Although a golden retriever or a standard poodle would make for great pets for single women who are living alone – would they be able to protect you from would be harm?
Having a cute little lap dog may seem like an ideal pet – but would that be the best choice for a female looking for some protection?
If you are looking to adopt a dog for companionship and for protection, there are several types of dog breeds that are best suited for both. But matching the type of dog with your lifestyle will still be a key component in choosing the best type of dog for yourself.
Life for a single woman can be challenging, and things can get lonely and frightening at times. Not having someone around to talk to could make life a bit unbearable every now and then.
And let’s face it – having someone else in the house just feels safer – am I right?
That’s why many single women who live alone have adopted dogs to act as companions and keep them as pets.
The main challenge many single women face is knowing which type of dog to pick, since golden retrievers and poodles are not the only dog breeds that are suitable to a single person living alone.
Read on to find out about the what the best dog breeds would be for you!
Adopting A Dog As A Single Person
Have you decided to adopt a dog? Good for you.
Many single people (especially single women) choose to adopt a dog not only for companionship, but for protection as well.
So, before you walk into that shelter or visit a breeder and choose a dog based solely on emotion – let’s go over what you should be looking for and what’s involved in inviting a dog into your life.
Review the following breeds to get an idea of what type of dog best fits you and your lifestyle.
The Best Dog Breed For A Single Person
As a single person, you want to adopt a dog that can be a great companion but can also help to protect you as well.
After all, that French Bulldog may be a super cute dog but he will more than likely be very happy to see an intruder than to protect you from him!
With so many wonderful loyal dogs looking for homes, it can be difficult to pick the right one. From hundreds of breeds and thousands of mixes, there’s a dog perfect for any lifestyle!
One important note I want to make before we get to the list of dog breeds – is that mixed breeds (aka Mutts) can make wonderful companions and guard dogs too!
And a side note – they are often healthier than a purebred dog.
Here’s an interesting little bit of history about “purebred” dogs:
As someone who has been a had a best friend in purebred dogs and mutts, I can tell you that the best solution is to search for a mutt that has some percentage of any of the dogs that are listed below.
For example: If you decide that a German Shepherd is the type of dog you want – then I can truly tell you that you will find many mixed breeds in the shelter that have some German Shepherd in them.
Okay, so let’s get to the list of the popular breeds that can make wonderful guard dogs – which is a great way for single women who are living alone to be protected.
German Shepherds
German shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and for good reason.
They are very intelligent dogs, they have a good bark which can scare most people away.
They can easily be trained as guard dogs and make an excellent service dog.
They can be a large dog which can be intimidating to anyone thinking of harming you and at the same time they can be very loving and make a great companion.
Weighing a maximum of 90 pounds for a male and 70 pounds for a female, German Shepherds are perfect protection dogs for most anyone but especially for single women.
“If you are looking for a breed of dog that is kind, but also very protective, most people suggest that the German Shepard is the popular dog of choice.” – jubilantpups.com
Boxer
If you own or plan to own other pets like cats, adopting a Boxer is the best option as they easily accommodate another furry friend.
They’re stocky and can weigh a maximum of 60 pounds.
The boxer can be a great dog for a single woman! Reason being that they are known to be very protective and as a result can be really good guard dogs.
In addition, they are often very cheerful, affectionate, and easy to live with, making them a great companion.
“Many organizations and websites list the Boxer as one of the ten most dangerous dog breeds in the United States. Whether or not the Boxer deserves to be on that list, it is a powerful dog that can be dangerous without proper training and socialization.” – oharaattorney.com
English Bulldog
Another dog that looks similar to a boxer is the English Bulldog.
They make wonderful guard dogs for a number of reasons.
They are very loyal dogs, they are quite territorial so they are built to protect and they are very strong.
The English Bulldog can be a great choice for single women.
English bulldogs have been used as guard dogs for years and are still used by many police departments.
They make good guard dogs because they’re not aggressive, but they’ll bark loud enough to alert the owner that someone is there.
“Part of the reason he makes such good guard dogs is because he is incredibly strong. In fact, the English Bulldog is pound-for-pound one of the strongest dog breeds in the world.” – canna-pet.com
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever has built a reputation of being a family-friendly dog that gets along with everyone.
It’s attentive, playful, and very intelligent. They are often larger dogs but can vary in height from 21 inches to 24 inches.
The fact that they’re easy to get along with makes them perfect for anyone who needs a loyal companion.
