Choosing the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle
In the Emirates, lifestyle is deliberate. Homes are curated. Schedules are precise. Even leisure feels intentional. Choosing a dog here is no different. It is not only about affection — it is about compatibility with climate, space, and rhythm.
In a region where summer temperatures rise above 45°C and living ranges from beachfront villas to high-rise apartments, the right breed is less a trend and more a considered decision.
Here, Bonfils presents a refined guide to selecting a dog that belongs — naturally — in the Emirates.
The Desert Original: Saluki
The Saluki does not try to impress. It simply exists with quiet authority.
One of the oldest known breeds, the Saluki carries deep Arabian heritage. Lean, poised, and built for endurance, it moves across sand with instinctive ease. In the UAE’s desert landscape, it feels entirely at home.
Best suited for:
• Villa living
• Active owners
• Homes with privacy and outdoor space
The Saluki is not overly demonstrative. It bonds closely, prefers calm environments, and values space. For those who appreciate understated elegance and cultural continuity, it remains unmatched.
The Urban Companion: French Bulldog
Compact and expressive, the French Bulldog has become a familiar presence in Dubai’s residential towers and café terraces.
Its manageable size and moderate energy levels make it ideal for apartment living. It does not require vast outdoor space — only proximity to its owner.
Best suited for:
• Professionals
• First-time dog owners
• Smaller living spaces
A note of realism: brachycephalic breeds are sensitive to heat. In the UAE, air-conditioned environments and restricted midday exposure are essential. Style must always be accompanied by care.
The Intelligent: Poodle
Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes, the Poodle offers versatility with intelligence.
Its hypoallergenic coat suits allergy-conscious households, while its trainability adapts seamlessly to structured routines — a valuable trait for owners balancing work and travel.
Best suited for:
• Design-focused homes
• Owners who value grooming rituals
• Households seeking adaptability
In the Emirates, where presentation matters, the Poodle’s refined silhouette fits naturally within modern interiors.
The Family Constant: Labrador Retriever
Reliable and warm, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the region’s most established family dogs.
It thrives in homes with space and routine. Early morning beach walks and shaded garden play suit it well.
Best suited for:
• Families
• Larger homes
• Active households
While tolerant of warmth, Labradors still require careful heat management. Shade, hydration, and timing are non-negotiable in summer months.
Climate as a Design Consideration
In the UAE, climate shapes lifestyle. The same principle applies to dogs.
Regardless of breed:
• Walk before 9am and after sunset in summer
• Protect paws from heated pavements
• Maintain constant hydration
• Prioritise indoor cooling
• Recognise early signs of heat stress
Choosing responsibly is the first expression of refinement.
Apartment or Villa?
Space defines comfort.
High-rise living favours smaller or moderate-energy breeds that adapt well to indoor routines.
Villa environments allow larger, more active breeds — provided shaded areas and cooling are integrated into outdoor spaces.
The right dog should not simply fit the aesthetic of the home — it should fit its dimensions and daily flow.
The Bonfils Perspective
A dog in the Emirates is not an accessory. It is a long-term commitment shaped by environment, architecture, and pace of life.
The most successful pairings are not the most fashionable — they are the most aligned.
Because true sophistication is not about choosing what looks impressive. It is about choosing what works beautifully, every day.
