All introverts need some “me time” to recharge. Introverted persons tend to be quieter, reserved, and self-contained. If you also feel the need to spend some alone time after a party, you are definitely an introvert like me!
Introverts enjoy solitude, but need a partner as much as an extrovert. Dogs can make wonderful companions for introverts who prefer focused connections. While some introverts like independent dog breeds, others might want social dogs.
There are four types of introverts, including social, anxious, restrained, and thinking. Here are the dog breeds that get along well with each type of introvert:
Social Introverts: Social and outgoing dogs.
Thinking Introverts: Dogs that are quiet, smart, or need consistent training.
Anxious Introverts: Calm and gentle dogs that can attune to human emotions.
Restrained Introverts: Low energy dog breeds with laid back personalities.
Here are the top 7 guard dog breeds for introverts.
Guard Dog Breeds for Introverts
1. Akita
Breed Overview
Weight: 70lbs to 130lbs
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Energy Level: Medium to high
Best Match for: Thinking introverts and anxious introverts
One of the most loyal dog breed, Akitas are introverts in their own. They don’t like meeting new people or going to dog parks. Due to their independent nature, Akitas are the great dogs for introverts. They give their owner the time and space when they need it.
Just like introverts, Akitas are also aloof with strangers and outsiders but affectionate with their family. They are not aggressive, but find it difficult to get along with other dogs. Your Akita will be the happiest when it is just you two.
The American Kennel Club classifies the Akita as a working dog. They don’t bark much unless someone enters their territory. Standing 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat, a massive head, and a curled tail. Proper training and early socialization can help them behave well.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Breed Overview
Weight: 75lbs to 85lbs
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Energy Level: High
Best Match for: Social, anxious, and thinking introverts
Alaskan Malamutes are loyal and affectionate dogs with an outgoing nature. They form strong bonds with their humans and are a great fit for introverts. They tend to be happy with close companions and don’t prefer seeking outside attention.
Mals are generally friendly dogs and welcome your loved ones with a sniff of approval. You can use your Alaskan Malamute as a buffer in socially awkward situations. He will be in the spotlight, so you don’t have to.
Malamutes are independent dogs that let you enjoy your personal space whenever you want to. However, they can be a bit stubborn and hence difficult to train. They are high-energy dogs and require daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
3. German Shepherd
Breed Overview
Weight: 50lbs to 90lbs
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years
Energy Level: High
Best Match for: Anxious and thinking introverts
German Shepherds (GSD) is a large breed known for its loyalty and noble character. Military and police often employ them due to their keen intelligence and easy to train attitudes. German shepherds enjoy being involved in whatever their humans are doing.
They are the true friends who prefer to stay by your side no matter what you are doing. GSDs form firm bonds with people they love. However, they are not clingy. If you want someone to accompany you on a fast-paced morning or a quiet night, German Shepherds are the best!
GSDs were originally bred as herding dogs, but their confident and devoted personalities make them wonderful pets. They are obedient and calm dogs, but can be intense at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help.
However, GSDs are sensitive dogs, so harsh training methods can be stressful. If you are planning to adopt a German Shepherd, make sure to give her in physical exercise and mental stimulation. We’d also recommend engaging your GSD in problem-solving challenges, such as brain games.
4. Great Dane
Breed Overview
Weight: 110lbs to 175lbs
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Energy Level: Low energy
Best Match for: Social, anxious, thinking, and restrained introverts
Great Danes are ideal dogs for apartment dwellers. It is a calm breed that stands around 32 feet tall at shoulder. That is why, they are called “gentle giants.” Great Danes love relaxing and snoozing on the couch. While Great Dane are perfect dogs for introverts, but are a bit shy themselves.
They form strong bonds with their family and love giving and a bit of receiving attention. However, some can be a bit aloof towards strangers. They are sociable, friendly, and playful pups. These are the hunting dogs so some Great Danes can be a bit stubborn.
Do you know? Great Danes are very intelligent dogs. They are as smart as a three year old and can learn up to 250 words and gestures.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Breed Overview
Weight: 90lbs to 140lbs
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Energy Level: Moderate
Best Match for: Social, anxious, thinking, and restrained introverts
Irish wolfhound is a tall dog breed with a history dating back to 391 A.D. Despite their large size, Irish wolfhounds are sensitive and calm dogs with a laid-back personality. They have a noble character that can empower their introverted owners.
Yet another breed of hunting dogs, Irish wolfhounds love spending time with their humans at home. They need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Irish wolfhounds can be a bit slow when it comes to processing commands, which can be misunderstood as stubbornness.
However, gentle training sessions and patience can work wonders for turning this dog into a well-behaved fella. According to PetMD, they behave well with kids, but due to their large size, supervision is required. These big personalities are well-suited for large spaces.
6. Newfoundland
Breed Overview
Weight: 60lbs to 176lbs
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Energy Level: Moderate
Best Match for: Social, thinking, anxious, and retrained introverts
Newfoundland or Newfie is highly sought for its sweet temperament. It is a loving, social, and calm breed. The members of this breed cannot help but get attention. Strangers being irresistibly drawn to your pup might not be a comfortable situation for introverts, but the rest is all good.
It is not a low-maintenance breed as its long coat requires daily brushing. With its beautiful fur, this dog makes sure to steal the spotlight and saves you from getting unwanted attention. It is a good match for individuals who love spending time with their pets.
These quiet companions have moderate energy levels. PDSA recommends an hour of physical activity for your newfie. Getting enough exercise is important but make sure the puppies do not get over-exercised as their bones and muscles are still developing.
7. Shiba Inu
Breed Overview
Weight: 17lbs to 23lbs
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Energy Level: High
Best Match for: Thinking introverts and anxious introverts
A perfect match for introverts, Shiba Inus are the most cat-like dogs. They keep to themselves when you want to spend hours reading books or watching movies. These are smart pups with a bit of stubbornness.
Shiba Inus are fun-loving and love giving and receiving attention from their family. However, they can be a bit standoffish and even shy around strangers. So, proper socialization can help turn them into well-behaved dogs.
These dogs are energetic and playful, but they are not afraid to tell you when they don’t like your commands. They are not too noisy and have a unique “Shiba inu scream.” They love independence but if left alone for longer durations, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds including American Staffordshire, French bulldog, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, and Shih tzus make wonderful pets for introverts. Different breeds are suitable for different types of introverts. While choosing your canine baby, make sure to consider your personal needs and your dog’s grooming and exercise requirements.
