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Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Top Dog Breeds for Any Lifestyle, According to a Vet—And One Tops Them All
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Bringing a dog into your life can spark a world of joy, energy, and companionship—but finding the right fit for your lifestyle is crucial. Every breed comes with its own quirks and needs: some thrive with room to roam, others settle happily into apartment living; some crave constant engagement, while others are content with quiet routines. Among the many options, one breed consistently stands out for its versatility: the golden retriever. According to the American Kennel Club, golden retrievers are not just friendly—they're deeply loyal and eager to please, qualities that make them easy to train and quick to bond with families of all types. "They're the quintessential dog," says Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's emergency and urgent care service. Speaking to Newsweek, she described the breed as "man's best friend to the end." Whether you're an active adventurer or someone who prefers slow mornings and calm evenings, golden retrievers have a remarkable ability to adapt—and to bring heart into any home. Golden retrievers are often recommended by vets as the ideal breed for a wide range of lifestyles, thanks to their adaptability, loyalty, and easygoing temperament. Golden retrievers are often recommended by vets as the ideal breed for a wide range of lifestyles, thanks to their adaptability, loyalty, and easygoing temperament. Wolfgang Kumm/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Fox said that these dogs are fairly adaptable to different lifestyles, and emotionally in tune with their owners. Ideally, they should receive one or two hours of exercise a day, be around people often, and have several avenues for mental stimulation, like obedience training, puzzles, or scent work. However, Fox added that goldens can develop significant orthopedic disease if overweight, so keeping them slim is a must. "For these reasons, I would place them in the 'versatile' category to moderately active lifestyle," she said. The AKC says that, as intelligent and affectionate companions, golden retrievers make great pets for families with children. Like any breed, early socialization and puppy training are important for their development. Giving them enough exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent misbehavior. While they can make excellent companions on long runs, hikes, and bike rides, they also thrive in calmer spaces, as long as they get their daily walks. Other Easily Adaptable Dog Breeds Other easily adaptable dogs, according to Dr. Todd East, veterinary affairs director, Royal Canin North America, include Labrador retrievers and poodles. He told Newsweek that you are equally likely to find a Labrador retriever jumping off a dock, as you are curled up at your feet snoring. "These dogs are used in a variety of jobs from hunting to service. Their drive to please is unmatched in the breed world, which makes them one of the most adaptable breeds out there." As for poodles, he explains that besides being fairly versatile, they also have the added benefit of being less allergenic than other breeds. "The poodle is one of my favorite patients from a veterinary point of view, especially the standards, due to their calm demeanor, heightened intelligence and just being easy to examine. They have high trainability, making them an adaptable breed." Mix-breed dogs, also make pretty adaptable breeds, and are able to thrive in a variety of diverse environments. Dogs That Fit in Your Active Lifestyle If you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to look for dog breeds that are more in tune with your needs. Dr. Ashly Smith, veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary, told Newsweek that in this case, breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Vizslas are probably the most well-suited for you. "These breeds were originally developed for work like herding or hunting, so they have high energy levels, sharp intelligence, and a need for regular physical and mental stimulation. Border Collies are a top choice for active owners, with vets recommending the breed for its high energy, Border Collies are a top choice for active owners, with vets recommending the breed for its high energy, Patrick Pleul/Picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images "Without adequate exercise, they can become bored or develop behavioral issues. They thrive in homes where daily runs, hikes, or advanced training are part of the routine," Smith said. East added that breeds like German shepherds, often employed by the military or the police for their impressive stature and intelligence, and German short-haired pointers, which were originally bred for sport, can also make a great addition to an active lifestyle. Dogs That Thrive in a More Relaxed Environment If you are specifically looking for the "couch potato" type of canine companion, bulldogs, both English and French, according to East, will definitely make worthy candidates. "Based on their short legs, stocky stature and a short muzzle with tiny nostrils, these dogs are not physically built for an active lifestyle. These