There are several factors to consider if you’re a single woman looking to add a furry companion to your life. It’s not as simple as finding a cute dog at your local rescue and hoping for the best. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility that requires an immense amount of effort, time, and money, so it’s something best explored after you’ve done serious soul-searching to see what is realistic for you and your living situation.
Read on to learn what factors you should consider before adopting a dog as a single woman and to see the list of 15 fantastic breeds that suit this lifestyle.
How Are the Best Dog Breeds for Single Women Classified?
Size
If the single woman lives in an apartment or small home, extremely big dogs may not be a good fit. Large and extra-large breeds need a lot of space to run and roam. These pups are just too big to find living in an apartment comfortable. Imagine trying to share your tiny condo with a 200+ pound Mastiff. It would be extremely difficult and not enjoyable for anyone involved.
Breed
Some breeds are born and bred to do jobs that are impossible to achieve while living in small spaces. Take Border Collies, for example. This is an extremely high-energy breed born to herd sheep. It would be incredibly difficult to give them the exercise and job they require to be happy if they were cooped up in a small apartment.
Social Requirement
Some dogs are extremely social, requiring much interaction with their owners to be happy. Without adequate contact with their owners, these dogs can become depressed and anxious, and they may even develop problem behaviors like excessive barking or destroying furniture. If you work long hours, your dog will be home alone for the majority of the day, which may not be compatible with super-dependent breeds.
Security & Protection
If you’re fearful about living alone, you may want to choose a dog that can provide you with the security and protection that you need to feel safe in your home. Guard dogs can offer security and safety but also unparalleled companionship. The caveat here is that many guard breeds are large or extra large, which may be incompatible for you if you live in a small space.
The 15 Dog Breeds for Single Women
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Origin: | Britain |
| Lifespan: | 9–14 years |
| Weight: | 12–18 lbs. |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed known for their sweet and loving nature. Tipping the scales at around 18 pounds, their small size makes them perfect for apartment life. They’re often considered the ideal house dog, thanks to their affectionate and cheerful attitude and friendliness toward strangers. They’re easygoing and adaptable, making them one of the best companions for single women.
2. English Bulldog
| Origin: | Britain |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Weight: | 50–55 lbs. |
English Bulldogs are docile, social, and friendly dogs. Despite their tough look, they’re extremely gentle and can make excellent companions and family pets. Although they can get quite stocky, English Bulldogs can live happily in apartments and smaller dwellings due to their laidback attitude. They’re agreeable, people-oriented, and loyal to their humans, making them fantastic watchdogs.
3. Pug
| Origin: | China |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 14–18 lbs |
The Pug is an instantly recognizable breed thanks to their squishy and wrinkly face, but they have much more to offer their humans than just their adorableness. These dogs are known to be extremely charming and easily adaptable to any living situation. Pugs are pretty laidback and not known to be excessive barkers, making them great for apartment life. They’re affectionate and are happiest when spending time on their owner’s lap.
4. Boston Terrier
| Origin: | United States |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Weight: | 15–25 lbs. |
Boston Terriers are sweet little dogs known for their intelligence and friendly demeanor. Since they’re a small to medium-sized breed, they don’t need much space and have much lower energy levels than other, similarly sized dogs. Boston Terriers are sensitive and have high emotional intelligence, making them fantastic companions for single women.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 13–16 years |
| Weight: | 2–7 lbs. |
Yorkshire Terriers are great apartment dogs thanks to their extremely small size and reduced exercise requirements. Don’t let their small size fool you, though; these dogs can be quite feisty and confident despite their stature. Their oversized personality means that many Yorkies consider themselves watchdogs, so they can develop a bad barking habit if their owners are not careful. However, they’re lively, curious, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their favorite humans.
6. Golden Retriever
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 30–45 lbs. |
While Golden Retrievers are bigger than some of the other dogs on this list, their suitability for single women cannot be understated. These sweetheart pups are naturally good-natured, friendly, and happy. They’re fantastic exercise partners, making them perfect companions for single ladies who want their pets to keep up with their active lifestyles.
That said, they do require a fair amount of one-on-one time with their favorite humans, so they must spend quality time with their owners before and after work. You may want to consider hiring a dog walker to come for mid-day walks if you work far from home or long hours.
7. German Shepherd
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 9–13 years |
| Weight: | 55–90 lbs. |
The German Shepherd is a fantastic companion for single women looking for a dog that’ll have her back. They’re not suitable for apartment living, but they are one of the best guard dog breeds thanks to their naturally protective and loyal nature. Plus, their intimidating appearance and deep bark will deter intruders.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and confident. They have a subtle aloofness about them, especially around strangers, though they’re affectionate and loving toward their human family members.
