How Do I Choose the Right Dog for My Lifestyle?

Matching your home, habits and heart with the perfect canine companion

Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. It’s not just about which breed looks cute or is popular on social media — it’s about finding a companion whose needs, personality and energy levels fit naturally into your day-to-day life.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through key factors to consider, the best breeds for different types of households, and how feeding a dog-friendly diet like Poppy’s Picnic helps support dogs with different routines and needs.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Dog

• Activity level – Are you outdoorsy or more of a homebody?

• Living space – Do you live in a flat, a terraced house or a home with a garden?

• Working hours – Can someone be home during the day or do you work long hours?

• Children or other pets – Will your dog be around kids or other animals?

• Allergies – Does anyone in the home need a hypoallergenic breed?

• Experience – Are you a first-time owner or a seasoned dog person?

Expert quote

“There’s no perfect dog for everyone — but there is a perfect dog for you. Be honest about your lifestyle and choose a breed or mix that matches your pace, not just your preferences.”

– Jo Hammond, Certified Dog Trainer

Best Dogs for Different Lifestyles

Active owners and runners

• Border Collie, Vizsla, Labrador

• Needs: High-energy activities, mental stimulation

• Tip: Fuel with a protein-rich diet like Power Balls Complete – Beef for active dogs

City living and flats

• French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu

• Needs: Low exercise needs, relaxed temperament

• Tip: Portion-controlled meals like Mighty Mince – Chicken suit smaller breeds

Families with young children

• Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, Beagle

• Needs: Friendly, patient, playful

• Tip: Keep meals easy and mess-free with Variety Boxes

Busy professionals

• Greyhound, Whippet, Boston Terrier

• Needs: Calm indoors, manageable exercise

• Tip: Use frozen raw food like Power Balls to make feeding quick and nutritious

First-time dog owners

• Cavapoo, Labradoodle, Miniature Schnauzer

• Needs: Easy to train, social, low-maintenance

• Tip: Stick to complete raw meals for balanced nutrition without the guesswork

Dogs for allergy sufferers

• Poodle, Bichon Frisé, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

• Needs: Regular grooming, hypoallergenic coats

• Tip: A natural raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic can reduce digestive issues and improve coat health

Mixed-breed dogs (Mongrels/Rescues)

• Each one is unique! Rescue organisations often help match you with a suitable dog

• Tip: Focus on temperament and lifestyle fit, not breed

Food for All Lifestyles

Dogs with different energy levels and temperaments have varying nutritional needs. With Poppy’s Picnic, it’s easy to find food that matches your dog’s lifestyle, whether they’re a weekend adventurer or a Netflix snuggler.

Try:

• Mighty Mince Complete – Turkey for lean, easy-to-digest meals

• Essential Mince – Chicken to build your own meals

• RAW Power Balls – Variety Box for a fuss-free feeding routine

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dog means setting both of you up for success. Take the time to research, ask questions, and reflect on your everyday routine. The better the match, the more rewarding the companionship.

Explore Poppy’s Picnic for real food to fuel dogs of all shapes, sizes and lifestyles — from playful pups to peaceful seniors.