves the social scene. They live for the nightlife and fun times with friends. For these students the Bluetick Coonhound could be a great match. They will find that this dog has a lot in common with them. When the sun goes down the student will be full of energy and so is the dog. This is because the bluetick coonhound is naturally nocturnal. Similar to this kind of student, they sleep all day and can often be perceived as lazy for this reason. What most people do not realize though is that they are just preparing for the nighttime when they come to life.
The bluetick coonhound is a sleek and well-muscled dog. They have a glossy coat and compact body. Their “ticked” coat with a blue tint sets them apart from other hounds. They are devoted and sweet dogs that are super sociable. They will love to meet all your friends and tag along for trips. It is important to socialize them young and this will not be a problem for you at all. They are athletic and will keep you in shape from going on walks. It is important to keep these dogs in good shape, and you will benefit as well!
This breed is actually the state dog of Tennessee. They are natural hunters, which is one of the reasons that they have so much energy. You will want to keep them on a leash when in an unfamiliar place because they may follow a trail off for miles if given the chance. Having a place for them to run around freely is recommended, so if you have an apartment you probably want to make sure that there is a fenced lot nearby. They are described to be confident, sweet, loud and fun just like you and will be a great partner in crime.
Post College/ Young
After you graduate college you can finally be considered a real adult. You are beginning your first real job and It can often be viewed as the beginning of the rest of your life. This stage of life can however be very different for different people. Some leave college and get married young while others buy a loft and live as a single bachelor/bachelorette. Either way, this is a great time to get a dog to start this new chapter of life. A dog will be a great companion for your young years and will be a great companion.
The Bachelor/Bachelorette: Vizsla
Many consider their single years in their 20’s one of the best times of their lives. It is a time of freedom and self-discovery that is different than ever before. In these single years you will probably want a dog that will keep you company and be your life companion, at least for now. When buying a dog for this stage of life one might consider the Vizsla. The vizsla is great for single people because this breed is known to bond very well to one person. In a family setting it will usually choose one person to favor. It is often referred to as the “Velcro” dog because of these deep connections that they form.
The vizsla is a beautiful dog with a red/rust colored short coat. They are lively with a sweet and affectionate temperament. These dogs will bond with you in a way that no other breed can. They will keep you company when you are home if the single life ever gets lonely. They also are very active dogs. They will love to be outdoors and will keep you in shape. For the men, these cute dogs will help with attracting the ladies. Everyone will want to meet your sweet dog!
The Vizsla is often referred to as the Hungarian pointer. They originated in Hungary and were bred as hunting dogs. Nobles and warlords used the dogs to hunt large game. They are a very old breed and can be found in 10th century etchings. As years went on they were used for more and more jobs because of their sweetness and trainability. They have fantastic noses and some were even used to work at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of 2001. These noble and intelligent dogs have a rich and noble history. They will be a great addition to your life in your single 20’s!
The Newlyweds: Brittany
While some remain single in their twenties, other lovebirds get married right out of college. For lovebirds such as these, it is important to have a dog who can keep up with the lifestyle of newlyweds! These are the years that you are free to travel and adventure without the responsibility of children. Having a dog will also give you a snapshot of what life will be like as a parent but with less responsibility and financial obligations. You will probably want an athletic dog that will enjoy hikes and trips. For this stage of life, the Brittany is a great option.
The Brittany is in the sporting group and is an excellent retriever. These dogs were bred for hunting and are full of energy. They are very sweet and will get along well with any dog or person that they meet. They have a similar temperament to the Labrador retriever. Another great thing about this breed is that they are the smallest of the entire sporting group AKC category. They are basically the smallest dog you can get that is similar to the lab. They are often referred to as “max quality, min size.” Since most newlyweds do not have a gigantic house, these dogs will fit well into your home and you can still have that sweet lab personality that you love!
Brittany dogs were named after the Brittany region in France where the dog originated. These hunting dogs are seen in tapestries from the 17th century. They are described as excellent sporting dogs and were popular among hunters. They are pointers, or in other words they were used to locate the game and they silently point to it. For this reason they are very athletic and highly trainable. They will love going on trips with you and naturally want to please you. When the time comes, they will get along perfectly with children and other dogs that are added to the family.
Mid-Life
The mid-life is very often defined by the presence of children. After a few years of marriage many settle down into a larger house and think about their life as a larger family. Getting a dog in this stage of life can be a wonderful thing. Growing up with a dog is a very special experience, and children will adore their playmate. The dog becomes essentially a part of the family. If you are getting a dog in these stages of life, you will probably have specific needs and there are some breeds that will fit better than others. The mid-life can be classified into two smaller groups: families with young children or families with older children.
The New Parents: Newfoundland
When you have small children, it is important that your dog has a good temperament. Kids do not always understand that it might not be a good idea to poke and stab at the family dog, so you need a dog that will be able to be gentle and patient with the children. In the movie peter pan, the children’s father; Mr. Darling hired a dog to be the children’s nanny. This character “Nana” was modeled after a Newfoundland dog. It is sometimes referred to as the nanny dog. The breed is widely known for its gentle protection of children and sweet disposition.
The Newfoundland dog or “newfie” is a large, heavy coated dog. They are usually fully black or black with white patches. They can grow to be around 27 inches tall and 130 pounds. In other words… These dogs are huge! Upon first glance they could even be mistaken as a bear. This makes them great guard dogs. These gentle giants also drool a ton…just like your child does! When you throw a bib on your baby at the table, you might as well throw one on your newfie too. It may not stop all the drool, but it is super cute!
