Imagine leaving the office exhausted and coming home to a dog with a wagging tail, who has been waiting for you all day ready to play and nestle with you while you watch TV at night. How fantastic would it be? Unfortunately, being a dog lover and working full time isn’t a great combination? Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of breeds that will perfectly fit a fur parent who spends most of the day away from home but still wants to raise a happy and healthy dog.
17 Best Dog Breeds For Full-Time Workers
1. Akita
Strong, independent, reserved, and silent. Do these traits sound like homebodies to you? Well, the Akita breed has them all! These large breeds of dogs can be intimidating because of their appearance. Their gaze looks powerful, and they can be aggressive towards other dogs that are not part of their family or group. Sounds scary? With proper training, Akitas are good companions, as they are very loyal and devoted to their owners. They will only display aggression to unfamiliar faces and other dogs. Who wouldn’t want a buddy and a guard, right?
Keeping them will secure not only your friendship, but also your home. Another reason is that, surprisingly, these dogs are very clean and are almost odorless, So owning one is like hitting the jackpot.
2. Basset Hound
When you think of a basset hound, you’ll probably picture a lazy, small and slow-paced dog. But did you know that they were originally bred as hunting dogs! Their phenomenal sense of smell is from their low-set ears. Don’t you want a dog that will recognize you even from afar? These sluggish-looking dogs can familiarize themselves around the house and find missing stuff for you! What a good deal, right? In addition, they are also ideal for staying in your house without much attention because they nap after every nap! Their long stretch of sleep will keep you at ease while you are away all day.
Basset hounds are the best for getting along with other breeds.
3. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a considerably small breed, making it popular with pet owners. But don’t let its size deceive you because they are energetic but independent, so they’re fine playing around the house alone.
The length of their coats doesn’t require shaving, trimming, and cutting. So your short time together after work and weekends will be better spent cuddling. Yes, Boston Terriers love your affection.
4. Bullmastiff
From a small breed, we’ll take a big leap to Bullmastiffs. They are big dogs with a warm and calm nature. If you walk them outdoors, they won’t mind friendly petting from strangers, which is quite surprising given their muscular and mighty look. They love human company. However, they don’t mind staying home, as they don’t have a lot of energy.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are known for being great sleepers. They can spend most of the day sleeping for about 14 to 18 hours! So they won’t even realize you weren’t home. But contrary to the idea that they are lazy, chihuahuas are very energetic. They play actively, and because they are smaller than the other breeds, they wear out quickly, so it’s natural for them to sleep more often. So if you are looking for a small breed that is fine staying at home and alone for a long period, Chihuahuas are a great choice.
6. Chow Chow
Lion King fan? Well, you just got a friend on the list! Chow chows are best described as the Lion King of the dog world. Well, not only due to their long mane around their neck, but also because they act like one! They are wonderful and serious breeds. And contrary to popular belief, these giant dog breeds do not demand a lot of attention and do not have a lot of social needs. They are known to be quite introverted and perfectly fit in an apartment or quiet household. So if you work all day and are considering a buddy who doesn’t like to cuddle too much, Chow chows are the best pick!
7. Dachshund
You may know these next four-legged pooch by their nicknames such as “Sausage dog”, “Weiner dog”, “Badger dog,” and many more. There’s a lot to admire about Dachshunds. Aside from their playful personality, they aren’t high maintenance and don’t require much exercise. They enjoy playing with toys and are content to bond with one owner alone! So you can enjoy their company in the morning before leaving for work and then come home to a heart-stealing pup!
8. French Bulldog
Many consider French Bulldogs lazy because they love to sleep. Frenchies, fondly called, spend about half a day sleeping. So, if you’re a full-time worker, your Frenchie will spend his time sleeping and saving energy.
Although they may be sleepyheads, Frenchies also love to play. They enjoy chewing toys, and fetching, and love playing with humans and other dogs.
9. Greyhound
Greyhounds are tall with slender and smooth-coated body breeds. Even though their physique can be intimidating, they are gentle and have low energy. Greyhounds love staying at home while you work outside.
Before going off to work, you may want to ensure that your pet’s bed is properly arranged because Greyhounds can sleep for 18 hours a day.
10. Irish Wolfhound
If you have a spacious home and would like a dude to occupy it while you are away, our next buddy could be perfect to lounge in it all day!
Although the Irish wolfhound is an imposing sight due to its size, they are intelligent and easy to train. They love to play with their family and spend time alone. However, this breed is not for everyone. Their size alone is a consideration because you need to consider the size of your home. But if you are looking for a watchdog and a companion to fill your home with love, these gentle giants are the best fits!
11. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has a naturally gorgeous, long, and splendid-looking coat. If you are an owner who loves to cuddle with a beautiful pup, This one’s for you!
What makes them an excellent choice is that they may look fragile, but they are sturdy and strong. They are considered excellent watchdogs and don’t need a full day’s attention! How interesting, right? They also love staying close to their family and playing around in a small room. So an owner having a small apartment won’t have any problem. Due to their petite size, a short walk and play session are enough to complete their day.
12. Maltese
Although this little breed has a fluffy coat; it doesn’t shed excessively. It is also a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to activities. These factors are ideal for dog owners who work full time.
More importantly, Maltese dogs are okay with being left at home. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t sweet. They will be excited to reunite with you at the end of your shift.
13. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are naturally energetic and affectionate little fellows. Since they’re enthusiastic, they need time for exercise and training. As active as they come, they don’t mind being alone and playing with themselves for several hours, so they are perfect for owners who are working full time.
Give them some treats by buying them toys, and they will shower you with kisses at the end of the day.
14. Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terriers are energetic and persistent. They have soft hearts in their equally soft and tiny bodies. They love human companionship, but they enjoy frequent solitary moments, so you can be sure they won’t sulk when you go out to work. Just play with them when you have time and walk them out regularly.
Their soft coat is also low maintenance. It just needs weekly brushing and professional plucking two times a year.
15. Shar-Pei
When people hear about Shar-Peis, they immediately think of a dog with adorable skin folds! Shar-Peis also have a reputation for being aloof; however, they are very loyal and loving. Their wrinkly skin doesn’t need extreme maintenance, and their short coats don’t require frequent grooming, which is perfect for workers with busy schedules.
Additionally, they are very independent breeds and not very active, which makes them ideal for working fur parents.
16. Shiba Inu
This cuddly dog breed is from the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan! Shiba Inus are intelligent, good-natured, alert, and independent! They take their time alone calmly, and you won’t have problems leaving them home for work.
This stuffed toy-like breed may seem less affectionate than other breeds, but they love and adore you! In fact, they are very territorial and headstrong. They will protect you and your home while you’re busy working.
17. Whippet
Whippets are particularly “chill” dogs. This breed, which ranges from 29 to 34 lbs, doesn’t mind being alone for long periods at home. As long as their exercise requirements are met, seeing you return home after a long day from work makes them happy and content. These gentle dogs don’t shed excessively, which won’t require frequent grooming sessions.
Bottom line
There’s no need to hold back in bringing home or even adopting (which is even better!) the furry friend that you’ve been dreaming of. The breeds mentioned above are perfect for a hard-working person like you. Get your pet health insurance as well, so you have nothing to worry about if it gets sick. You and your future dog will have something to look forward to at the end of the day: shower each other with kisses and cuddles.