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A dog behaviourist has revealed the breeds that are best suited for different lifestyles - and her thoughts may just surprise you. We often harbour preconceived ideas about the personalities of our pets . Maybe you've always believed that Rottweilers are alarmingly hot-headed, or that Chihuahuas yap far too much for their own good. But Jeanette Muldoon, an expert at The Family Dog Club , has debunked some of these well-known stereotypes, asserting that certain breeds of pups will align with our personalities more than we think. Whether you're seeking a companion for your adventures or a constant cuddle buddy, Jeanette is convinced there's always a breed that will suit you. Speaking to the Mirror in an interview last year , she said: "Some of the cutest puppies - Huskies for example - are often adverse to lots of cuddles, which can be hard for some people as they can look cuddly in some people's eyes. "... For some dogs , living in a built-up area could be stressful for them. Herding breeds, for example, are the managers of the dog world , and struggle if they're only given road walks. They may find the fast traffic difficult to cope with. [It's important to] do your research into the breed, breed-specific Facebook groups give an indication of the issues other people have." In light of these different needs, Jeanette has outlined the dogs that match four different lifestyles and personality types - and some of them are quite unexpected. Are you always rushing about? Maybe you struggle to stay indoors for too long, engaging in everything from marathons to mountain hikes, constantly seeking an extra adrenaline rush. According to Jeanette, a terrier may be the perfect companion for adventurers like this. This is mainly due to their high stamina, with breeds like Cairn Terriers and Jack Russells recognised for excelling in agility and flyball competitions. Working breeds, such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Rottweilers, are excellent for outdoor activities, too, thanks to their larger frames and higher energy requirements. Two hours of daily exercise are often recommended to keep them healthy. "So for a sporty person who wants to do sports with their own dogs, breeds such as your working breeds tend to have a lot of stamina [too]," Jeanette continued. "There are breeds such as the... Husky, Beagle, Terriers, Spaniels that are often more than happy to spend a lot of time outside getting physical exercise. [But] you’d then look at the personality of the owner, [they need to be able to] cope with a dog who still needs a lot of attention in the home." It's important to remember that fluffy dogs are more than just cuddly toys, as some breeds enjoy less affection than others. However, if you're seeking a dog that typically loves to hug all day, Jeanette has you covered. She continued: "Your Cockapoo, Cavapoo, and Spaniels like to be very much attached to their owners. They may struggle a little more than other breeds when left alone. "We have Staffordshire Bull Terriers and they're very affectionate ..Staffies are normally loyal dogs who like to spend as much time with their owner as possible, but most are often ok if their owner isn't there." However, Jeanette stressed that any breed can be an ideal cuddle buddy, provided the owner understands their moods and needs. "If an owner understands their dogs behaviour and doesn't overhandle them, then they will often have a dog that loves cuddles," she said. If you're constantly at the office but desire a friendly dog to return home to, Jeanette suggested that low-maintenance breeds could be perfect. These include Bichon Frises, Bulldogs, and Chihuahuas, which require only 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise to remain healthy. However, Jeanette cautioned against leaving a puppy alone for extended periods. This can lead to destructive behaviours and even cause anxiety or depression. "For anyone working full time I would be really careful," she urged. "You'll need to get a dog walker to come and help you; and in the first stages it can be hard for a puppy to feel comfortable being left on their own. If you’re able to afford a walker and can work from home in the beginning, then I would look for easy non working breeds." Utility dogs are also recommended for this. These generally refer to dogs bred for various purposes, whether for companionship or guarding, and include breeds such as Standard Schnauzers and Tibetan Spaniels. These tend to be much smaller than working dogs and do not have the same motivation to go out and exercise for hours. Do you enjoy your own space? Maybe you'd appreciate a cuddle from a dog now and then, but still value your solitude and time alone. Believe it or not, Huskies, Labradors, Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers are not too different, thanks to their confidence and ability to spend time alone now and then. Huskies, in particular, are known to be one of the least affectionate dog breeds, according to Jeanette, though this can vary depending on each dog's individual personality. She said: "Within a litter of puppies, there will be a variety of personalities, some will be more laid-back than others. For first-time owners, a laid-back puppy would probably be better suited to them. The more adventurous puppies often have more needs in terms of making sure their needs are met." What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below
