How to Choose the Right Dog: For Single Ladies

Let’s be honest! We all wish that owning a pet was easy and inexpensive, but realistically it’s just not. Most of us probably also wish we could just go out there and pick the cutest dog we see, but that doesn’t always work out either. One of the reasons our Animal Shelters are so full now is because families and individuals purchase or adopt any dog they deem adorable with no regard to the consequences of owning that particular breed. Within a short period they realize they didn’t get what they had hoped for, and now they’re overwhelmed, disappointed, aggravated, and ready to “move on”. The next thing you know you’re dropping your dog off at a shelter because you feel it’s the best thing for both of you. There is no judgment here; I’ve been guilty of the same thing in the past, but no longer! If you’ll let me, I’ll help you find just the right pup for your life and save you and your little buddy the trouble of mutual disappointment.

This one is for the single ladies! So let’s get started! If you are a single lady, chances are you work hard for a living, which takes up a good deal of time. You probably also have one of the following living arrangements: A small apartment all your own; an apartment or home that you share with roommates; or my personal favorite (just kidding) you still live at home with mom or dad. Your financial situation may not necessarily be the best either. These are all factors to take into consideration, but instead of making you do all the work, spending hours researching dog breeds and their needs, you can just keep reading and hopefully find a pup that’s just right for you.

For all my lovely single ladies out there my suggestion is: Start Small! The specific breeds I recommend are Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, and only for girls who are consistently happy, a pug. I picked these breeds because they’re small, gentle, and don’t require as much grooming and exercise as some others.

While many of the small breed dogs are very costly and sometimes it’s hard to find a small breed dog at your local animal shelter, it can and does happen. Also there are many rescue organizations that focus specifically on one breed, all these included, so you are able to find one for less. It may not be a bouncing baby puppy, but you will still have what you want at a good price and be giving a second chance to a pup that has much more love to give.

Of these, the Shih Tzu is the one who has the most intense grooming needs, however this can be quickly offset if you learn to shave him/her down, and a few other quick grooming habits (which I will write a follow up article on). The “puppy cut” as it is referred to in the grooming world is one of the least expensive, as well, if you decide not to do it yourself. It’s a simple haircut where the hair is trimmed to the same length all over, leaving your baby looking like, well a baby. These dogs are fairly smart and eager to please, making potty training and other basics a bit easier than with certain other breeds. They are also prone to a sweet temperament and particular attachment to one owner, being their “constant companion” but still leaving room to love others as well. Be careful though, if you cart this little guy around with you everywhere when he is young he will end up with a bit of separation anxiety. They are considered a non-shedding hypo allergenic breed because they have hair instead of fur. They don’t generally destroy things around the house, even if they do attack the trash or your underwear, because they aren’t super strong in the jaw, although every dog is different. I will admit I am a bit bias, as I have a shih tzu named Maddox and he is a light in my life, my constant companion and way too cute! As with any breed there can also be concerns with owning the breed. Shih tzus can be “yappy” if not properly trained. Males need to be neutered fairly young if you do not intend to breed or they can have trouble with their prostate making it uncomfortable to go number 2 and causing tummy problems that promise to scare the life out of you and send you running to the ER vet! (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything, haha) Because of their flat faces it’s not uncommon for them to have labored breathing. They also have short legs and shouldn’t jump up and down too much from furniture, although try telling them that!! In addition their hair is always growing, so you will need to either brush it fairly regularly or keep them cut short. You will also need to pluck their ears (not as scary as it sounds) and other general grooming maintenance. They are usually calm for bathing and grooming if you start early, although because of their short snouts they do not like water on their faces.

Other oddities that have been observed about the breed include their distaste for walking on grass (unless it’s full on poopy time), especially when it’s wet. They aren’t as interested in chasing things as other breeds, and when given a treat or unusual food they sometimes act like you’re trying to poison them, inspecting the particle of food very carefully before consuming. Again though, keep in mind every single doggy is different, just like people, and hey, thank God for that!

