8 Best Dog Breeds for Introverts
Dogs are lovable and loyal pets, making them the perfect pet for most people. While introverts are more likely to be cat people than dog people, many introverted people also love dogs. Whether you want a dog who loves cuddling up on the couch while you watch TV or an active dog who loves to take walks, dogs can make the perfect companions.
The following are eight of the best dog breeds for introverts. These are dogs who, for a variety of reasons, fit perfectly into an introvert’s life.
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are giant and lovable dogs. These dogs, despite their large size, are quite shy. Most Great Danes enjoy giving and receiving affection. They’re more than happy to jump up and cuddle with you on the couch while you watch TV or read a book.
Unlike some other large dog breeds, these dogs are pretty relaxed and are often homebodies. During their younger years, they enjoy going for walks if they’re otherwise kept in a small living space (such as an apartment). However, grown Great Danes don’t need as much exercise as other big dogs.
These dogs develop close bonds with their humans and also make excellent watchdogs. Their short coat is easy to care for and doesn’t require constant grooming. They also make great companions for introverts with partners and older children.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are tiny dogs with big personalities. These fluffy and loyal little dogs are the perfect companions for introverts, especially introverts who live alone. Their big personalities will keep you entertained.
Their adorable, foxlike faces and compact bodies make them a popular toy breed. Although they’re energetic, they’re also content to run around your home instead of demanding to be taken outside for a walk.
Pomeranians are smart and trainable, making them wonderful companions for introverts at all stages of life. They also have a longer lifespan, with most living about 15 years. Some even live longer, surviving 18 to 20 years!
3. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are dogs with many catlike qualities. They are often independent and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. These dogs are friendly and make great companions for introverts. Like cats, they often do a lot to keep themselves entertained, although they’re also content to spend time with their human.
These adorable dogs grow to be about twenty pounds, although their strong build makes them look bigger than they are. While all dogs are known for being loyal, Shiba Inus are fiercely loyal. They are also very healthy, with few serious health issues common within the breed.
These bright and playful dogs also hate to be dirty. Some people struggle with the mess associated with owning a pet. While there will still be some dirty, these dogs often groom themselves and prefer to be perfectly clean. As a low-dander dog breed, they’re also perfect for homes with pet allergies.
4. Yorkie-Poo
Yorkie-Poos are a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. These small dogs are intelligent, gentle, affectionate, and loyal. An ideal pet for introverts who live alone, they are content to spend their days cuddled up with their human on the couch.
However, these dogs can be quite clingy. Most of them suffer separation anxiety and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. While this contributes to their friendliness when they are around their person, this also makes them a poor choice for introverts who spend long hours away from home.
These adaptable dogs do well in both city and country living. These playful dogs love to be the center of attention and do well in homes with large families. They shed very little, making them friendlier for people with mild pet allergies.
5. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are both adorable and affectionate. Since they are easy to train, they often get along well with both people and other animals. In fact, they make a great addition to your household if you already have a cat, since most Frenchies have a low prey drive.
These goofy and playful dogs have unique personalities. As affectionate and fun-loving dogs, they’re great for people who want to stay inside and enjoy relaxing activities with their pets. Their personality and disposition also make them great emotional support animals.
These bright dogs are smart and easy to train, although they can be pretty stubborn at times. They’re also great around children, making them a great fit for introverts with children at home. Their short coats also make them fairly easy to groom, which is another added bonus!
6. Beagle
Beagles are energetic dogs that can be fairly shy around new people. Like introverts, they often take a longer time to warm up to people. But once bonded, they are affectionate and loving companions you’ll enjoy loving for years to come.
These small dogs weigh between twenty and thirty pounds, although they can be smaller. This makes them great companion animals for people living in small spaces. They thrive in both city apartments and sprawling country homes.
Compared to other dogs, they have relatively low grooming and medical needs. Their laid-back personalities make them good companions for introverts sharing space with other people, since these dogs are likely to get along with most humans.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs with giant personalities. They’re wonderful companions for introverts who love to stay at home, but also make great companions for introverts who love going out and having grand adventures.
One of the distinctive characteristics of this breed is the way they bond very closely with one person. In families, they will often choose one person to be “their person.” This makes them a great companion for introverts who live alone and want to enjoy a close bond with their pet.
Their small size makes them excellent companions for people living in apartments. These bright dogs are easy to train and live at least ten to thirteen years. However, they don’t do so well when left alone for long periods of time.
8. Pug
Pugs are adorable little dogs with flat faces covered in folds. These cute dogs often have quirky personalities. Unlike more energetic breeds, pugs are content to sit on the couch and cuddle up after a long day.
Unlike Chihuahuas, who tend to be a little yappier, pugs are often quiet dogs. If you’re an introvert who’s prone to overstimulation, that makes pugs the ideal choice. Although they aren’t as easily trained as other breeds, they easily learn basic commands.
These dogs do well around other pets and children, making them a great choice for introverts who live with others. Since they aren’t big chewers, they’re also easier on your carpet and furniture than other dog breeds.