If you’re curious about the best dog breeds for nurses- especially those who live alone- stick around!
Below, we’re diving into what single medical professionals need to know before adopting a dog
Then, we’ll go over some amazing breeds that are just perfect for nurses.
Let’s get started!
Top 10 Dog Breeds For Nurses Who Live Alone
Before we dive into the best dog breeds for nurses living alone, we should talk a bit about the pros, cons, and factors to consider.
The Prerequisites!
Assuming you are a nurse living alone, going for a dog is a good thought.
However, there are a few things you must ask yourself before bringing a pet home. They are,
- Can you afford a pet?
- Pet food and other necessities can be expansive. Also, you may need to add regular vet visits expenses too.
- Do you have time to play, groom, and train?
- Pets have needs, and they can be rebellious if not paid enough attention.
- Do you have time to help him socialize with other dogs?
- They can be uncomfortable, aggressive, or timid around other dogs that are not used to them.
- Do you know the temperament of your dog?
- Every dog has a different nature. You need to understand your dog first.
Pros and Cons!
There are several pros and cons of having a dog at home, again assuming you are a nurse living alone. They are:
- Pros
- Dogs give you warmth and love.
- Will help you get outdoors other than your workplace.
- Improves your mood.
- Keeps your company and washes away your loneliness.
- Cons
- Dogs may get lonely if left alone for long.
- Different breeds have different needs.
- Dogs have distinct personalities.
- Some may bark more.
- Some are attention seekers.
- Some are sneaky.
Keeping both of these in mind, we bring the following listing breeds list suitable for a nurse’s busy lifestyle.
Top 10 Dog Breeds For Nurses
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are famed as the world’s smallest dogs.
These little, quirky, and adorable animals are very loving and affectionate towards their owners.
They bond quickly and will surely cheer you up after a hard day at work.
2. Basset Hound
Originally bred to be hunting dogs, Basset Hounds bring you additional safety.
Despite that, they are very gentle and attentive to their owners.
They also don’t require much exercise. Just a casual stroll around the neighborhood should suffice.
3. French Bulldog
These tiny, snuggly, and alert creatures, French Bulldogs are the best companion to ward off loneliness.
Coming home after a tough day at work, and you will find this man waiting to shower you with love.
Another upside is that they are well behaved and don’t need much exercise.
4. Maltese
Maltese are mainly fluffy, white, and small, resembling a snowball or a plushy.
Despite their looks, they are gentle, alert, and love their masters.
They don’t need much exercise but can be active at times.
5. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are laidback and quiet by nature.
They are gentle and usually don’t bark much.
Unlike many breeds, they are friendly around strangers, too (until they find them malicious or you are uncomfortable around them).
Boston Terriers are also adaptive to your schedule and lifestyle.
So, you don’t have to worry much about them being able to keep up with you.
6. Greyhound
Even though Greyhounds are dogs, their personality traits are that of a cat.
They like running around, are very curious, and like sleeping in odd places.
They enjoy walking as well as lazing around. They can be notorious, but can also be chill.
And they will surely add spice in your boring lifestyle (that is if you are ready to keep up with them).
7. Shar-Pei
Shar Pies are of Chinese origin. They have short legs and ears, along with a chubby face.
Their body is covered with wrinkles, that can be fun to cuddle.
These cute-pies are calm and tolerant by their nature.
They are fine being left alone for long hours until you shower them with love once you get back home.
8. Whippet
Whippets are an alert, intelligent and sensitive breed of dogs.
They can sense the kind of mood you are in and act accordingly to help you out.
They are also known as the breed of therapy dogs due to their smartness and ability to calm the owner down.
They only need about 20 minutes of walk and are relatively easy to train and adapt.
9. English Bulldog:
Last- but definitely not least- on our list of the best dog breeds for nurses, English Bulldogs are small, docile, friendly, and very social.
They listen to their owners and can be trained easily. They adapt well to the city apartment life or living indoors in general.
They don’t bark much and spend most of their day being passive. They can be left alone without any worries, but not for too long.
