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Most dogs are excellent companions for introverted people. Dogs provide an easy, non-judgemental relationship that has benefits that go both ways; your dog benefits from your love and care while you get stress relief, emotional support, a reason to get out of the house, and even a conversation starter!
Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not antisocial. If you’re an introvert you probably need more time at home to recharge, don’t like dealing with conflict, and tend to think before acting. We think your ideal dog would tend to form strong bonds with their owner and be generally easygoing around others to avoid causing a scene. Different breeds have different energy levels so you should pick one that fits with your current lifestyle.
The 10 Best Dogs for Introverts
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed with a reputation for being very genial with people and other dogs. A short walk outside is all these pups ask, making them happy to spend most of the day on the couch by your side. They are generally healthy with a lifespan of 10—18 years, although they are prone to dental disease. You should also purchase a Shih Tzu from a responsible breeder who has screened for common orthopedic and genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and eye problems.
That being said, these canines are smart. When you settle down for some thought-provoking introverted activity you should give your Shih Tzu the chance to do the same with some puzzle feeders. They have beautiful coats with high grooming needs, however, daily brushing can be relaxing for an introverted person. For clipping, nail trims, and other treatments you might choose to use a groomer regularly.
2. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are another friendly breed. These guys were bred to work as bird hunters so they have more energy than some others on this list and they’re also good swimmers. If long, solitary walks are your thing, and you don’t mind frequent grooming to maintain their coat (or clipping it off) the Cocker Spaniel could be a good dog for you.
Like all breeds, you should purchase a Cocker Spaniel from a registered breeder that screens for health and temperament in their parent dogs. Their long ears make them prone to ear infections so they need ear care as part of their grooming routine. If you’re not clipping them you’ll have to detangle the coat daily to prevent mats.
3. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a droopy-eared, sad-faced little pup that is known for being patient and relaxed. Even though they are very docile and good with just about anyone, they are perfectly content just being around their owners. Of course, they love attention, but much prefer attention from their favorite person as opposed to a bunch of strangers. Keep in mind it’s in their nature to be very vocal, which some introverts could find disruptive. Bassets are prone to obesity so good portion control is necessary from the start to keep them healthy.
Because these dogs tend to be pretty independent, they work very well for independent people. This independent streak can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. Keeping them on a leash is the best idea as they have an excellent sense of smell they just can’t ignore! After some moderate exercise, especially playing with other dogs which they love, they will happily sleep the day away.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one adorable little puppy! It might not be the best choice if you live in an apartment complex and want to avoid interactions, as everyone is going to want to get their hands on the sweet little critter. However, the docile, innocent nature of the Cavalier King makes them a bit shy and seemingly introverted. Despite that, they are quite intelligent. They enjoy gentle to moderate exercise, training, and interactive toys, and often excel in dog sports.
The adorable little Cavalier King was designed to be a lap dog and companion animal. These dogs will devote their entire life to you without question. They live around 12—15 years, but the breed is unfortunately prone to a heart condition called Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) so you should ask any breeders about the heart health in their lines as well as what heart screening tests the parents have had.
5. Chihuahua
Having a little spoiled pooch like a Chihuahua means that they probably will love only you! They probably won’t tolerate strangers, young kids, or other dogs well but they are so small that you can easily pick them up to avoid a scene. Be aware that some Chihuahuas will bite people when they don’t want to be touched. That’s something to warn people about if they want to try to pet them.
You can choose a smooth or long coat Chihuahua depending on how much brushing you’re happy to do. They tire out quickly on walks because of their small size so you don’t need to worry about extensive exercise. However, they can be loud especially when their guard dog tendencies kick in. Don’t be fooled, these tiny dogs are fierce protectors. However, some introverts might find this disturbs their quiet time.
6. Greyhound
The Greyhound has a reputation for being the fastest dog on the planet. They are exceptional creatures, and at first glance, you might think that they require a lot of exercise, social interaction, and space to run. While they do need their exercise, it isn’t going to be nearly as extensive as one may assume. These dogs require plenty of time to run around, but they also love their downtime! You can visit the park and then read a book while they take a nap beside you. They will be perfectly content.
Even though Greyhounds are docile dogs, they tend to be somewhat aloof with strangers. Being around a lot of energy can sometimes make them nervous and withdrawn. Some Greyhounds also have a high prey drive so you should be cautious around small, fluffy dogs until you know your dog’s behavior well.
7. Italian Greyhound
If you like the sound of a Greyhound but prefer a smaller, more manageable pet, the Italian Greyhound could be a good choice. They are just as elegant as the Greyhound but do tend to warm to strangers a lot more quickly. They can also sit on your lap which they love to do. Their small size gives them the advantage of a longer lifespan on average than the Greyhounds; they usually live for 14—15 years.
