Choose a Dog Breed

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How to Choose a Dog Breed?

Undecided on which dogs for first-time owners?
Looking for low maintenance dogs, local dogs, or rare dogs?
This list will hopefully help you answer some of these questions.
 

This table can help you to filter your desired dog breed based on traits such as friendliness towards humans or other dogs, energy level, maintenance etc.
 

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Here’s the Most Popular Dog Breeds in Singapore

 

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
 
The Golden Retriever or GR for short is one of the most popular dog breeds in Singapore.
 
Its cheerful, loyal and forgiving nature makes it popular with many dog owners.
 
They are friendly and easy-going with family members, strangers, children, babies, smaller pets, and other dogs.
 
With their tail-wagging nature, GRs are sweet, gentle, and enthusiastic.
 
They are always eager to please and are also responsive to your training.
 
A golden retriever will make a perfect dog if you are looking for a large, athletic, and smart-looking dog with a feathered coat.
 
However, with the tendency for GRs to bite and mouth your hands, it would be wise to prepare a box filled with toys for them to carry around in their mouth.
 
GRs need exercise so you would need to cater time for their workouts.
 
You should also be mentally prepared that GRs shed a lot and you would also need to brush and groom them regularly to reduce mats and tangles.
 
Therefore, golden retrievers are certainly not low maintenance dogs.
 
They have a dog odor that not all potential owners might withstand.
 
Finally, there are genuine concerns about the health problems that they can potentially contract, such as hip dysplasia and skin conditions.
 
Other than that golden retrievers can be a great choice for first time owners.
 

Pomeranian

Pomeranian
 
With their small frame size, foxy-like features, curled tail, and thick coat, Pomeranians are super cute.
 
They are also super curious and are notoriously busybodies.
 
Always keenly aware of their surroundings, Pomeranians like to check out every nook and cranny.
 
They are also highly animated and like to make known to you about their observations.
 
Since Pomeranians are acute with their senses, they can serve as great alarm dogs.
 
However, socializing with other dogs or humans and training at a young age is important so that they don’t turn out to be overly sensitive.
 
They tend to yap a lot, especially towards strangers.
 
Although most Pomeranians are okay with other dogs, some particularly bossy ones can chase other strange dogs, regardless of the differences in size.
 
The Pomeranian, being very intelligent, will look directly at your eyes and pay attention to you.
 
However, they will not obey anyone they deem beneath them.
 
So do not lose control of your dog by allowing them to make their own rules and be possessive over their food and toys.
 
With their thick coats, Pomeranians are certainly not low maintenance dogs.
 
They tend to shed a lot and require long durations of brushing and combing to prevent entanglement.
 
Since Pomeranians belong to toy breeds, they are also more fragile than other dogs.
 
If you are not a confident owner or have children who might perform rough handling, Pomeranians may not be a good choice for first-time owners.
 

Shiba Inu


 
Shiba Inus are energetic and hyper-active.
 
Like Pomeranians, they look smart with their wolf-like features, such as prick ears, foxy face, thick coat, and curled tail.
 
However, they are strong-willed, extremely stubborn, and challenging to train.
 
They must always be leashed since they are aggressive and have a high prey drive.
 
With their quick reflexes, they can outrun any human and will chase after anything that moves.
 
Their intelligence and agility mean that if he ever finds a chance to escape, he will be gone before you realize it.
 
Being a dominating species, they are highly possessive of their toys and food.
 
To intimidate humans, they tend to emit screams to show their displeasure.
 
Shiba Inus are mischievous.
 
When left alone or bored, they can destroy your furniture.
 
They also tend to shed a lot.
 
Therefore, Shiba Inus need owners who know what they are doing, are consistent and firm.
 
Certainly not for first-time owners.
 

Corgi

Corgi
Corgis are the sausage dogs on short legs.
 
They are heavily boned and stronger than most people would think.
 
Since they used to be herding dogs, you would have to play moderately with them and provide outlets for them to express their desire to work.
 
Corgis are steady, reliable, and are polite with guests.
 
However, they might bark too much.
 
Since they used to be farm dogs with the responsibility of chasing off other strays away from their farms, they can exhibit territorial traits with other stray dogs or cats.
 
