Choosing the coolest dog to own is a very subjective decision that depends on your lifestyle, living situation, experience with dogs, and personal preferences. However, there are some dog breeds that tend to be considered “cooler” than others by many people. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular cool dog breeds and help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
Breeds Known for Intelligence
Some of the coolest and most popular dogs are known for their high intelligence. Smart dogs can be easier to train, more attentive, and better problem solvers. Some intelligent breeds like Golden Retrievers and Poodles are perennial top choices for family pets and service dogs. Other brainy breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are stars of dog sports and working roles where their mental abilities are challenged. If you want a dog that seems to understand you and can learn fun tricks, games, and skills, one of these bright pup breeds could be cool to own.
Border Collie
Consistently at the top of most intelligent dog breed lists, the Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog originally from Scotland. They are lively, alert, and energetic. Border Collies are great at learning commands and excel in dog sports like agility, flyball, and disc dog competitions where their athleticism and responsiveness come in handy. Their brains stay occupied by having a job to do, so they thrive when kept active. Border Collies are a cool choice if you want an attentive, trainable dog to do activities with.
Poodle
Poodles have a reputation as one of the smartest breeds. They come in three size varieties – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. All are highly intelligent, eager to please, and excel at training and learning tricks. Poodles are popular as show dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and family companions. Their tight curly coats are hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Poodles are active and energetic but very trainable. Their goofy personalities and combination of brains and beauty make them a fun, cool choice.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is an energetic, high-drive herding breed. They are very focused, attentive, and trainable. Australian Shepherds are great at canine sports like agility, frisbee, and flyball. They are super intelligent and seem to love having a job to do. However, their exercise and mental stimulation needs are high. Aussies that are bored or under-worked can get destructive. So they are best suited for active owners able to give them plenty of daily activity. For the right person able to meet their needs, Australian Shepherds are a dynamic, cool dog.
Breeds Known for Loyalty
Some of the coolest dog breeds are prized for their loyal, people-focused personalities. While all dogs can potentially form close bonds with their owners, some breeds really stand out in their devotion, affection, and desire to be by their human’s side. For many people, a loyal dog who shows unwavering love is the coolest kind to own.
Boxer
Boxers are known as a “velcro” breed because of their tendency to stick by their owner’s side and desire to be around family. They form extremely strong bonds and want to be with their person as much as possible. Friendly and energetic, Boxers often become very attached. They aim to please their owner and are obedient pets. With proper training, they are great with kids too. Boxers are cool companions for people who want a loyal buddy.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees were originally bred as guardians and working dogs in the mountains, so loyalty is in their DNA. They are very affectionate and form strong bonds with their family. Great Pyrenees like to be around their people but aren’t overly demanding of attention. They are independent but loyal. With proper socialization they are gentle, calm, and excellent watchdogs. Great Pyrenees thrive as pampered family pets. Their regal presence, protective devotion, and majestic coats give them an undeniable cool factor.
Beagle
Cute, compact, and charismatic, the Beagle was bred as a loyal hunting companion. Today, they are popular family pets and excel at bonding closely with their owners. Beagles are famously friendly, curious, and energetic. They are known to follow their noses, so a fenced yard is a must! With positive training methods and plenty of exercise, they can be wonderful pets. Beagles are happy-go-lucky characters that form unbreakable bonds. Their merry personalities combined with steadfast loyalty make them a cool breed.
Breeds with Jobs
Some of the coolest dog breeds are the ones that have real jobs to do. Dogs that work as service dogs, police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other working roles are impressively trained and skilled. They demonstrate intelligence, control, and dedication in their duties. If you want a purpose-bred dog with a real job to do, these breeds could be interesting, rewarding options.
Labrador Retriever
America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was originally bred to retrieve game but excels as an all-purpose working dog. Their trainability, friendliness, and moderate energy makes Labs excellent service dogs, search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and more. They love having a job to do. Labs also thrive as family companions and pets. Their intelligence combined with their devotion to duty give them an aura of dignified competence. Labs are definitely cool dogs.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are highly versatile working dogs. They are the second most popular breed in America. Originally herding dogs, German Shepherds are now best known as police and military dogs. They also work as service dogs and search and rescue dogs. Their confidence, courage, intelligence, and strong work ethic make them excellent at these demanding roles. German Shepherds like having a job to do and thrive when trained. With proper care, they can be great family companions as well. Their noble character and wide skillset give them undeniable appeal.
Belgian Malinois
Similar to German Shepherds but less common as pets, the Belgian Malinois is valued as a police, military, and protection dog. They have tireless energy, intense drive, and sharp intelligence. Belgian Malinois need extensive training, enrichment, and a job to be happy. They excel at scent detection, agility, obedience trials, herding, and guarding. Their high work ethic and skills make them sought-after dogs. For the right owner able to meet their needs, Belgian Malinois are impressively capable companions.
