Choosing a dog later in life is less about picking a favourite face and more about matching temperament, size and grooming load to the way you actually live. The fifteen breeds below range from a seven pound lap warmer to a hundred pound guardian, and each one earns its place through loyalty, steadiness or sheer good humour. Read the exercise notes carefully, because the wrong match makes both of you miserable.
The Maltese Asks For Little Beyond Your Company
Under seven pounds and rarely taller than ten inches at the shoulder, the Maltese has been a lap dog for roughly two thousand years, and it shows. This is a dog that would rather follow you from the kitchen to the armchair than tear around a field, so a couple of short walks and a bit of indoor play keep one perfectly content.
The trade off is that famous white coat. It sheds very little, which suits anyone tired of vacuuming, but it mats quickly without a comb through it most days. Many owners simply keep theirs in a short clip and book a groomer every eight weeks or so. Maltese also dislike long stretches alone, so they suit a household where somebody is usually home.