Dog Breed Guide
Finding the right companion means understanding their needs. Use this guide to find a dog that fits your lifestyle, climate, and home.
Indie
Climate
An Indie from the same region is perfectly suited to that area’s climate
Home & Size
Indies are medium sized and will adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Friendly, loyal, independent and can be easily trained. They are very smart/street smart.
Shedding
Very limited
Health
They usually stay healthy and are not prone to fall ill easily
Labradors
Climate
Moderate to cool temperature is preferable. Air conditioning during summer
Home & Size
Labradors are quite active when they are young and need a fairly large space
Temperament
Very friendly, social and eager to please so easily trained
Shedding
Heavy shedding
Health
Prone to various illnesses especially if bought from breeders. Even otherwise they are prone to hip and joint issues.
Golden Retrievers
Climate
Moderate to cool temperature. Air conditioning is a must during summer
Home & Size
They are large dogs and thus need a larger space
Temperament
Similar to labradors - Very friendly, social and easily trained
Shedding
Long thick fur means heavier shedding
Health
Prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues
Shih Tzu
Climate
Moderate temperature. If hair is trimmed in summer, they remain cool.
Home & Size
Small so adaptable to any size of home
Temperament
Friendly, loyal and playful but wary of strangers and bark a lot. Stubborn and not as easy to train
Shedding
Minimal but needs a lot regular grooming and trimming of hair.
Health
Breathing issues are common and some have issues with eyes and ears
Pug
Climate
Short fur may make it seem better for warm climate but its flat snout actually makes it very difficult in warm weather leading them to overheat easily
Home & Size
Small so can adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Sociable, playful, loves being cuddled and shadowing their owners
Shedding
Moderate to heavy shedding and requires regular cleaning
Health
Respiratory issues, obesity, skin issues due to the folds, issues with their eyes
Dachshund
Climate
Suitable for moderate climate. Only intense summer will require use of air conditioners
Home & Size
Small so can adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Sociable but wary of strangers. Also stubborn so not as easily trained. Need more patience.
Shedding
Moderate shedding
Health
Not much other than back problems later in life and obesity
Cocker Spaniel
Climate
Cooler climate required due to their long fur and floppy ears. Hot humid climate is bad for them
Home & Size
Medium in size so can adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Very friendly and eager to please, so easy to train
Shedding
Moderate shedding that increases during certain seasons.
Health
Ear and eye issues, hip dysplasia
Beagle
Climate
Moderate temperature. Their short coat makes them adaptable even to warm weather.
Home & Size
Small so can adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Friendly but very energetic requiring more exercise/play. Will bark/howl if bored. Training them maybe a little challenging.
Shedding
Moderate to heavy shedding depending on the season.
Health
Obesity, seizures, dental issues and back problems
Maltipoo
Climate
Sensitive to both extreme heat and extreme cold. Prone to over heating.
Home & Size
Small so suitable for any size of home
Temperament
Affectionate and friendly and easily trainable but prone to separation anxiety and tend to bark every time you have a visitor.
Shedding
Minimal shedding except during coat change from puppy to adult.
Health
Knee cap issues and dental problems.
Miniature Poodle
Climate
Sensitive to both extreme heat and extreme cold. Hair can be trimmed in summer.
Home & Size
Small so can adapt to any size of home
Temperament
Friendly and easily trainable but high energy levels means it needs more exercise and mental stimulation. Prone to separation anxiety.
Shedding
Low shedding (hypoallergenic)
Health
Generally healthy
Husky
Climate
Cool climate required always - not adaptable to warm weather
Home & Size
Large so requires more open space and a lot of exercise
Temperament
Friendly, very energetic, very vocal and also stubborn and playful so not as easy to train.
Shedding
Heavy shedding
Health
Generally healthy if they get enough exercise.
German Shepherd
Climate
Cool climate but they can manage fairly well in warm weather. Extreme heat and humidity will require air conditioning.
Home & Size
Large so requires more open space and a lot of exercise
Temperament
Confident and courageous but wary of strangers and can be aggressive and difficult to handle unless trained very well from a young age.
Shedding
Moderate shedding
Health
Generally healthy with enough exercise. Hip or joint issues later in life.
Doberman
Climate
Sensitive to both extreme heat and extreme cold.
Home & Size
Large so requires more open space and a lot of exercise
Temperament
Loyal, energetic and fairly easy to train but requires regular mental and physical stimulation/ exercise and activity.
Shedding
Light to moderate shedding
Health
Generally healthy with enough exercise
Rottweiler
Climate
Moderate climate. They are sensitive to extreme heat and may overheat.
Home & Size
Large so require more space and a lot of exercise
Temperament
Loyal and protective. Affectionate with family. They need firm training and exercise given by the owner. Can be aggressive towards strangers.
Shedding
Moderate to heavy shedding based on the season
Health
Generally healthy though joint issues and obesity are fairly common
St Bernard
Climate
Cool climate required always - not adaptable to warm weather
Home & Size
Very large so require a very large space and access to a lot of open space
Temperament
Gentle and loyal but needs early training. Needs exercise and easier if it has its own large space to run around in. Drools a lot.
Shedding
Heavy shedding
Health
Hip dysplasia, eye problems.
Bulldog
Climate
Sensitive to both moderate hot weather as well as moderate cold weather. Anything over 26°C or below 10°C is dangerous.
Home & Size
Small in size so can adapt to any size home and requires only moderate exercise
Temperament
Gentle and friendly but can be stubborn. Eager to please so can be trained when they aren’t being their stubborn selves.
Shedding
Moderate shedding but requires constant grooming to take care of skin under the folds
Health
Breathing issues, skin infections