No matter what lifestyle magazines or nagging aunts hell bent on getting you to settle down may say, being single is awesome.
And even if you don’t have a significant other in your life, that doesn’t mean you can’t have your best friend by your side. A furry, adorable best friend who loves you unconditionally no less.
While all dogs make great companions, some pups are better suited for a single person.
If you’re looking to make a commitment to a canine in your life, pet expert Kristen Levine wants potential dog moms and dads to factor in their lifestyle before making their big decision.
“How busy is your day, how much time do you spend at home? Will you want to take your pooch out and about to socialize? Or will you prefer to snuggle on the sofa and binge Netflix together? Where you live is also a factor to consider,” Levine says. She also urges any pet parent out there to “adopt, don’t shop” when it comes to bringing their new BFF home.
After you’ve assessed your lifestyle, it’s time to find the breed that’s best for you. Gina DiNardo, vice president of The American Kennel Club, recommends these 10 dog breeds for singles and shares why they make such ideal partners:
French Bulldog
“Playful, smart, adaptable and completely irresistible. This affectionate breed—known for its square head and bat-like ears—is a great companion for single pet owners,” DiNardo says. Adding that Frenchies only need moderate exercise and a little bit of grooming, she says these “incredibly loyal” dogs are bound to get attention wherever you go.
“This breed’s adorable face makes it hard for people not to stop in the street to pet it. Their looks, paired with its playful personality, is perhaps why they are one of America’s most popular breeds, according to AKC registration statistics.”
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
DiNardo calls the “adaptable, gentle, affectionate, graceful, friendly and easily trained” Cavalier King Charles Spaniel an ideal companion for singles.
Adding that the breed is very adaptable to various settings and situations, she says, “Their sweet, trustworthy personalities make them great to be left with sitters that they know and love.”
They require some grooming, however, and a comb and soft slicker brush should help to keep their long coat in top shape. An occasional bath also helps to keep it mat-and-tangle-free, she says.
Tibetan Spaniel
“Though independent in spirit, Tibetan Spaniels are naturally clean and easily trained,” DiNardo says. “If correctly and gently disciplined, they will readily obey a loved and trusted owner.”
The intelligent, self-confident Tibetan Spaniel not only thrives on human companionship, but only needs moderate exercise. Whether you live in an apartment or on a farm, the Tibetan Spaniel will be happily by your side.
Like the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, they also do well with a trusted, caring sitter.
Bulldog
While they’re not exactly a lap dog, DiNardo says that this owner-adoring canine would love to be.
The calm, courageous and friendly Bulldog is one of the AKC’s most popular breeds thanks, in part, to “their lovable and gentle dispositions, and adorable face,” DiNardo says.
Even better, the bulldog makes an excellent pet if you live in an apartment. “They are relatively easy keepers, making them perfect for those who don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to grooming and exercise,” she says.
Otterhound
Who needs a significant other when you can have a significant Otterhound?
Otterhounds are, as DiNardo describes them, big-personality dogs: boisterous, affectionate and cheerful.
“Otterhounds are big, shaggy, intelligent dogs with a great sense of humor and a friendly personality. These hounds are happy to include any two-legged and four-legged members of the household into their ‘pack,’” she says.
Nothing that they are good with other pets, DiNardo also points out that they are affectionate without demanding constant attention and are very good at entertaining themselves.
Manchester Terrier
If you’ve had bad luck with relationships due to mistrust or disloyalty, the Manchester Terrier may just restore your faith.
Spirited, bright and keenly observant, according to DiNardo, she also describes the Manchester Terrier as “dead loyal” to their pet parents while being independent.
“Manchesters approach life at an even keel: Sleek but sturdy, friendly but discerning, neither aggressive nor shy, and usually agreeable with kids and other dogs,” she says.
While some terriers are made for for country living, “Manchesters began as urbanites—a canny choice for city folk seeking a compact pet with big-dog style,” she says.
Yorkshire Terrier
Despite having a tiny frame, the Yorkshire Terrier packs a ton of personality.
Requiring daily interaction with people, these brave and energetic dogs are “easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes,” DiNardo says.
This breed requires limited exercise due to their size, making them great dogs for small spaces. They’re also easy to groom, only requiring a daily brushing, DiNardo says.
Greyhound
“The docile yet independent, nature of Greyhounds is immensely charming,” DiNardo says.
While they can be something of a challenge when it comes to training, they are loyal and loving companions.
Greyhounds are just as willing to cuddle up on the couch with you at the end of the day, as they are to go for daily walks, as well as a vigorous run. “The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. Its sleek physique and impressive speed is sure to turn heads in the park,” she says.
Boston Terrier
Who couldn’t love that face?!
DiNardo says that Boston Terriers not only make excellent companion dogs, but they’ll keep you on your toes.
“Bostons love to run and play but should be contained in a fenced area or on a leash at all times. Daily walks are a good activity for these dogs,” she says. In short, these social pups are a perfect date at the dog park.
When you’re at home, they are relatively low-maintenance. Because they have a short, low-maintenance coat, they won’t require much grooming, she says. “A nice soft bristle brush will keep him clean and shiny. He may even enjoy a grooming with a soft hound glove to remove loose hair and dirt.”
Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are very cute and, like the ideal partner, they are also complex and adoring.
Alert, curious, affectionate and loyal, DiNardo says the Norwich Terrier “demands human companionship.”
While they can be stubborn, this trainable pup is “portable and and are adaptable to different situations making the breed ideal for either the city or country lifestyle,” she says.
Aly Semigran is a lifestyle writer for the world, and roommate of Ruby, the cutest dog in the world.
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