breeds would rather be curled up next to you on the couch than outside chasing squirrels," he said. Despite their size, mastiffs are also a laid-back breed who enjoy spending time chilling at home with their owners. If you are looking for a dog that is on the smaller side, a pug would also make a great choice. "These dogs are perfect for the lap, so long as you can deal with a bit of snoring," East added. Basset hounds and cavalier King Charles spaniels are a great match for a more chilled lifestyle, according to Smith. "These dogs tend to have lower energy requirements and are content with shorter walks and lots of cuddle time," she said. "That said, 'lazy' doesn't mean no exercise. These dogs still benefit from regular activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint problems, especially if they are prone to orthopedic issues." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Which Dog Breed Best Fits Your Lifestyle? Here's What the Experts Say
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The right dog can bring joy and adventure into your life, but each breed is different—and choosing the one that fits into your routine can make all the difference. Some dogs need plenty of space, while others thrive in cozy apartments; some may need constant activities, while others may prefer a calmer environment. But there's one breed that seems to be more versatile than others, the golden retriever. Golden retrievers are loyal and devoted companions, says the American Kennel Club (AKC), and their inclination to please their owners makes them a highly adaptable and trainable breed. Golden retriever Dr. Carly Fox senior veterinarian in the emergency and urgent care service at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center told Newsweek that golden retrievers are "the quintessential dog," and "man's best friend to the end." She explains that these dogs are fairly adaptable to different lifestyles, and emotionally in tune with their owners. Ideally, they should receive one or two hours of exercise a day, be around people often, and have several avenues for mental stimulation, like obedience training, puzzles, or scent work. However, she added that goldens can develop significant orthopedic disease if overweight, so keeping them slim is a must. "For these reasons, I would place them in the 'versatile' category to moderately active lifestyle", she said. The AKC says that as intelligent and affectionate companions golden retrievers make great pets for families with children. Like any breed, early socialization and puppy training are important for their development. Giving them enough exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent misbehavior. While they can make excellent companions on long runs, hikes, and bike rides, they also thrive in calmer spaces, as long as they get their daily walks. A stock image shows a golden retriever on a walk in the woods with its owner. A stock image shows a golden retriever on a walk in the woods with its owner. getty images Other easily adaptable dog breeds Other easily adaptable dogs, according to Dr. Todd East, veterinary affairs director, Royal Canin North America, include Labrador retrievers and poodles. He told Newsweek that you are equally likely to find a Labrador retriever jumping off a dock, as you are curled up at your feed snoring. "These dogs are used in a variety of jobs from hunting to service. Their drive to please is unmatched in the breed world, which makes them one of the most adaptable breeds out there." As for poodles, he explains that besides being fairly versatile, they also have the added benefit of being less allergenic than other breeds. "The poodle is one of my favorite patients from a veterinary point of view, especially the standards, due to their calm demeanor, heightened intelligence and just being easy to examine. They have high trainability, making them an adaptable breed." Mix-breed dogs, also make pretty adaptable breeds, and are able to thrive in a variety of diverse environments. Dogs that fit in your active lifestyle If you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to look for dog breeds that are more in tune with your needs. Dr. Ashly Smith, veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary told Newsweek that in this case, breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Vizslas are probably the most well-suited for you. "These breeds were originally developed for work like herding or hunting, so they have high energy levels, sharp intelligence, and a need for regular physical and mental stimulation. "Without adequate exercise, they can become bored or develop behavioral issues. They thrive in homes where daily runs, hikes, or advanced training are part of the routine," she said. East added that breeds like German shepherds, often employed by the military or the police for their impressive stature and intelligence, and German short-haired pointers, which were originally bred for sport, can also make a great addition to an active lifestyle. Dogs that thrive in a more relaxed environment If you're specifically looking for the "couch potato" type of canine companion, Bulldogs, both English and French, according to East, will definitely make worthy candidates. "Based on their short legs, stocky stature and a short muzzle