“These dogs were originally trained to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. So, we know that they’re capable of learning. However, their overall friendly disposition is not going to help you in an emergency.” – dailydogstuff.com
Australian Shepherd
It’s a very well known fact that Australian Shepherds are wonderful watchdogs – they are very protective of their owners thus making them an excellent dog for single women.
Any mutt that has some Australian Shepherd in them would make for a truly wonderful pet and guard dog.
Their nature is to be dedicated to YOU – now who doesn’t want that kind of loyalty?
“These dogs come from a long lineage of working and herding dogs. In other words, they have been bred to work with people and to work around livestock animals. Aggression would not serve the breed well in these roles.” – anythinggermanshepherd.com
The Siberian Husky
From their appearance, this breed can be intimidating, partly because they resemble wolves.
However, they’re great friends, with a caring and attentive side.
They get along easily with people and are great with kids.
Like any dog on this list, they require proper training and regular exercise to keep them obedient and stress-free.
“Traits that will make an effective guard dog is being somewhat suspicious of strangers. Huskies do not typically demonstrate this kind of behavior upon seeing someone they are not familiar with.” – myhappyhusky.com
Great Danes
These are often described as “a gentle giant”! They are most definitely a large dog and they are very good companions.
They get along with both humans and other animals.
A typical Great Dane can weight anywhere from 100 to 120 pounds and they stand anywhere from 30 to 32 inches tall.
So, if you love big dogs and would feel more protected by a larger dog – the Great Dane or a mix with some of this breed in them would be the best option for you.
“A Great Dane’s characteristics are what make the breed an excellent option for a family guard dog. Even the gentlest Great Dane can scare off people who may try to invade your home or harm you or your family.” – greatdanecare.com
Border Collie
In case you didn’t know – Border Collies have been bred to be herding dogs (usually known as sheepdogs).
They can be extremely protective and although they are not great guard dogs (meaning they do not have a natural tendency to attack) they make excellent watchdogs.
Border Collies are medium sized dogs that are perfect for most any environment but they are very energetic dogs and do need a lot of exercise, long walks and space to run.
“An ideal watchdog barks loudly, and he is adept at distinguishing unusual scenarios from normal occurrences. Then again, a watchdog only makes an alarm. That’s about all. But as with any dog that is cornered, he might attempt to bite as a last resort.” – furryherders.com
What Is The Application Process Of Adopting A Dog?
After you have identified the best dog for you and your lifestyle, it’s time to start the adoption process and become part of the 900 million dog owners throughout the world.
You’ll be required to have a valid ID card with proof of address. The necessary steps involved in adopting a dog from the animal shelter or rescue home are as follows:
Filling Out the Adoption Questionnaire
In this step, you will be taken through the basic questions such as:
- The number of people living with you and their age
- Your lifestyle and availability since some animals require special attention and care
- How you’re prepared to take care of the animal, such as providing adequate housing, diet, veterinary care, training, and socialization
An Interview with a Rescue or a Shelter Representative
This step is crucial as you get more details regarding the animal you’re about to adopt. You will learn:
- How to provide care and basic training to the animal
- Their behavior and how they will impact your life
- Their specialized needs such as medication and diet
The representative will also use this opportunity to learn more about you and determine if the animal is the right fit for you.
If you have any other pets, it’s time to present them.
Attend the Meet and Greet
In this step, you meet the dog and learn more about it in person.
Such interactions are crucial as you get to see the dog’s behavior in person and whether it will warm up to you.
If you reside far from the shelter, virtual meet and greets are often preferred. They have also been a great way to adopt a pet during the pandemic.
Finalize the Adoption
After the representative is convinced you have fulfilled all the requirements, the adoption process is finalized.
You will sign documents that will show you’re the new owner, and every responsibility will fall on you.
What Is The Budget Of Adopting A Dog?
The initial adoption fee charged by the shelter can range from $50 to $250. The cost depends on dog type, as shelters tend to charge more for puppies, purebreds, and small breeds.
The entire adoption budget differs with the needs of the dog, and it’s broken down as follows:
| One-time Expenses | Estimated Budget |
| Initial adoption fee | $250 |
| License | $20 |
| Microchip | $50 |
| Training | $300 |
| Startup supplies (bowls, cage, toys) | $300 |
| Total one-time expenses | $920 |
After the initial adoption costs, you still need to factor in recurring expenses of taking care of your dog, which include:
| Dog’s Recurring Needs | Estimated Budget Per Year |
| Dog food | $500 |
| Treats | $300 |
| Vet care (Including vaccines and emergencies) | $500 |
| Leash and collar | $100 |
| Total recurring budget | $1400 |
From the information above, you’ll need a total of $2320 for the first year and $1400 recurring the next year.
