11 Dog Breeds That Introverts Will Love

The labrador has a lot of introvert-friendly traits: It's very sociable and loves people, so having it around will make social interactions easier — particularly if you train it to do tricks that impress, which it will love. Many are gentle and calming, loves time with their owners, and intensely cuddly, so quiet time at home will make your labrador very pleased.

As an introvert who grew up with Akitas, I have to speak for their suitability. They're strong-willed, independent dogs who bond very heavily with their owners; your Akita is your family and loves alone time with you. They need good training, so spending time socializing them with other dogs and at obedience classes is a must, giving you a low-intensity social dose. And they're proudly beautiful, attracting attention purely because of their looks. They're a challenge, but a delightful one.

Contrary to expectation, bigger dogs often require a bit less outdoor time than smaller ones. Greyhounds are part of the trend; they generally only need one big run a day, and will spend the rest of the time snoring somewhere in the vicinity of your couch. They love agility classes and training, so can get you some time with others if you need it, but are very good at-home dogs who just want a snuggle.

Pugs are often energetic bundles who follow you everywhere and want to see what's up. While chilled-out pugs do exist, many of the breed are full of beans and silliness, and love spending time at home with their owners rather than trotting out into the world. They're good-natured and often pretty easy to train, and when there's a pug in the room, you can guarantee the social focus will be on its big grinning face.

German shepherds are impeccable working dogs and need a lot of stimulation, so they're a plus for introverts who'd like more social time in a group setting: they need training, runs outside, and activities that challenge them. Fortunately, they balance this out with the tendency to be big bundles of mush who want to lie on your feet and snore.

If spending long periods of every day walking your dog alone sounds like heaven, a retriever or hound breed is going to suit you. The flat-coated retriever is one of the smartest of the options, and loves a good long ramble; a few 45 minute walks a day are necessary to keep them healthy. They also love attention and will instantly grab focus in a group of people.

These hilarious dogs adapt well to apartments and small spaces, and aren't that bothered about too much exercise; they generally only need a small walk each day. Boston Terriers are compact dogs with inquisitive and interesting personalities, so you'll get all the entertainment you need without needing to find another human — or go near a television.

Samoyeds are sociable dogs who need to be with people, so if you want a constant companion who gives excellent fluffy cuddles, they're the dogs for you. They, like Akitas, have the beauty to get them lots of attention in public spaces and at parties, and will cope with it well if well-socialized; Samoyeds are great for quiet party-goers who want their delightful animal to grab the spotlight.

Chilled-out companions with trademark long ears, basset hounds are often as placid and gentle as they make them. They're not a dog who'll tire you out, but love your company and will happily doze all day in your presence. They need some dedicated training, and if you want to bond with other basset hound owners, there are frequently meet-ups and organized scent trails for these hunting dogs to get out into the world.

These Dutch dogs were bred as guard dogs and companions, and are acutely attuned to human companionship; they want to be around you at all times, even in the bathroom, and show huge enthusiasm for training and games. To be happy, Keeshonds need to be socialized a lot, so these are dogs that will get you out of the house to the dog park and around other humans.

I am a huge advocate for shelter dogs, mutts and mixed breeds, because they can offer things that purebreeds often can't — while also often being a bit healthier. Adopting animals with the best kind of characteristics for your introverted life, whether they're homebodies or high-energy bundles of love, can be a great option.