They love physical affection and may crave it if left alone for long hours.
10. Dachshund
Dachshunds don’t like being outdoors a lot. They have an adorable face with big ears and wide eyes.
However, their distinctive feature is their long body. They are playful and intelligent and love to stay by your side.
They are easy to train thanks to their smartness and adaptability and can be fine home alone once used to it.
Three Dogs That Are Great for Nurses…But With Caveats
Didn’t you like the above list?
Or perhaps your favorite furry friend is not among them?
That is fine since we have a few more that may be considered suitable for a busy nurse like yourself.
But they do have a few downsides.
1. Pugs
Pugs are small and tiny in size. They were initially bred to be lap dogs. And now they are happy, family dogs.
They can live comfortably in apartments and small homes. They require minimal exercise. They are playful, clumsy, and just fun to be around.
They are also surprisingly even-tempered. The main downsides of a pug are that,
- They are hard to train.
- They shed a lot of fur, hence frequent vacuuming around the house.
2. Basenji
The Basenji has African origins. They are easy to groom, and typically, they don’t bark at all.
They are intelligent and independent thinkers. Due to their smartness, they are fine on their own for most of the time.
Hence, they do not trouble neighbors, behave as required, and act according to the situation.
The main downside of a Basenji is that,
- Their smartness can make them naughty.
- They require proper training.
- They are not at all recommended to someone inexperienced with dogs.
3. Mastiff
Mastiffs are huge dogs. They are so huge, yet cute and cuddly that they can rival a giant teddy bear.
Despite being that big, they don’t need much exercise and harbor a passive personality as they grow up.
They are loving and caring towards their owners and are lovable themselves. They are completely fine being indoors for longer periods.
The main downsides of a mastiff are that,
- They are pretty huge (and we mean it)
- They can have joint problems with age.
- They do not have a long life span
Other Suitable Pets
If, after all of that, you decide that a dog may not be the best choice, well, that is alright too.
Many pets are craving your love and affecting, and waiting to fill you up with the same.
Here is a quick peek into them.
Rabbits
If you don’t like animals that make a lot of noise, these long-eared, furry friends can be the right Rabbits make (almost) no noise.
They are most suitable for light sleepers or people who don’t want to be disturbed when they are resting.
They can be left alone provided ample food, water, toys, a clean cage, etc. But they do need affection, playtime, and exercise once you get back home.
Cats
Cats don’t need much exercise as compared to dogs. Why?
They are pretty active themselves regardless they are indoors or outdoors.
They are generally accepted alone for long hours (until they have something to keep themselves busy with).
It is important to know that how long can cats go without eating so that you can leave an adequate amount of food and ample water for your feline friend.
Cats may not enjoy physical affection a lot, but they are as affectionate as dogs.
Birds
Birds have various ways to keep themselves busy. Some sing, and some observe.
They can be left alone provided you give them:
-
-
- Food
- Water
- A clean cage
- Toys
- A swing
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Mouse
A mouse can be timid and rebellious, but they tend to bond quickly and have a tame temperament.
They are incredibly entertaining and amusing.
They can be left alone in a cage for long, provided adequate food and water.
Fish
Fish are pretty easy to take care of. They have minimum food requirements, and only occasional cleaning of the food tank is necessary.
They may keep you company, but you will have to miss out on blissful fur patting.
In Conclusion
Dogs may be comfortable indoors.
But they do need walking and other necessary exercises.
It is also important to see that you are not being ignorant of your dog’s needs and behaving correctly.
A pet and an owner are a mutual relationship built on affection, care, and trust.
Be mindful of your dog’s personality and mood as much and nurse him or her. And lastly, have lots of fun together.
About the author: Linda Butts
Hey, I’m Linda Butts, the girl behind Pawsome Talk. With my pawsometalk.com, I hope to share the ideas and techniques from my personal experiences of what I have done with my pet research and what I love about pets and their lives. I expect to help you feel at ease if you start to make a friendship with your pet while you enjoy your journey. Please don’t be shy to ask me when you need to help or out of the idea. Let’s ask and share what you’ve got.
