Best Dogs for Women

What are the best dogs for women? Well, the answer isn’t so simple: which women? What are they like? What about their lifestyles and preferences? It’s impossible to select a dog breed that is perfect for each and every woman in the world. That’s why we at NewDoggy have put together a wide variety of dog breeds in a helpful list, to help you to decide which breed is best for you.

Single

If you are single and want a dog for companionship, these breeds might be what you’re looking for.

• Miniature Pinscher: The Mini Pinscher is tiny but tough. They make up for their small stature with tons of attitude! They have plenty of energy, so make sure to properly exercise your Mini Pinscher. They are sensitive to cold, and their curiosity occasionally gets them into trouble: crate training may prove very useful for keeping them out of trouble!

• Dachshund: These little sausage dogs are clever, curious and courageous. The Dachshund is also a loyal family dog, although they can be stubborn and difficult (but not impossible) to train. Fun fact, these little guys were one of the Top Ten breeds of 2021.

• Shiba Inu: This medium-sized breed adapts very well to apartment life, provided that you exercise them properly. The Shiba Inu is fastidiously clean, so needs little grooming, and is quite easy to house train. If you decide to get a Shiba Inu, you’ll need to keep him/her company, as they can be destructive if left alone for too long, or if they get bored.

• French Bulldog: The French Bulldog isn’t just a pretty face – they are also clever dogs and, as long as their lessons are fun, should be easy to train. They are protective of their families, and make surprisingly good watchdogs. French Bulldogs love to be around people, and are good indoor dogs.

Sporty

Do you love to be active? Whether you’re hiking on the weekend or jogging daily, these dogs are sure to join you.

• Weimaraner: The silvery Weimaraner does best with a person that can provide enough physical and mental exercise for him/her, as a lack of exercise makes these dogs nervous.

A Weimaraner will make a great companion for most sports. They have great stamina, and would be great for a person who loves long walks. Make sure that they are well trained to return when called, as Weimaraners have a strong hunting instinct and will dash off.

• Rhodesian Ridgeback: As pups, Ridgebacks are very energetic, and even though they tend to calm down as adults, they still need a lot of exercise. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good dog for a person who will exercise them vigorously every day, so if you jog or walk long distances every day, this breed could be a good choice. Even with enough exercise, training is very important for this breed, and they are not recommended for first time dog owners.

• Border Collie: Exceptionally intelligent and athletic, the Border Collie is a wonderful breed for someone willing to give him/her mental and physical stimulation. Collies can learn all sorts of tricks and compete successfully in many canine sports. They will happily accompany you on daily walks or runs, and you can teach them some tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. You can even stop for a game as fetch, as most Collies adore chasing balls or catching Frisbees. Just make sure you give them a good brush when you get back home, as the Collie’s feathery fur tends to trap dirt and plants.

• Corgi: The Corgi was originally bred for herding, and is a very active little dog. Corgis are very clever (if a little stubborn) and need lots of exercise. A Corgi might be a good choice if you live in a smaller house or apartment, but still love to exercise. Your Corgi will happily join you, whether it’s on a walk, run, or cycle. Daily exercise will also prevent your Corgi from getting fat, as these dogs are prone to weight gain.

• Jack Russell Terrier: The Jack Russell is probably the most active of the terrier group. Originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russells are full of seemingly endless energy, and have equally active brains. Mischievous and brave, you will never be bored with these dogs. If you can rise to the challenge, you will find this breed to be an amazing exercise companion.

• Siberian Husky: First developed to pull sleds, the Siberian Husky retains the stamina and enthusiasms of its forebears. Although independent and difficult to train, if you are a confident dog owner you may enjoy the Husky’s unique nature. They have exceptional stamina, and will be happy to accompany you on long walks or jogs. It’s best to keep your Husky on the leash, as they have a reputation for running off and chasing small animals!

Family life

If you have a family and think it’s time for a pet, here are some patient, friendly dog breeds that will make wonderful companions for you and your kids.

• Beagle: Beagles are loveable little guys, with huge soulful eyes and big personalities. Luckily all this personality fits nicely into a medium-sized dog that should make a great playmate for children. Beagles are active dogs, and taking your dog for walks or playing in the garden are both good ways of making sure your kids go outside to play and enjoy some fresh air.