Next up we have the Japanese Chin, oh so cute I can barely stand it! This small breed dog has personality to entertain! They are sweet and affectionate and want as much lovin' as you can give them. They need early socialization with other people and pets to avoid over shyness. They do not require much grooming, but they do shed a bit and will require that you brush their coat from time to time. They will also need a bath every few weeks to keep that white coat white.

They are content to run around the apartment entertaining you as well as themselves for exercise. The same rules apply to them as far as jumping up and down from furniture as the other short legged dogs. They are uncomfortable in hot and humid climates, but make a great indoor or apartment dog. While they are easy to obedience train, they can be tougher to potty train, make sure you have patience, because this is a common problem with small breed dogs, and getting upset at them only makes the problem worse. I will be writing on potty training soon. Consider this doggy if you are looking for a happy animated buddy to spoil rotten with love and affection. They are also a good fit if you want a dog you can train to do tricks, their intelligence and personality make them a show off perfect for a mini repertoire of dog tricks.

Moving on we have the Miniature Pinscher! Also known as the Min Pin, this spunky mini watchdog can be a handful so choose this one wisely. Okay, so at first I was hesitant to add this little guy to the list, because they do require more patience to train and they are somewhat aggressive to strangers and new dogs. However, what makes them a tough choice is also what makes them a good one for a single lady living alone. If you have the patience to train and socialize them as puppies you will have a great watch dog. They are brave little soldiers with no concept of their size, eager to take on a Pitbull or whatever other disturbance that may come your way. So although patience is required to train them, even more so in the potty training area, they might just be worth it to be your little body guard. As far as grooming it doesn’t get much simpler. A rubber brush during shedding seasons and a quick wipe down with a damp cloth will usually suffice. Add in the occasional bath when “Fee Fee” starts to get a bit smelly.

These little guys like to cuddle under the covers and prefer to be handled delicately, as they will nip if they are roughed up a bit. This trait makes them a liability around small children. They are also generally very healthy dogs, but keep them on a leash and harness when outside because the little Houdini’s will slip away into the great beyond and can be difficult to find.

Let’s get it together, with the Miniature Schnauzer! This little to medium sized doggy is one of my favorites. They are an expressive personality, make good watch dogs, and are considered hypo allergenic. These Minis are pretty easy to train because they are very intelligent and will even do will with more intense obedience training. Unlike some of the others listed here they do require a bit more exercise, requiring at least a good walk once a day. They also enjoy playing with you outside and will need to be leash trained pretty early on. The intensity of their grooming is up to you, as they can be clipped short and brushed and bathed fairly easily by you, or you can opt for the breeds standard cut which includes a mustache.

When choosing your Mini Schnauzer BEWARE, although a breeder will tell you that a dog with a white coat is a rarity and try to swindle more money out of you do not believe them. In dogs white fur (especially in those that it is not a normal color) signifies a recessive gene, meaning they will most likely be prone to chronic skin problems at the very least!

Mini Schnauzers make great first time pets, are generally healthy throughout their life and I really like them as a choice for the single lady. Especially because they have such a sophisticated look about them, so hold your head up high and strut your stuff down the road with this handsome man (or woman) doggy by your side.

Want to get teeny weeny? Make moves with a Chihuahua! Okay, lots to say here, so let’s get started. Right off the bat when researching this breed you notice they are both a great choice and a choice to be cautious about at the same time.

This mini companion needs to be very close to you a lot of the time; it makes them feel safe and loved, and creates in them a deep loyalty to you. They are smart and spunky and not too difficult to obedience train, however they do tend to be a very “yappy” dog and it’s not an easy trait to train out of them. They do not require any exercise other than playing in the apartment/house, although a short walk isn’t out of the question.

When walking your Chihuahua you must be careful and pay close attention to your surroundings for a few reasons. Prone to “delusions of grandeur” this little knight in shining armor will take on anything that comes his way; including the Rottweiler down the road you’re sure has rabies. I recommend a leash and harness for walking them because they are prone to collapsed tracheas. They shouldn’t realistically do any sort of jumping; their tiny little bones don’t handle it well.

Your little tyke will need winter gear for cold weather and may be better suited going potty in a litter box during the cold seasons or if you live in a colder climate year round. Because they’re so small (including their bladders) they can be difficult to potty train, particularly if you don’t have puppy pads or a litter box inside.