Living Alone With A Dog
A busy schedule can keep you away from home for long hours. This means your dog will be spending much of this time alone.
It could pose the following challenges to both of you:
- Feeding schedule: It’s easy to leave food in a bowl for your dog to help itself whenever they need it. But, what happens if they knock over their bowl accidentally?
- Need for daily walks: Dogs need to get out and relieve themselves more often than most people let them. (the rule is 3 to 5 times a day minimum). But they also need to get exercise not only for physical health, but mental health as well. So long daily walks or a trip to a local dog park are absolutely necessary.
- Loneliness: Being home alone could affect their moods since they have no one to engage with the entire time. This is often true with the Basset Hound breed of dogs – they can be destructive if left alone for too long.
- Lack of bonding: Spending as much time with your dog could help to strengthen the bond.
- Constant interruption: Dogs are energetic and spontaneous, which means they could interrupt your working sessions any time without warning.
- Need for space: If you live in a small apartment – adopting a Great Dane would probably not be the best fit for you or for that dog. Take into consideration the space of your home and your outdoor space as well.
However, if your schedule leaves more time on your hands, or you work from home, you could face the following concerns:
- Constant interruption: Dogs are energetic and spontaneous, which means they could interrupt your working sessions any time without warning.
- Lack of enough space in your home: If you live in a tiny apartment, you should be prepared to deal with your dog getting in your way more often.
What Are The Most Well Behaved Dogs?
A dog’s behavior will determine how well the two of you will get along. The most well behaved dogs are:
- Golden retriever: Perfect with kids, have optimal energy and makes a great companion.
- Irish Setter: Plays well with children, fun to have around, and very energetic.
- Border Collies: Easily trainable, gentle, good with kids, and predictable.
- Standard poodle: They don’t get irritated, they’re smart, and they love to play with kids.
- Labrador retriever: They’re playful, patient, get along with kids, and are protective.
- Bernese mountain dog: They can live with a cat, are easily trainable, and don’t bother their owners.
What Is The Best Low Maintenance Dog?
It’s hard juggling between your daily schedules and paying constant attention to your dog.
This way, it’s always better to get a low maintenance dog that doesn’t seek much of your time.
The best dogs for those of us who are always on the go include:
- Greyhound: Don’t let their size and speed fool you. Greyhounds are such a couch potato that you won’t notice they’re around. They often keep to themselves and will always be out of your way.
- Mastiff: Their low energies and lower endurance make these dogs very low maintenance. They spend much of their time on the couch while still showing affection to their companions.
- Chihuahua: These little guys are easy to get along with as they require five-minute grooming at least once a week. They need a 30-minute walk for exercise around the neighborhood at least once a week.
- Brussels Griffon: With moderate grooming needs such as brushing their fur and half an hour of training, the Brussels Griffon is very easy to maintain. It’s also well-mannered.
Best Dog For A Single Older Lady
If you are a single older lady, you probably want a dog that you can keep up with, is easy to maintain, offers protection, and makes a perfect companion.
To that end, we have compiled a list of dogs that would fit your needs and have categorized them into small-sized dogs, medium, and large-sized dogs:
| Small-Sized Dogs For Single Older Ladies | Perks and Benefits |
| Scottish Terrier | Low-shedding breed and manageable |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Beautiful, playful, and loves attention |
| Corgi | Splendid color, well-mannered, and active |
| Poodles | Easy to train, great companion, manageable |
While small breeds could be fun to have around, having a medium or large-sized dog could offer more security other than companionship.
| Medium And Large-Sized Dogs For Older Ladies | Perks and Benefits |
| Dobermans | Loyal to owners, protective and ensures security, beautiful due to their fur and size, and imposing to strangers |
| Saluki | Elegant for classy people, beautiful fur and colors to turn heads, protective, and loving |
| Great Dane | Imposing due to their large posture, loving and goofy, intimidating due to their physic and appearance, and protective to their owners. |
| Australian Shepherd | Very intelligent, beautiful colors and fur, protective and can alert you of danger, and sensitive to your emotions. |
Conclusion
It can get lonely living a single life. Having a dog around could help ease up this burden.
Choosing a dog that will fit your schedule can improve your moods and make your life as a pet owner easy.
Before adopting a dog, however, it would be best to consider the dog’s needs, the budget of having one, and their general health.
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