• Cocker Spaniel: Here’s a medium-sized dog who loves the great outdoors just as much as relaxing on the sofa. The Cocker Spaniel was bred for hunting, but has an affectionate nature. Cocker Spaniels make great family dogs. Be sure to walk them regularly, and expect many trips to the groomer: Cockers have long silky fur that needs daily brushing and regular grooming sessions.

• English Bulldog: The English Bulldog is a loveable dog that is known to be great with kids. A medium sized dog, the Bulldog is sweet natured, loyal, and very sociable. Note that Bulldogs may sometimes be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs, due to their strong desire to protect their family. Bulldogs also don’t need much exercise – just a daily walk. The English Bulldog might not be the best dog for very active children, as they overheat very easily.

• Golden Retriever: This large dog was originally bred to be a gun dog, but today is a popular family pet. Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train, and friendly to kids. They are a great dog for an active family, as they need regular exercise to stay in good shape and to prevent them from becoming bored.

• Labrador Retriever: The Labrador is perhaps the quintessential family dog. This personable pooch is very popular as a pet, though was originally bred as a working dog. Labradors are friendly to almost everyone: adults, kids, dogs, and even other animals. They tend to be greedy, so keep your Labrador on a sensible diet and a good exercise routine – it’s a great way of getting your kids outdoors.

• Scottish Terrier: Also called the Scottie, this terrier is small but sturdy. These little dogs are tough and determined, as they were originally bred to hunt vermin such as rats. Scottish Terriers are friendly and loyal, though they may take their time deciding to befriend someone. The Scottie will get along better with older children, as they dislike being prodded and poked, and may snap if irritated.

Protection

If you live in a big city or an isolated area, a loyal companion may help put your mind at ease and discourage unwanted visitors. These dog breeds have a reputation for loyalty and courage.

• German Shepherd: The versatile German Shepherd reserves affection only for family; to the rest of the world they are aloof. This breed is eager to please, and will thrive with firm, confident, and consistent training.

• Bull Mastiff: The courageous Bull Mastiff is large and in charge! If trained and socialised from an early age, Bull Mastiffs are typically calm, agreeable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, but can be aggressive towards other dogs (puppy classes can reduce this tendency). They thrive on routine, and are happiest when they know what to expect.

• American Staffordshire Terrier: Nicknamed the AmStaff, this muscular breed is eager to please and as such is highly trainable. They love a challenge and will meet it head on. Their head-strong nature can be a challenge, so proper training and socialisation are needed. Be aware that this breed can be extremely aggressive towards other dogs: do not leave your Am Staff unsupervised with other dogs!

• Boxer: A popular pet, the Boxer also makes a good guard dog. They are a clever and energetic breed, and are usually easy to train. Keep in mind that, like many short-nosed dogs, the Boxer does not cope well with heat! If you live in a hot climate, make sure to bring your Boxer into an air-conditioned space on hot days, and provide plenty of water.

• Akita: This powerful Japanese breed can be tricky to train, but are generally very calm, easy-going dogs. Typically reserved with strangers, the Akita is typically only truly friendly to those that he/she considers to be family. They have a thick coat and cope well with colder weather.

• Komondor: This Hungarian dog breed is famous for its white corded coat. If you are thinking of getting a Komondor, be prepared to spend some time keeping their coat clean: weekly cleaning should be sufficient. The cords help to protect the Komondor from both heat and cold. The Komondor is a relaxed dog, with an intelligent, independent nature. While affectionate with family, the Komondor is indifferent or distrustful with strangers.

Retired

Have you recently retired, or are planning to do so? Now that you have more free time, you may enjoy having a new pet for company, but don’t want an overly energetic or rowdy dog. The following dog breeds are generally calm and polite, ideal for a retiree.

• Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is small and cuddly. These affectionate little dogs love to snuggle up with you on the sofa, and are on the whole friendly with just about everyone. The Shih Tzu is playful but not overly energetic. This breed does require careful grooming to keep its soft coat in check.

• Greyhound: These large dogs are surprisingly calm and even lazy at times. Greyhounds do need to go for a run daily, but once they’ve had their big run for the day, they are happy to laze around. Greyhounds tend to be sweet and calm, and their short coats are very easy to groom.

• Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier is a small but sturdy little dog, making it a good companion for romps with the kids. Playful, friendly, and easy to groom, and if that isn’t already good enough, the Boston Terrier is also affectionate. All in all, this breed is an ideal companion. This little dog can be stubborn, but with careful handling and training it would make a great addition to the family.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This silky dog is sporty yet cuddly. The Cavalier loves comfort, whether that involves sitting on your lap or curling up on a soft cushion. The Cavalier is also delighted to be outdoors. This breed needs a good walk every day, and ideally a fenced area such as a garden to run around and play in. The Cavalier King Charles thrives on companionship, and if you have kids, should be happy to keep them company. Keep in mind that their silky coat needs to be thoroughly brushed to prevent tangles.

• Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny in size but having a huge personality, these dogs are popular world over. They are affectionate family dogs that are happy to play and run around with children, or cuddle up with family members. Their small size also makes them great apartment dogs, though they can be difficult to housetrain and their yappy nature may annoy your neighbours. Fortunately if you take time to train your dog from an early stage to avoid these problems. Their sleek coats need regular brushing, and you might need some help from a dog groomer occasionally.

Allergies

Many people are allergic to dogs. If you desperately desire a dog of your own despite this, why not opt for a low-shedding or “hypoallergenic” breed?

• Portuguese Water-Dog: Intelligent and active, the Portuguese Water-Dog was originally bred to help fishermen with their work. This active breed has a curly coat and unique webbed feet. They shed very little, making them a great choice for people with allergies. They are medium-sized dogs and are best suited for an active person who will take time to exercise and train them. They are very clever and friendly, and get on well with children.

• Bichon Frise: This tiny white puffball may seem delicate, but don’t be fooled: the Bichon Frise is a tough little dog. Clever and energetic, the Bichon Frise loves company and hates to be alone. They are friendly, sensitive, and intelligent. The breed does not shed much, but will still need proper grooming to prevent tangles.

• Chinese Crested: There are two coat variants for the Chinese Crested: the hairless, which only has hair on the head, tail, and feet; and the puffball, which has a full coat. Social and sensitive, the Crested needs proper socialisation as they tend to be nervous with strangers. The Chinese Crested is a low to moderate shedder (even the hairless variety sheds more than you would expect), and the hairless variety can make a great pet if you have allergies. Keep in mind that the Chinese Crested need regularly bathing and grooming to stay healthy, and while they tolerate the heat well, they do not cope well with the cold.

• Coton de Tulear: Meet the Coton de Tulear: Friendly, intelligent, and utterly devoted to their family. These small dogs are absolute sweethearts that make wonderful family pets. They love to play but don’t need too much exercise: a daily walk combined with playtime is enough for the Coton de Tulear. They do not shed much, but do need frequent brushing to keep their coats silky smooth.

• Havanese: The Havanese is incredibly friendly with everyone they meet, but they save most of their warmth and love for their family. These small dogs will stick to your side like Velcro, requesting your attention and affection. The downside is that the Havanese tends to suffer from separation anxiety, so this breed is best suited for people who work from home or can bring their dog to work. The Havanese’s silky coat is gorgeous and doesn’t shed much, but needs regular grooming. You can also opt to have it clipped.

• Poodle: The curly haired Poodle is one of the smartest breeds out there, and can turn its paws to just about anything from hunting to circus tricks. They come in four sizes: Standard (the largest), Medium, Miniature, and Toy. All four varieties have a single-layered curly coat that is unique because instead of shedding off the dog, the loose hair and dander tangles in the surrounding hair. Although this makes them excellent dogs for someone with allergies, this can lead to a matted coat without proper care, so regular grooming is essential. The Poodle’s coat can be clipped or even corded to keep it neat and tidy.

• Bedlington Terrier: This friendly medium-sized breed is a great choice for first-time owners, as they are sweet and forgiving, adaptable, and very clever (though they can be stubborn at times). The Bedlington is a typical terrier and loves to play, especially if it involves pouncing on small unsuspecting animals. This breed is fairly active, and needs twice-weekly grooming to prevent tangles and mats: fortunately their tightly curled coat does not shed much.

• Afghan Hound: This stunning, slim, silky hound has beautiful long tresses that need a lot of brushing, but fortunately do not shed much. The Afghan hound copes well with both heat and cold, and can even live quite comfortably in apartments. They have independent natures, and can seem aloof at times: they want affection on their terms. These dogs have a clownish side and can be quite mischievous and playful. Be aware they these dogs have a strong prey drive, and don’t mix well with smaller pets.