Newfoundland dogs were originally bred as rescue dogs. They fall into the working dog AKC category. They are often bred for water rescues. Their webbed feet and strong body enables them to pull sinking ships and drowning people to shore. So instinctively, they love to swim! They also like to pull carts. They have a very strong build and can handle lots of weight. Once you have seen children being pulled around in a wagon by a newfie, it is almost undeniable that these dogs are the perfect fit for families with young kids.
The Happy Family: Golden Retriever
As the kids get older, you probably have a pretty full house. Along with two or three kids running about plus their friends, you probably also have a dog already. If you are adding another dog to your happy family, it is important that the dog will adjust well to living with lots of people and possibly another family dog. In this situation, the golden retriever is a great option.
Golden retrievers are large dogs with a gold double coat. Their sweet and playful temperament makes them perfect for a family setting. They will love to get your children outdoors and playing fetch or swimming. They also get along well with other dogs. Just like the newfie, they are very sweet and patient. Although your kids are older, sometimes they can forget to be gentle with the dog. A golden will tolerate just about anything your kid throws their way. They basically live for your approval, so they will do anything to make you happy making them very easily trainable. They will love nothing more to be surrounded by the many people buzzing about your home!
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters. This is why get so excited over a game of fetch. They are doing what they were bred to do. Their sweet temperament makes them one of the most popular dogs to work as therapy dogs in nursing homes or for people with disabilities. A golden retriever is always a great choice as a pet, and will adjust quickly in your home. They will be a part of the family before you even know it.
Late Life
Growing old can be some of the best years of your life. You are finally moving toward retirement and into your “golden years.” You may have plans to travel or to just settle down and relax. There are many great reasons to add a dog to your life in these years. The later life can be divided into two categories; the empty nesters and the elderly. For these years you will probably want a smaller dog that you will not need to walk quite as much. Low maitenence is probably something that is desired. Here are some great dogs for both of these groups.
The Empty Nesters: English Bulldog
When your kids move out and go to college you might feel lonely and want the responsibility of taking care of a pet. Having a dog is kind of like having a child and can fill that void you may feel with the kids off at school. When shopping for a dog in these later years, you should definitely consider the English bulldog! English bulldogs are great with other dogs if you already have one, which might make it easier for you to deal with. This way you don’t have to worry about any future problems with your old dog and now new dog. While they might be friendly towards your pets they can however be a protective guard dog; which is always nice to have around the house.
The bulldog can reach up to 40 or 50 pounds being a great medium-sized dog for people who can’t take care of a big dog. The breed has a wide head and shoulders with thick folds of skin along the brow. The English Bulldog has a short muzzle with drooping lips and pointed teeth, which may lead to an under bite. According to the American Kennel Club, “bulldogs are the 5th most popular pure breed in the United States in 2013”.
The bulldog actually got its name by participating in a sport called bull baiting. They were bred specifically to bait animals such as bulls and bears by pinning them to the ground and biting their nose. This was sometimes fatal to dogs but the bulldogs were good at it due to their stockiness and big heads. This was popular in England during the early 1800’s until it became illegal by the Cruelty to Animals Act in 1835. They live a relatively short life even though they mature extremely slowly for dogs. These little guys make great companions and can remind you that maybe having wrinkles isn’t so bad!
The Elderly: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As you get older you may end up spending more time alone than normal. Once you are retired it is common for the elderly to develop depression due to loneliness. Having a dog can help keep you company. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great dog to consider for this companionship. This toy spaniel is considered a small size with medium energy. This is practical for older people because again small dogs are easy to take care of, and it also have a playful side if you are in the mood to play with them. Having a small dog is great because you will not have to worry about it injuring you when it jumps up on you.They are very affectionate to their owners and make strong bonds with them. King Charles Spaniels have a smooth and silky coat with an undocked tail. The main colors on this breed are brown and white, black white and tan, and ruby.
This dog is also great with kids and other pets in your home, and has a lifespan of about ten years. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is actually one of the largest toy breeds, but it can still fit perfectly in your lap. This type of dog is very affectionate, so when you’re feeling lonely, they will be just the dog to cheer you right up. Another great trait of this spaniel is being okay with strangers and kids. If you’re out walking your dog, the last thing you want to deal with is it being aggressive towards others. Being older sometimes makes you take things slower, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is definitely the dog that can help with that.
John Churchill was the first Duke of Marlborough and owned a King Charles Spaniel that was red and white. He used it for hunting and marveled at the fact that it could keep up with the horse while it was trotting. The breed in the United States is relatively new with the first recorded King Charles Spaniel traveling over in 1956 by two ladies who founded the Cavalier King Charles Club USA. These dogs were considered a luxury item because of the way that King Charles loved them. They were often portrayed in tapestries and paintings. As you enjoy your retired years why not reward yourself with a little piece of luxury?
When thinking of buying a new dog, you should definitely consider your specific needs depending on your stage of life. When choosing a dog you should be informed on the characteristics of certain breeds and understand why they act the way they do so you know what you’re in for. You also want to have an idea of what type of environment best fits which breed so you can make them happy as well as yourself. Whether they’re hyper or relaxed, it’s better to know which personality type fits you and you’re home best so you can have a great time with your new pup!