Be sure to socialize your Napoleon or he will be timid or even frightened around strangers. This trait, however, is also what helps them in being a good choice for a watch dog. Keep an eye on his teeth; they are prone to problems with them. Other than that they are fairly easy to groom. A bath occasionally for smelly time, and a rubber brush during the shedding seasons, and keep those nails trimmed. Owners with allergies beware; this is not a good choice for those with pet allergies, and sometimes even those who haven’t had a problem with dog allergies before. I can’t lie, I’m honestly not sure why. But if this is the doggy for you, grab that blinged out purse, slap some “diamonds” on your Chihuahua, walk that red carpet baby!

If you’re an active elegant lady with a low tolerance for those “yappy” breeds then an Italian Greyhound is right up your alley. Quiet and quick on its feet, this sleek and slender mini Greyhound is a great choice for apartment living and an active upwardly mobile lady on the go. When you’re home he will be your constant companion, content to quietly sit by your side (as long as there is physical contact) in the times of relaxation, and ready to go, play, on a walk, tear up the tennis courts, you name it, this speed racer is there! Keep your buddy on a leash when outside, because he will run off chasing whatever furry insurgent that dares cross his path. If you plan to leave this guy in a fenced in yard be sure it’s a tall fence because while “white men” may not be able to jump, the Italian Greyhound definitely can.

Don’t get frustrated while training this breed, get treats! They will most likely only respond to obedience training when the reward if food. They are playful and affectionate and will need to be socialized early on so they aren’t shy in social settings.

This breed just needs a bath and a light brushing from time to time. Check his teeth on a regular basis for tartar build up. Watch his jumping; they tend to break their legs when too much jumping occurs. Find natural ways to prevent fleas (such as brewer’s yeast in the food) because they have sensitive skin and chemicals, even ones considered safe for dogs should be avoided.

So if speed is what you’re into and peace is important then this quiet loving elegant little Speedy Gonzales is just the breed for you.

Pucker up Pug lovers! Cause this mug’s for you! The Pug is a fantastic companion dog, but I recommend this little one only to those with a naturally happy disposition. Why? You ask. Because most dogs, and companion animals in general are keenly aware of their owner’s feelings, sad or happy. The Pug, however, is unusually in tune with what you’re feeling and is even empathetic to the point of feeling it himself. If you are sad, your pug will be sad, if you are happy, your pug will be happy, if you are depressed, well, you get the point. So while you may think this cute little pug mug is just what you need to lift your spirits, if you aren’t a genuinely happy person your mood will only serve to bring this pup down.

Other than the above stated warning there really isn’t much to say against the breed! They are funny, spunky, and even tempered otherwise. They are easy to train with an exception of housebreaking in uncomfortably cold &/or wet areas, but if you don’t give up you’ll get there. Even when spoiled rotten they are still super sweet and easy to love. They want to be with you all the time and aren’t generally destructive when you’re away.

While they don’t require much exercise, it’s good to take them on regular walks to keep that “puggy” weight off. This is particularly important since they are already naturally prone to breathing troubles, and added weight will only increase the risk. Use a harness instead of a collar for the same reason. Try not to do much of the walking in hot, humid, cold, or wet weather, and use an air conditioner in hotter climates.

Grooming the Pug is a bit more extensive than some of the other breeds listed here. They are quite the little shedders and need to be brushed regularly to keep you home, furniture, and clothing from becoming fur compounds. They also have lots of wrinkles in their faces and will need them wiped daily, but you will only need to bathe them bi-weekly or monthly, depending on their smell. Brush their teeth often and use mild or hypo allergenic shampoos when bathing. Be careful around the face, being sure to rinse them completely clean.

Cautions would include being careful of their bulging eyes, which get scratched easily, and keep an eye out for things that cause labored breathing. Pugs are also prone to quite a few health problems, so invest in pet insurance if possible, it will save you money in the long run.

I hope some of this helped! Please feel free to ask any questions, leave any feedback, or suggestions for future articles. <3