Some people are one hundred percent get-up-and-go: always ready for action, can't get enough exercise, don't want to sit still AT ALL.
Other people are couch potatoes: never happier than when curled up with a book or movie, or for a little afternoon nap in the sun. Exercise does not appeal in any way, EVER.
Dogs are no different. While each canine has his or her own personality, there are some breeds which are typically high-energy output dogs and others who are the couch potatoes of the doggy world.
It's a good idea to take this into consideration before you adopt a dog, to ensure that your activity levels and theirs are compatible. Unless you plan to recruit someone from a place like "
dog walking Yarraville" on a daily basis, a high energy dog will be too much for a low-energy master or mistress. Boredom can result in the dog. Conversely, if you are always on the go and want a canine companion to join you, you as a master or mistress might be too much for a certain type of pooch.
So what breed is right for you?
High Energy breeds require up to an hour per day of rigorous activity, plus thirty minutes of playtime. They enjoy water play, running, agility trials, and herding. Includes:
Border Collie
Weimaraner
Boxer
Dalmation
Siberian Husky
Australian Shepherd
Australian Cattle Dog
Basenji
Border Collie
Chihuahua
Doberman
Poodle
Moderate Energy breeds require a leisurely thirty minute walk per day plus a half hour of rigorous play. They love playing fetch and running in the back yard. Includes:
Corgi
Cocker Spaniel
Great Dane
Beagle
Afghan Hound
Pinscher
Keeshond
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Terrier
Akita
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Low Energy breeds require three ten minute walks per day, and love nothing more than a snuggle on the sofa with you! Includes:
Chow Chow
Bull Mastiff
English Bulldog
Skye Terrier
Bichon Frise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Shar Pei
Pekingese
Tibetan Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
This is the time to be brutally honest with yourself. No matter how much you'd adore a Siberian Husky, if you tend to be a lazybones, it's just not going to be ideal - for you or the dog. (Not unless you are willing and happy to outsource exercising you dog to a professional. If you are, ask your vert for recommendations, or search online for, for example, "
dog walking Yarraville" to find a local service to help out.) And if you want to go out running for an hour a day, you can't expect an English Bulldog to happily comply.
Take the time to research and find the perfect match for both of you - it's going to be a ten to fifteen year relationship, so you want it to be a match made in heaven!