• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

Here's what puppy you should adopt based on your lifestyle

1:15
Getty
The History of Dogs as Pets
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
ByBrittany Berkowitz and Faith Bernstein
March 22, 2019, 8:00 AM

So you're thinking about finding a furry friend to become best buds with, yay! Before you fall in puppy love, it's important to figure what type of dog best fits into your lifestyle.

"A common myth is that you can't adopt a puppy at a shelter," Animal Haven marketing director Shannon Kirkman told "Good Morning America." "We see puppies, middle-age dogs and senior dogs all rescued so you can really get whatever you want."

Just as there are a lot of different ways we lead our lives, there are hundreds of dog breeds, each requiring different measures of care. We spoke with Rover.com celebrity trainer Nicole Ellis on how to find the pawfect pup for your lifestyle.

Editor’s Picks

This breed has been American Kennel Club's most popular dog breed for 28 years

  • Mar 20, 2019

Dogs in bags on Instagram is the adorable distraction we didn't know we needed

  • Mar 01, 2019

Blind man finishes New York City half marathon with the help of guide dogs

  • Mar 17, 2019

You might want to run with the big dogs if you lead an active lifestyle.

"A bigger dog is going to be able to run more and keep up more," Ellis told GMA. "Some active breeds to consider would be our retrievers, malinois and shepherds."

But bigger isn't always better when it comes to finding an active pup.

"I have two poodle mixes that paddle board and hike with me," said Ellis. "It's all about wanting a high-energy and enthusiastic pup."

If you're more of a couch potato

PHOTO: 5-month-old Yorkie puppy at Animal Haven in New York City.
A 5-month-old Yorkie puppy at Animal Haven in New York City.
Brittany Berkowitz/ABC News

If you're looking for a cuddle bug, consider a pup like the yorkie above to snuggle up with.

"Both big and little dogs are great," said Ellis.

Whether you're the type to work from home or are just looking for a Netflix and cuddle companion, it's all about the dog's disposition.

"From pitbulls to malteses, talk to your local animal shelter to find a calm dog that is going to fit your lifestyle," Ellis told "GMA."

You're a workaholic

If you're a workaholic that wants to be turned into a pupaholic, you might want to consider a senior pet that has a lot less energy and will be happy hanging out in their dog bed while you're busy working.

"I'm a big fan of some chiwawas and poodle mixes," said Ellis. "But there are also some bigger dogs like pitbulls that are nice and calm and relaxed."

Senior pups also require a lot less maintenance financially. According to Rover.com, the one-time cost of getting a new puppy vs a senior dog is about $1,500 more.

"You're going to need more vaccinations in the beginning, you're spending more on potty training and crate training," said Ellis.

Treats were also included in the budget because you're new pet will of course be a very good boy.

You're a city dweller

You're barking up the wrong tree if you think you can't have a big dog in an apartment.

"Contrary to popular belief, large dogs are sometimes perfect," said Ellis.

It all depends on the dog's energy level.

"Larger dogs such as mastiffs and pitbull mixes relax easily and are happy and content just chilling on your living room floor and don't always need such a big living area," said Ellis.

If you're big on city living, a nice, long walk is all you need to tire your pup out for the day.

If you want to tote your fur baby around all day, you will definitely want to consider a smaller dog that's under 20 pounds.

"Not all forms of transportation allow bigger pets," Ellis reminded us. "You might want to consider a pekingese, a shitzu mix, los apso and poodle mixes."

Get googling to find a shelter to help you pick out the pawfect pet to fit your lifestyle.

Editor’s Picks

This breed has been American Kennel Club's most popular dog breed for 28 years

  • Mar 20, 2019

Dogs in bags on Instagram is the adorable distraction we didn't know we needed

  • Mar 01, 2019

Blind man finishes New York City half marathon with the help of guide dogs

  • Mar 17, 2019

Up Next in Living—

June's full strawberry moon: See photos and what it means for your zodiac

June 11, 2025

High school athlete somersaults to track and field championship win

June 10, 2025

Michaels buys Joann brand, plans to expand crafting supply to meet demand

June 6, 2025

Approximately 1.7 million air conditioners voluntarily recalled for potential mold exposure

June 6, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News