Corgis learn quickly but are independent.
 
You would need to have the confidence to establish and enforce consistent rules.
 
If you do not have time to provide mental stimulation for them, Corgis can be destructive when bored or left alone too much.
 
They shed a lot and bark a lot as well.
 

Samoyed

Samoyed
Samoyeds are gentle and friendly dogs.
 
They are normally enthusiastic and jumpy in receiving guests, though some will bark to announce the arrival of the guests.
 
They are intelligent, responsive, and usually good-natured with everyone.
 
Samoyeds are “spritz-like”, with their prick ears, foxy face, thick coat, and curled tail.
 
However, you need to play with them to drain their energy, else they can be destructive if left alone too much.
 
Samoyeds tend to bark a lot and some have unpleasant high-pitched and extremely piercing voices.
 
They also shed excessively and are not low maintenance dogs.
 
Samoyeds can be a more rare dog breed in Singapore and may have to be imported.
 

Poodle

Poodle
 
Poodles are very common in Singapore.
 
They are athletic, agile, and run with grace.
 
Since they shed very little, they are the most hypoallergenic among all coated breeds, making them the safest choice for people with allergies.
 
They are very intelligent, highly trainable, and respond very well to their owners
 
However, being very smart, Poodles would need mental stimulation to be happy.
 
They pick up your patterns quickly and can anticipate your next move, which can be disconcerting to some owners.
 
Poodles expect their routines to always be the same, and they can get flustered if you make changes here and there.
 
Most Poodles are good watchdogs.
 
They bark at the strangers and are mostly non-aggressive.
 
They can mingle well with other dogs and cats.
 
With their soft nature, they tend to be highly emotionally sensitive and will bark at loud sounds that startle them.
 
Not ideal if you have rowdy neighbors.
 
Similarly, since Poodles are peace-loving dogs, they can get emotionally upset if there is too much conflict in the household.
 
Poodles should look “square”, with their legs long enough such that their height is about the same as their length.
 
Those who inherited a form of physical deformity called chondrodysplasia are more susceptible to disk disease.
and don’t have the same elegance or agility as square Toy Poodles.
 
Do watch out for it.
 
Poodles need regular exercise and a lot of daily companionships.
 
They suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much.
 
It can’t simply be ignored and would not be an ideal breed if nobody is at home for long periods.
 

Maltipoo

MaltipooMaltipoos are a designer crossbreed between Maltese and Toy or Minature Poodle.
 
They are affectionate, gentle, super companions, and excellent therapy dogs.
 
Since both Poodles and Maltese do not shed, Maltipoos can be a good choice for someone looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
 
Maltipoos are active, feisty, and fun-loving.
 
They enjoy playing games such as fetch and like racing around the house.
 
They are also smart, easy to train and they learn quickly.
 
Maltipoos are therefore perfect for first-tier, timid owners and do well in homes with elderly people.
 
However, it should be noted that small Maltipoos could easily be injured.
 
Maltipoos generally also get along with other dogs and pets.
 
To keep them tangle-free, Maltipoos need daily brushing.
 
It is important to note that Maltipoos can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods.
 
Furthermore, they can also bark frequently and will need to be taught what is important to be bark at and what’s not.
 

Schnauzer

Schnauzer
 
Schnauzers are intelligent, affectionate, and has an extroverted temperament.
 
With their long beards and bushy eyebrows, Schnauzers look humourous.
 
They learn quickly and can be trained for obedience and agility competitions.
 
As a terrier, Schnauzers are energetic but may not have a sense of how small when interacting with larger dogs.
 
They also tend to dig a lot.
 
With a Schnauzer in the house, you will never be alone, not even when you go to the toilet.
 
They are good with kids and other dogs, but not to be trusted around small pets.
 
Schnauzers do not shed a lot but need to be groomed frequently.
 
Protective of the people they love and are often suspicious of strangers, Schanuzers bark at the slightest noise.
 
However, they can be stubborn and pretend not to hear you.
 
To maintain order in your household, you must be in charge.
 
If you let them get by with something even one time, they will remember it forever and you will find the behavior escalating.
 

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier
 
West Highland White Terrier, also known as a Westie, are purebreed originally from Scotland.
 