with tiny nostrils, these dogs are not physically built for an active lifestyle. These breeds would rather be curled up next to you on the couch than outside chasing squirrels", he said. Despite their size, Mastiffs are also a laid-back breed who enjoy spending time chilling at home with their owners. If you are looking for a dog that is on the smaller side, a pug would also make a great choice. "These dogs are perfect for the lap, so long as you can deal with a bit of snoring", East added. Basset Hounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great match for a more chilled lifestyle, according to Smith. "These dogs tend to have lower energy requirements and are content with shorter walks and lots of cuddle time", she said. "That said, 'lazy' doesn't mean no exercise. These dogs still benefit from regular activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint problems, especially if they are prone to orthopedic issues." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Buzz Feed
14-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Your Pet's Favorite Fetch Toy Might Harm Them. Try This Vet-Approved Ball Instead
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted. Dogs and tennis balls seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Even my cat plays with one. Yet according to veterinarians, tennis balls can pose real harm to your pet. 'Excessive chewing on the felt [of tennis balls] can lead to wearing of the tooth enamel and eventually lead to dental disease,' explained Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at New York City's Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Plus, according to Stockton, California's Sierra Veterinary Hospital, 'When your dog is chewing happily on a tennis ball[,] there is no way of knowing what kinds of chemicals they are ingesting.' Since tennis balls are designed for near-throwaway use in sports, 'There are undoubtedly toxic chemicals used from the rubber ball, to the fuzzy coating, to the glue that holds it all together,' the veterinary hospital's site emphasized. If your pet is wedded to their tennis ball, there are safer options you can switch to, Fox said. She recommended the Chuckit ultra ball in particular for its 'excellent bounce' that's 'easy on your dog's teeth.' Pet parents are obsessed with the Chuckit ball, a bestseller with over 106,000 5-star ratings that reviewers praise for its durability against strong jaws and ever-engaging bounce. One person even penned a poem to the Chuckit after calling it ' the most important thing in my dog's life.' 'A day without it? Unthinkable fate! / He'd search and whine, he'd sit and wait,' waxed the reviewer-cum-poet. 'They are the first thing [my dog] gets when he gets up, and he takes one to bed at the end of the day,' wrote another of the Chuckit balls. The Chuckit ultra ball can also be used with the Chuckit launcher, itself a bestseller. The long-handled thrower functions as an extension of your arm to propel balls farther and faster during fetch. It 'has completely changed our playtime routine,' wrote a reviewer named Lainey. 'With a simple flick of my wrist, I sent the ball soaring across the field.' Whether you stay with tennis balls or switch to a safer alternative, just be sure to use the right size ball. 'No larger breed dog should be playing with a ball made for a small- or toy-sized breed. This leads to accidental ingestion and the need for medical intervention,' Fox stressed. Grab a two-pack of medium Chuckit ultra balls at Amazon a Chuckit launcher 1. Amazon and Chewy The Chuckit air fresh ball"is a great alternative for a tennis ball," said Fox. "There are holes to allow easy gripping and air flow." Plus, this choice is "excellent for brachycephalic dogs who can breathe through the ball when carrying it," she added. Reviewers concur, giving the substitute 13,000 5-star ratings. "I used to buy tiny tennis balls, but my dog would rip off the fuzz and end up throwing it up," wrote one reviewer. "These have been a great alternative! They're durable, easy to clean and my dog loves chasing them." Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.99. 2. A toy whose design provides a safer way to enjoy tennis balls Amazon Fox also suggested the Kong Wubba toy. "This toy has reinforced nylon that covers a tennis ball ... [so] your dog gets the satisfaction and feel of the tennis ball with a lower risk of ingestion and no felt," she wrote. "The tails make it fun to throw and chase," added Fox. Numerous reviewers call the Kong Wubba their dogs' favorite toy, especially among enthusiastic chewers. "I have a Blue Heeler with jaws of steel and an obsession with violently annihilating any toy he can get his mouth on," wrote a reviewer named Jess. "This octopus toy has been the most long lasting and seemingly most fun toy that I've found for him yet." 3. A flying disc designed for tugging and tossing with your pet Chewy "Frisbees are excellent fetch toys," said Fox, and "due to the shape [they] have a decreased risk of accidental ingestion. Fox recommended the 9-inch Nerf tug flying disc in particular, which is made with tough, lightweight nylon. "Our dog is nutty for this. Unlike hard plastic discs that bounce off her teeth, this one is easy for her to catch and retrieve," wrote a reviewer named Dave.
