Heat, traffic and dogs

Like almost any other Pinoy who has driven down EDSA recently, I got stuck in traffic. Blame it on all the road modification work being done in various stretches of our overworked and over-traveled EDSA. It took me all of three hours to make it to my home in Pasig from the Port Area.

The saddest part about this experience was that I had made it from Port Area via Roxas Boulevard to EDSA in about 20 minutes. But once I crossed Taft Avenue from EDSA, that is when my suffering began.

I was stuck in the Pasay area before the Magallanes flyover for almost an hour and a half. And then I made a right on Ayala — wrong turn. Well, I did make it home to Pasig eventually through the Mandaluyong bridge.

A long, long, long way home.

The good side to such a trip is that it gave me time to think about dogs. Yes, I think about my pets all the time.

So, here is a list of the most playful and truly “chill” dogs I can think of. Perhaps, if you are thinking of getting a pet for your kids for the summer, you might consider one of these breeds.

And, yes, it is a subjective list — I am sure you all have favorites of your own.

1. Bulldog

I know, I know, Bulldogs are not the cutest of dogs, but they are known for their gentle disposition, lovable personality and signature wrinkles. My brother owns an English Bulldog named Bob. He says Bob only barks at paper that flies over his head. The rest of the time he is a truly chill dog who loves lying around the house. Bulldogs may not be able to fit in your lap, but are content relaxing by your side any hour of the day. Gentle and protective, they form strong bonds with children and are known for being excellent family pets. Bulldogs require minimal grooming and exercise and prefer to stay indoors or in the shade in warm weather because of their flat, short noses.

 2. Pug

A breed that adapts easily to any situation, from living in a home with a big yard to residing in a small apartment with minimal exercise, Pugs are known for being playful, social and willing to please. While they’re popular companion dogs, they also excel in dog shows. They need minimal exercise, can only take really short walks and because of their short coats, require little grooming.

 3. French Bulldog

A breed that originated as a companion dog and continues to be used as such today, French Bulldogs are prized for their personable and affectionate nature. Recognizable by their large, bat-like ears, they are active without being rowdy and are happy to spend their time indoors and on your lap. Because of their short, flat faces, they must be kept cool in warm weather.

 4. Bichon Frise

Vodka, the Bichon who lives in my home, owns me. I have come to love this breed very much. Although the Bichon can be playful at times and requires lots of grooming, it is generally a lap dog that loves lying around when you are reading a book and snuggling closely when you are dozing.

These white balls of fur are cute, just like owning a live stuffed toy. They love giving.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

An adaptable and easy-to-train breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is compatible with city or country dwellers and families with varying degrees of activity. Flexible in their need for exercise, they are happy sleeping with you on the couch or going outside for long walks. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well suited to families with children.

 6. Shih Tzu

Obedient and trusting lap dogs, Shih Tzus are bred to be companions and thrive on attention. While they enjoy short walks, they are generally just as happy romping around your home, as they would be outside. Because of their intelligence, they can be stubborn and require a strong, consistent hand in training.

7. Poodle

Poodles are typically good-natured, intelligent dogs who love attention and who bond very quickly to their people. Poodles enjoy learning new things and showing off their new discoveries and tricks. Their habit of barking at people they don’t recognize makes them good guard dogs as well as good pets. You should plan to spend at least an hour a day with your poodle, grooming it, walking it, playing with it, teaching it or simply sitting and stroking its fur. Since you are dealing with an intelligent dog, you should make every effort to challenge it. Poodles thrive on consistency, so try to keep the routine the same from day to day.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

My first encounter with a Mini Schnauzer happened over 15 years ago when I discovered the breed and didn’t stop my search until I was able to get a good one. Although the Schnauzer may be a little frisky once they are given their daily walk and are able to chase a few roaches or small bugs, they are fine with just laying around in the house. The Schnauzer requires grooming to maintain its regal looks, but the rewards are well worth it because, in my opinion, the Schnauzer is one of the most intelligent-looking dogs on the planet. And the best part is, they not only look intelligent, they actually are very intelligent.