You won’t spend excessive amounts of time grooming an Italian Greyhound. They retain the hunting style of the Greyhound which means that the sight of potential prey will make them give chase. Walks on a leash is better than off-leash exercise for this reason as well as the fact that larger dogs can accidentally injure these pups during play.
8. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound tends to be very laid-back and you won’t see your Irish Wolfhound going out of their way to greet a stranger or force you to make friends with the neighbor. That being said they are affectionate with their family and good with other dogs. Their energy levels are on the lower side making them fans of light to moderate exercise. As long as they get that they are happy to hang around with you.
These relaxed dogs are incredibly intelligent and interesting creatures. They have the perfect personalities for introverted people who adore their solitude. Plus, they love to learn! Be warned, they are a giant dog breed which means more money spent on food and other necessities. Their size makes them prone to certain health conditions, so you should research this breed thoroughly. Sadly, you can expect them to live only around 6—8 years.
9. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is an Arctic breed adapted to colder climates. They bond strongly with their family, and love being a part of their people’s lives but aren’t too fussed about greeting strangers. Their exercise needs are only moderate; a long walk or half an hour game of fetch will do for most of them. Their beautiful fluffy coat needs frequent brushing though, and they tend to shed a lot. When they work and play they can be very loud, and they will also alert you to strangers.
They are intelligent, even to the point of being strong-willed. You want to engage their mind often to prevent boredom. This pup doesn’t do well with being left alone for long but if you are an introvert who works from home this is ideal. If you’re after a sweet and loyal friend and don’t mind a bit of fluff, this could be a dog to look into.
10. Shelter/Rescue Dog
If you are the kind of person who wants nothing more than to give a dog a second chance at a better life, you might consider a shelter or rescue dog, especially one that has had a rough past. Introverted people can really understand these dogs as you have the patience, understanding, and compassion to deal with them.
While many others would give up on them, you appreciate their need for solitude, patience, and understanding. Some rescues might not be able to socialize very well with others and often require a life that is quiet and peaceful so they can unwind from a lifetime of stress and anxiety.
Shelter staff can help match you to a suitable dog in care. Some may need relaxation and rest, which makes them a perfect match for a person who really doesn’t like to socialize much. If you are a person who can offer any suitable space for dogs in need, we highly recommend that you do so. There aren’t enough people to adopt the amount of pups lined up in shelters.
Tips for Introverted Dog Owners
1. Establish a Routine
Like introverts, dogs thrive on routine. When they know what to expect in a day they become very comfortable, quickly learning what is expected of them at different times. Changes can make them anxious, but sticking to a similar routine even in times of change will help settle them.
2. Put Your Dog’s Needs First
Dogs with needs that go unmet often develop behavior problems like barking, chewing, and anxiety, and can even hurt themselves in times of distress. Apart from being unfair to your dog, these problems will disrupt your lifestyle. Knowing the needs of your dog’s breed, as well as their individual quirks, will help you prevent these problems. Physical needs like food and water are obvious but things like attention, exercise, mental stimulation, and play are also important.
3. Train and Socialize Your Dog
Proper training and socialization tell your dog what is expected of them. Puppies need to be socialized before the age of 14 weeks, which means they need to be exposed to all life’s experiences early so they aren’t new and scary in later life. Meeting new people and dogs is one side of it but consider also transport, grooming, traffic, vet visits, and everything else you can think of.
Look into positive training methods like positive reinforcement, luring, and capturing to get what you want from your dog. You should also know how to handle bad behavior without aversive methods; negative punishment, extinction, counter-conditioning, and desensitization will be helpful in this area.
4. Hire Pet Professionals
At some stage, you might need help with your dog. Groomers, dog walkers, behaviorists, and veterinarians are all great resources to help you with the various aspects of dog ownership. You can also seek support from friends with dogs. If you don’t have any, you’re likely to meet other introverts with dogs online or in dog clubs or sports.
5. Consider Your Finances
Introverts with pets might find difficult financial situations quite challenging. Make sure you budget for your dog’s expenses as well as unexpected veterinary costs. Having pet insurance can help if you find the thought of veterinary bills stressful. This usually works by reimbursing you a percentage of the fees. It can also save you from having to have awkward conversations about money.
Conclusion
Every introverted person needs a good canine companion by their side. There is really no one-size-fits-all with this scenario as any dog can make an amazing companion despite your socialization level. However, some dogs require much more training and stimulation than others, which can be challenging for people who prefer a quiet life. Hopefully, this article gave you a pretty good idea of what breeds could match your personality better.
Featured Image Credit: Maria Symchych, Shutterstock