8. American Pit Bull Terrier
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 8–15 years |
| Weight: | 30–60 lbs. |
American Pit Bull Terriers are probably one of the best watchdogs a single woman could ask for. These dogs are extremely controversial but highly misunderstood. They carry with them the stigma of violence and aggression and are actually illegal to own in many areas. However, contrary to the reputation that precedes them, they are loving, affectionate, and loyal dogs. Additionally, the American Temperament Testing Society actually shows that 87.6% of tested American Pit Bull Terriers passed the test, meaning they are less likely to show aggression than other beloved breeds (such as the Golden Retriever, which scored 85.9%).1
9. Rottweiler
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Weight: | 75–130 lbs. |
The Rottweiler is a fantastic breed for single women looking for a dog to provide them with a sense of safety. Rotties make great watchdogs and are eager to protect their owner. However, these are big dogs that can weigh up to 130 pounds, so they’re not ideal for apartment living situations. They are gentle by nature, playful, affectionate, and cuddly toward their family members, providing a fantastic snuggly companion and an efficient guard dog.
10. French Bulldog
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 17–24 lbs. |
French Bulldogs are affectionate, easygoing, and relaxed companions. Their small size and moderate exercise requirements make them ideal for apartment life. Frenchies are playful, loving, and even-tempered, traits that many single women search for in a pet. They’re adaptable and charming and thrive on companionship. Don’t let their small size fool you, though; these dogs have a huge personality. They bond deeply with their humans and can sometimes feel neglected if their owners are out of the house for too long.
11. Labradoodle
| Origin: | Australia |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 50–90 lbs. |
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This sweet mixed breed is famously gentle and even-tempered. They’re friendly, outgoing, and social. Since both parent breeds are smart, Labradoodles are highly intelligent and quick learners. Don’t let their sweet face fool you; some can be quite protective and aren’t afraid to stay on guard for their owners.
12. Shih Tzu
| Origin: | Tibet |
| Lifespan: | 10–16 years |
| Weight: | 9–16 lbs. |
Shih Tzus are pleasant and energetic dogs. They were born and bred by the Tibetan people to be companions, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re a popular choice for folks looking to find their new best friend. Shih Tzus are happy and sociable dogs that form tight bonds with their humans. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment life, but they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
13. Standard Poodle
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 40–70 lbs. |
Standard Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that are easily trainable, agile, and graceful. They are generally kind and friendly, but they do have a lot of energy. Despite their adorable look, these dogs can make fantastic watchdogs for single women.
Although Standard Poodles are not small dogs by any means, their adaptability means they can adjust to living in an apartment environment, provided they’re still given opportunities for exercise and enrichment.
14. Doberman Pinscher
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Weight: | 60–100 lbs. |
Dobermans were bred to be protection dogs, so they’d be a great choice for single women looking for a loyal and protective companion. Like American Pit Bull Terriers, Dobermans are often stereotyped as aggressive and ferocious. However, they’re instinctually more protective than aggressive and will only shift into aggression mode if they’re protecting themselves or their owners from perceived threats.
Dobermans are energetic, alert, and active dogs. They wouldn’t fare well in an apartment situation unless their physical and mental stimulation requirements are met outside the home.
15. Great Dane
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Weight: | 65–100 lbs. |
Great Danes are gentle giants known for their affectionate and calm temperament. They are friendly, eager to please, and loyal. They’re also playful and patient, and their loyalty makes them a fantastic choice for single women looking for a watchdog. Their imposing figure can be enough to ward off intruders.
Great Danes are big dogs that take up a lot of space, but their laidback attitude and lower energy level make them suitable for apartment life so long as there is room for them to move about freely.
Final Thoughts
Before you bring a dog into your home, you must first determine what it is you’d like to receive out of your partnership with your new pet.
If you’re seeking a companion to snuggle with you on the couch, you might be better off choosing a small breed, such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Pug. These dogs tend to adapt well to life in smaller living quarters too.
If you’re looking for a dog to protect you and help you feel safe when you’re alone, an American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd might be a better option. However, these dogs are large, requiring more space to be happy and healthy.
Once you know exactly what traits you’re searching for in your new pup, you’ll have a better idea of which breeds will be suitable for your needs.
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Blinova, Shutterstock
How Are the Best Dog Breeds for Single Women Classified?
