A vet nurse has revealed the perfect breed of dog for your lifestyle, whether you are single, a young couple, or a tenant or homeowner.
Senior Nurse and Practice Manager Tess Nolan spends her days caring for dogs and cats on the Gold Coast, doing everything from pet CPR to x-rays and blood tests.
Tess also helps with operations, animal husbandry and bandaging, saying “the list is endless” when it comes to tasks associated with her “very rewarding job”.
The 26 year old shared exactly what breed of dog would suit your home and life and why each personality is right for a dog type.
SINGLE – BOSTON TERRIER OR COCKER SPANIEL
If you are single or live alone, the veterinarian recommends investing in either a Boston Terrier or a Cocker Spaniel first.
“Both of these breeds are very active and full of personality,” Tess told FEMAIL.
‘They’re super affectionate too and will make you laugh.’
YOUNG COUPLE – GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Golden retrievers are a popular choice with dog owners around the world, and Tess said they are ideal for a young couple’s lifestyle.
“Golden retrievers are such great pets,” she said.
“They are loving, loyal and always by your side, have just enough need for activity, but like to laze around the house.”
YOUNG FAMILY – LABRADOODLE, SPOODLE OR CAVOODLE
Once you add a newborn or toddler into the mix, the vet said you’d better go for either a Labradoodle, Spoodle, or Cavoodle:
“All of these hypoallergenic breeds require brushing and grooming, but no hair loss, which is a huge plus!” Tess said.
“They are also smart, gentle, patient, and love children.”
WORKAHOLIC AND TIME ARMS – GREYHOUND
Often times, if you talk to a lot of people, they will say that if you are short on time or addicted to work, you are not best suited to owning a dog.
But Tess must disagree, provided you choose the right breed.
“Greyhounds are the laziest and one of the most underrated dog breeds of all time,” she said.
“If you spend a lot of time on work, or if you feel like you don’t have enough time to walk too often, do yourself a favor and save a greyhound.
‘You will not regret it!’
RETIREMENT – POMERANIAN OR CHIHUAHUA
Video: These Are the Most Pampered Breeds of Dogs in the United States (Southern Living)
Click to expand
NEXT
If you’re retired and looking for that little bundle of love to add to your life, Tess recommends a “little little pocket cutie” like a Pomeranian or Chihuahua.
“These are dogs that you just want to have with you all the time,” she said.
“They are super easy to get into the car, very easy in training and above all – they are loyal.”
ACTIVE SPECIES – KELPIE
Do you love hiking or trail running? A kelpie is your dog, and he’s “super popular” this year.
“Kelpies are incredibly active and require a lot of training and dedication, but they love to please their owners!” Tess said.
BEACH TYPES – HUNGARIAN VIZSLA
If you’re someone who is always in and out of the water and spends most of your free time on the beach, you’ll want a Hungarian Vizsla – also for its practicality.
“Straight, quick-drying hair, perfect for the beach, this type of dog loves swimming and easily fits into your active lifestyle,” said Tess.
PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE A PET – CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
While adding a new pet to the family when you already have one can be difficult, Tess said that a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be the perfect addition.
“Heavenly Sent Angel of All Dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are complete love sponges for dog breeds – they absolutely love everyone they meet!” She said.
TRAVELERS – MODLE
A Moodle – or a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle (toy or miniature) – is perfect if you are a traveler.
‘Low-maintenance, relaxed, intelligent, this type of dog just wants to be by your side, wherever that may be!’ Tess said.
Moodles also don’t require too much exercise and can live in a small house or apartment provided they have a daily walk.
RENTER – SPHYNX CAT
When renting, one of the most important things to think about is whether there is any potential for harm in you to the property you are living in.
Because of this, Tess thinks that instead of a dog, you should get a Sphynx cat.
“A dog is a big deal when you live in a rented apartment, whereas a cat … without hair ?! Brilliant!’ She said.
OWNER – ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL
When you finally own your own home, it’s time to invest in an English Springer Spaniel, Tess said.
“English Springer Spaniels are a beautiful breed, very loving and friendly, with a lot of love,” said Tess.
Before that, the vet shared the ideal skills that are perfect for veterinary work.
The 26-year-old said relevant experiences are of the utmost importance because working with animals is “cozy and cute, but also very confrontational”.
“In general, a bit of experience with animals can give you some protection from what comes through the door, from dogs with broken bones to those who have been hit by cars,” she said.
Tess added, “The positives definitely outweigh the negatives, but it takes a certain type of person to be a successful vet nurse.”
The vet concluded by saying that being a vet was like no other job out there.
“A veterinary assistant is an anesthesiologist, phlebotomist, professional pet cuddler, laboratory technician, receptionist, nutritionist, surgical assistant, grief counselor, x-ray assistant, paramedic, inventory manager and pharmacy assistant – all in one day,” she said.
For more information about Tess Nolan, you can follow her on Instagram here.
Continue reading