Breeds Known for Size
For some, the coolest dogs are the biggest breeds. Giant dog breeds naturally command attention and fascination. They have their appeal in their sheer massive size and presence. While they require lots of space and care, these gentle giants can be lovable companions.
Great Dane
Great Danes often take the title as the tallest dog breed. They have lean yet giant frames and stand around 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes are total gentle giants known as one of the most easygoing, good-natured breeds. They are friendly, affectionate, and loyal. And they love leaning on you and acting like a lapdog! Great Danes do best with room to move around and patient training. Their nickname of the “Apollo of Dogs” captures their statuesque grace. Definitely a cool breed to consider.
Newfoundland
Another massive yet sweet breed, the Newfoundland hails from Canada. They can weigh up to 150 pounds but have a famously mellow, patient temperament. Originally used as working dogs in water rescues, Newfoundlands are extraordinary swimmers and enjoy the water. They are gentle giants that form strong bonds with their family. Newfoundlands do shed and drool. But their noble appearance and serene loyalty make them awesome companions if you have the space.
Mastiff
One of the most ancient breeds, Mastiffs are incredibly large, powerful dogs. The Old English Mastiff is one of the heaviest breeds, weighing up to 230 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs are dignified, good-natured dogs. Their temperament is calm and devoted. They are protective of their family but not aggressive. Mastiffs have shorter lifespans and can have some health issues to manage. But if you want a gentle giant breed that brings an element of thrill and fascination, they could be a cool choice.
Breeds with Unique Coats
Some breeds stand out based simply on their highly unique and eye-catching coat types and colors. While coat characteristics don’t determine personality, some of these uniquely coated dogs also have other cool attributes. A dog with an uncommon, attractive coat can be a great conversation starter on walks.
Puli
The Puli is a Hungarian herding breed covered in long, corded coats reminiscent of dreadlocks. As puppies they have a fluffy coat that gradually cords as they mature. Their coats require considerable grooming to prevent matting. But the cords do protect Pulis while herding. These active working dogs are intelligent and energetic. Their rustic corded coats combined with their lively temperament give Pulis mystique and appeal.
Bergamesco
The Bergamesco is an old Italian herding breed known for its distinctive flocked coat. It’s a thick coat of long, matted fur that forms “flocks” or tight clumps covering their body. This unique coat protected them from the elements while working. The Bergamesco has an alert, lively temperament and bonds closely with their family. Their eye-catching cords and energetic personality make them interesting companions.
Komondor
Originally from Hungary, the Komondor is a large livestock guardian breed covered in a corded coat. Their coat starts out soft as a puppy then gradually forms strong, felted cords as they mature. The cords act as armor while protecting livestock. Beneath that shaggy exterior, Komondors are calm, devoted, and brave. This mop-like breed needs regular grooming but their striking coat helps garner interest and appeal.
Breeds with Unusual Looks
Some dog breeds capture attention simply based on their unusual, distinct looks. While “cool” is subjective, these breeds’ unique appearances give them intrigue and wow factor.
Chinese Crested
Named for its origins in Africa, not China, the Chinese Crested is best known for its mostly hairless body. They have hair on the head, tail, and legs but are bare elsewhere. Their skin comes in a range of colors and patterns. The Chinese Crested is a small, lively breed needing sweaters in cold weather. Their alert, affectionate personality combined with their highly unique sparse coat makes them fascinating companions.
Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolo, this ancient breed also has a mostly bare body with some hair on the head, neck, and tail. Their skin comes in a range of colors but dark grey-blue and slate are popular. Xolos have a calm, intelligent temperament and were revered in Aztec culture. They require sunscreen when outdoors. The Xolo’s sleek yet otherworldly look plus their exotic history give this breed mystique.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Known for massive wrinkles and loose folds of skin over their giant frames, Neapolitan Mastiffs have unforgettable looks. Originally from Italy, this breed served as estate guardians and defenders. They are imposing but calm and protective. Neapolitan Mastiffs are extremely large and strong. They have short coats in tawny, black, grey, or mahogany. Their jowly faces and lumbering gaits give Neapolitans quirky charm.
Conclusion
When it comes to the coolest dog breed to own, there are many fascinating options based on different definitions of “cool.” The most popular breeds tend to be those known for intelligence, loyalty, reputable working roles, impressive size, unique coats, or unusual looks. Coolness is subjective, so focus on finding a breed whose temperament and needs fit your lifestyle. If you put in the time and effort to properly care for and train your dog, almost any breed can be a cool companion.