They are full of sell-esteem and are always on the lookout for a good time.
 
Westies have a double coat consisting of a short undercoat and a white topcoat (hence “white terrier”).
 
They do not shed a lot and are quite easy to groom.
 
However, they will require brushing and trimming on a regular basis, especially around the eyes, ears and feet.
 
They are good with older children but adults should supervise when Westies are around younger ones.
 
Westies are also good with other dogs but not with smaller animals, such as hamsters, rabbits and birds.
 
Strong prey instinct and will chase after these smaller sized pets that run away from him.
 

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
 
A Jack Russell terrier is a small breed of dog that is known for its energy and intelligence.
 
They are often described as lively and playful, and are known to get along well with children and other pets.
 
Jack Russells are believed to have originated in England, where they were bred as working dogs for hunting small animals.
 
Jack Russells are known for their distinctive appearance, with a short, wiry coat that can be various colors, including white, black, and tan.
 
They have a compact, muscular body and a short, flat face with large, dark eyes. They have a short, stumpy tail that is often held upright, and their ears are either naturally erect or cropped to stand up straight.
 
Jack Russells are generally good-natured and easy to train, making them a popular choice as a pet.
 
They are known to be energetic and playful, and enjoy participating in a variety of activities, including agility, obedience, and tracking.
 
They are also known to be intelligent and curious, and enjoy solving puzzles and learning new tricks.
 

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
A shih tzu is a small breed of dog that is known for its long, silky hair and friendly personality.
 
They are often described as lively and affectionate, and are known to get along well with children and other pets.
 
Shih tzus are believed to have originated in Tibet, where they were bred as companion dogs for the Chinese nobility.
 
Shih tzus are known for their distinctive appearance, with a long, silky coat that can be various colors, including black, white, gold, and red.
 
They have a small, compact body and a short, flattened face with large, dark eyes.
 
They have a long, flowing mane of hair around their neck and chest, and their tail is often curled over their back.
 
Shih tzus are generally good-natured and easy to train, making them a popular choice as a pet.
 
They are adaptable to a variety of living situations and do well in both apartments and houses.
 
They are known to be affectionate and playful, and enjoy spending time with their families.
 
Shih tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
 
Some common health issues that may affect shih tzus include eye problems, respiratory issues, and dental problems.
 
It is important to keep your shih tzu on a regular health care routine, including regular visits to the veterinarian, to help prevent or manage any potential health problems.
 
They are adaptable and easy to train, making them a popular choice as a pet.
 
Although they may be prone to certain health conditions, with proper care and attention, a shih tzu can be a loving and loyal companion for many years.
 

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
 
A Labrador retriever is a large breed of dog that is known for its friendly and intelligent personality.
 
They are often described as loyal and affectionate, and are known to get along well with children and other pets.
 
Labradors are believed to have originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were bred as working dogs for hunting and retrieving game.
 
Labradors are known for their distinctive appearance, with a thick, water-resistant double coat that can be various shades of yellow, chocolate, or black.
 
They have a sturdy, muscular body and a strong, powerful tail that is often used for swimming and retrieving.
 
Labradors have a friendly, expressive face with a wide, black nose and large, dark eyes.
 
Labradors are generally good-natured and easy to train, making them a popular choice as a pet.
 
They are known to be intelligent and obedient, and excel in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and hunting.
 
They are also known to be adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from small apartments to large homes with plenty of space to run and play.
 
Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
 
Some common health issues that may affect Labradors include hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity.
 
It is important to keep your Labrador on a regular health care routine, including regular visits to the veterinarian, to help prevent or manage any potential health problems.
 
They are easy to train and adaptable to a variety of living situations, making them a popular choice as a pet.
 
With proper care and attention, a Labrador can be a loving and loyal companion for many years.
 

Banned Dog Breeds in Singapore

The following list of dog breeds are banned in Singapore:

Pit Bull, including:
American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier).
American Staffordshire Terrier.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
American Bulldog.
Crosses of these and other breeds.
Akita.
Boerboel.
Dogo Argentino.
Fila Brasileiro.
Neapolitan Mastiff.
Tosa.
Perro De Presa Canario.
Crosses of any of the above breeds.


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