For everyone, a hectic schedule looks different. Super busy” can mean office overtime; four children and counting; constantly freelancing; or volunteering on weekends, depending on whom you ask.”
Toss a dog into the mix and it’s more than full on your plate. (Nevertheless, let’s be honest: research by organisations such as the Human Animal Bond Research Institute has shown that having a dog can substantially reduce stress levels, which can be enjoyed by even non-busy people.)
If you’re seriously considering introducing a dog to your family, consider the basics that each canine needs right away. When and where you blend into frequent walks (morning and night), nail trimming (at least monthly), regular trips to the veterinarian (at least twice a year) and quality time.
Think of your proximity to nearby veterinarians and reputable dog parks. Do you fly for work frequently? Do you have a buddy who is just as busy or who can devote more time to a dog? Such questions are just the tip of the iceberg, but a fantastic starting point.
While all dogs need ample care and attention, some breeds are more prepared and able to gel with your hectic description than others.
- BOSTON TERRIER
Boston terriers are gregarious pups who only want your approval with their wide brown eyes and tuxedo-style coat. The amount of exercise they need will undoubtedly vary from dog to dog (as with any breed), but it is usually appropriate for a few walks a day and some play time indoors. In the area, they’re great apartment dwellers for singles and do just as well in the suburbs with families and children. Plus, as low-maintenance as it comes, the coat is.
- CHIHUAHUA
Chihuahuas are like a friend of yours who always says, ‘Literally, I’m up for something! They are adaptable creatures with independent streaks (so instil early commands) that just have to trot behind you for a few blocks in order to get enough exercise. Short-coated Chihuahuas now and then need nothing but a simple brush, but even long-coated varieties don’t need visits from groomers. Their size also makes travelling with them pretty nifty.
- TERRIER MANCHESTER
When talking about dogs and hectic lives, the grooming thing comes up a whole lot. Scheduling a pricey salon session every four weeks (more frequently than you get highlights) for your pooch? Yeah, no, thanks. There is a sleek, carefree coat for the Manchester terrier (both regular and toy). After a brisk stroll, these dogs still love to curl up and relax.
- The DACHSHUND
Dachshunds have a favourable temperament and are normally a game for anything you throw at them (frisbee or otherwise). Exercise may consist of running around the house or leisurely walks (though beware of stairs). If you work in a dog-friendly workplace or work from home, while you concentrate on assignments, your dachshund will be content sitting by your side.
- PINSCHER DOBERMAN
Disclaimer: Just get a Doberman pinscher if there is enough time for physical exercise in your description of hectic. It is part of a healthy human lifestyle to work out regularly and bonding time with owners is part of a healthy canine lifestyle. By taking your Doberman for a run each night, kill two birds with one stone. These faithful dogs require plenty of exercise and solid training as puppies (if you have a yard, that’s best) but are otherwise fairly low-maintenance.
- FRENCH BULLDOG
The even-tempered French bulldog requires minimal grooming, barks infrequently, adapts well to the lifestyle of his family and approaches exercise with an attitude of “take it or leave it.” Make sure they are walked enough to maintain a good weight, but after that, with anybody, these dogs can blend in almost anywhere.
- KING CAVALIER CHARLES SPANIEL
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are terrific for people constantly on the go because of their ability to sense and respond to the temperaments of their owners. Yes, to ensure that their longer coats don’t tangle, brushing every week is important, but these canines will go with the flow and work well with kids and other pets.
- BULL MASTIFFFINE
A bullmastiff might look ferocious, but their families are always obedient and polite. Train pups early to build orders, run a brush every other week through their hair, exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight, and you’re good to go.
- BROHOLMER
Due to his calm nature and loyalty to his people, this dog is perfect for a family with children. This Saturday’s soccer game? Bring your puppy! Local State Park Family Hike? Bring your puppy! Broholmers enjoy being part of the team and being outside.
10. RAT TERRIER
Everywhere you go, take this sweet, lightweight and playful pup and she will love you. Leave her at home as you complete errands, and with open hands, she will calmly welcome you back. Early training is best, as rat terriers love to learn and can be responsive, but please. Ideally, you either have a huge family or also enjoy entertaining friends (rat terriers like to be social).
- TOSA
Ah, a smooth giant, the Tosa. Since they’re suspicious of strangers and honestly look intimidating, they’re great guard dogs. They’re silent softies, though, who are polite, leisurely and obedient. Walking is solid exercise, so if you see your Tosa gaining weight, punch up the activity level.
- AMERICANS STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
Another dog who wants to get in on the action is this. These dogs love people-centered exercise, such as walking, hiking or playing frisbee, so they are great for anyone after a fun hike whose dream weekend includes a trip to a pup-friendly brewery. Confident, easygoing canines are American Staffordshire terriers.
- BASSET HOUND
Now, for one of our list’s most lazy blobs: the basset hound. These dogs are so low-key and patient that if you were home at all, you would think they didn’t care if it wasn’t for their undying allegiance. With other dogs, they do well, too. They will need a good brush-through three times a week to keep their coat safe, the only semi-high-maintenance feature of basset hounds.
14. DREVERS
If it’s hectic or not, Drevers enjoy a balanced routine. The morning’s brisk stroll, followed by a few hours of downtime before the dog walker gets there? No trouble. Their coats are durable and very little grooming is needed. Drevers will accept this social life and go with the flow if you’ve already got a dog or have lots of people living in your house.
15. TIBETAN SPANIEL
Tibetan spaniels are keen on lounging around the house and entertaining themselves with toys (they won’t ask your permission to do it, either). They’re adventurous, but they’re heading into calmer dispositions. A fast brush through every week can avoid the fur behind the ears from tangling as far as grooming goes.
- BORDER TERRIER
The Border Terrier is lovable and trainable, affectionate with children and in need of a short brush every week or so. A real dog’s dog. When it’s time to feed, work or sleep, he’ll play and then follow a schedule. Ideally, border terriers have yards to run around in, but as long as there’s a park they can prance through on occasion, they are known for adapting well to city life.
- WHIPPET
The Whippet is low-maintenance in just about every sense of the word. Such pups are happy to lie down on the bed before you are home from work and ready for a stroll. Their short coat almost fully puts grooming out of the equation and there are few and far between their barks.
18. ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Italian greyhounds, similar in stature to whippets, are small dogs that barely take up any room at all (making them great for busy city people). They love a nice, warm lap, and when you’re home, they can follow you around, but they also know how to calm down.
This is the canine for you if dog parks are scarce in your area; they’re often too small and fearful of other dogs to enjoy themselves and would prefer to hang out at home.
The good news is that even though you have a hectic lifestyle, it is actually simpler than it has ever been to provide outstanding care and love for your canine family member.
There are apps that allow you to monitor the activity of your dog when you are away, automatic feeders to ensure that your dog gets the correct amount of food on a solid schedule, dog walking companies to ensure exercise during the day, and so much more.
Nothing beats a snuggle session after a long day between you and your dog, however. Maybe consider a goldfish before your lifestyle cools down if you don’t have time for joyful play here and there and peaceful, cuddly bonding time.
