Dog Breed Guide by Lifestyle | Recommendations by Activity Level, Living Environment & Family Structure

The Problem with Choosing Based Solely on "Cuteness"

Living with a dog is a long-term commitment that lasts 10-15 years or more. If you choose a breed based solely on appearance, problems often emerge later such as "I didn't realize they needed this much exercise," "the barking caused problems in my apartment," or "they're aggressive with children."

What matters most in choosing a breed is the "compatibility" between you and the dog. Read through the following sections while considering your own lifestyle.

Choosing by Activity Level & Exercise Needs

For those with limited exercise time or busy lifestyles (low to moderate activity): - French Bulldog: Requires 30-40 minutes of walking daily. Calm and affectionate. However, they're sensitive to heat and require attention to health issues related to their short muzzle structure. - Basset Hound: Easygoing temperament with moderate exercise needs. - Shih Tzu: Spends much of their time indoors and is satisfied with short walks.

For active individuals who enjoy exercise (high activity): - Border Collie: Highly intelligent and requires over 2 hours of active exercise and mental stimulation daily. - Husky: Needs vast space and long-distance running. Special attention required for summer management in Japan's warm climate. - Beagle: Sharp sense of smell and highly curious. Without sufficient exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors.

Choosing by Living Environment

For apartments & condominiums: Barking level, size, and exercise needs are key factors.

• Chihuahua: Extremely small and suited for indoor living. However, some individuals are alert and prone to barking.
• Maltese: Tends to be quiet with minimal barking. Easy to care for.
• Toy Poodle: Intelligent and easy to train. Sheds minimally, keeping your home cleaner.