Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. While every dog has its own unique traits, certain breeds tend to have common characteristics. Some dog breeds are best suited for specific jobs, like herding, hunting, or providing companionship. Other breeds are prized for their appearance and known for being “lap dogs”. When deciding what dog is right for your family, it’s helpful to learn about different breeds and what makes them so lovely.
Most Popular Small Dog Breeds
Many people love small dogs due to their portable size, manageable exercise needs, and suitability for apartment living. Some of the most popular small dog breeds include:
- Yorkshire Terrier – This feisty and affectionate “Yorkie” has a long silky coat that requires frequent brushing and trimming. Yorkies make excellent watchdogs and love being with their owners.
- Chihuahua – Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, this pint-sized pup stands out with its large erect ears and big personality. Chihuahuas do well in any home as long as they get enough attention.
- Pug – The wrinkly, smush-faced pug has a playful and charming nature. They form very strong bonds with their owners. Regular cleaning of their facial folds is a must.
- Pomeranian – This fluffy breed looks like a mini fox with its pointed ears and long, thick fur. Pomeranians are lively, outgoing, and very protective of their loved ones.
- Maltese – Covered in long, silky, white hair, the affectionate Maltese makes a gentle companion. Their hair requires extensive grooming to prevent matting.
- Shih Tzu – “Lion dogs” have a proud, regal bearing and profuse coat that comes in a variety of colors. They love nothing more than being close to their owners.
- Havanese – This adaptable Cuban breed has a nonshedding coat that comes in white, brown, gray, gold, and black. They thrive on human interaction and get along well with other pets.
While small, these breeds pack a lot of personality into their petite packages. They flourish when showered with love and attention.
Most Popular Medium Dog Breeds
Medium-sized dogs offer the best of both worlds when it comes to diminutive and giant breeds. Some excellent medium dog options include:
- Labrador Retriever – America’s most popular dog breed, the Lab is prized as a friendly, eager-to-please family pet and service dog. Their short, water-resistant coat needs minimal maintenance.
- Goldendoodle – A cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles have gained popularity for their intelligence, sociable nature, minimal shedding, and hypoallergenic coat.
- Poodle – Available in three sizes, Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. Regular grooming and clipping is required for their curly hypoallergenic coat.
- Beagle – This merry little hound has a big heart. Beagles are packed full of energy and curiosity. Their short, weather-resistant coat needs occasional brushing.
- Boxer – Boxers are revered for their fun-loving, cheerful personality. Their short coat requires minimal grooming but needs plenty of exercise.
- Border Collie – Prized by farmers for centuries for their herding abilities, Border Collies have unlimited energy and strive to keep busy. Their medium-length double coats require weekly brushing.
- Australian Shepherd – Like Border Collies, Aussies live to work. Their thick, water-resistant coats come in bold merle and tricolor patterns and need regular brushing.
For active families looking for an energetic, eager-to-please dog, medium breeds like these make wonderful options.
Most Popular Large Dog Breeds
Large dog breeds are great for people who enjoy plenty of exercise and outdoor adventures. Some much-loved big dog options include:
- Golden Retriever – Renowned for their affable nature, intelligence and soft “wash and wear” coat, Goldens make exemplary family dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
- German Shepherd – This noble working breed is revered for its courage, loyalty, and versatility. Their double coat requires frequent brushing. German Shepherds thrive when given a job to do.
- Standard Poodle – Despite their polished appearance, Poodles love playing and interacting with their family. Their hypoallergenic coat can be groomed for a variety of stylish clips.
- Labradoodle – Bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs, the Labradoodle combines the Lab’s pleasant nature with the Poodle’s nonshedding coat. Moderate grooming is needed for their thick, curly coat.
- Siberian Husky – This eye-catching sled dog has a thick double coat well-suited for cold climates. Siberian Huskies need plenty of vigorous exercise and mental stimulation.
- Great Dane – Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes think they’re lapdogs. This gentle giant thrives on quality time with their family and needs moderate grooming.
- Newfoundland – Known for their courage and loyalty, this large working breed has a water-resistant double coat that requires weekly brushing to keep tidy.
For active owners able to provide adequate exercise, giant breeds make wonderfully devoted companions.
Most Popular Designer Dog Breeds
Designer dog breeds have surged in popularity in recent years. By crossbreeding two purebreds, breeders aim to blend the best qualities of both parent breeds. Fashionable designer dogs include:
- Goldendoodle – Bred from Golden Retrievers and Poodles, Goldendoodles combine the friendly, nurturing temperament of the Golden with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
- Labradoodle – Developed as guide dogs, Labradoodles marry the Lab’s renowned temperament with the non-shedding coat of the Poodle. They come in a variety of colors.
- Maltipoo – This popular crossbreed combines the spirited, fun-loving Maltese with the smart, energetic Poodle for an intelligent, affectionate pup with a hypoallergenic coat.
- Cockapoo – ideally blending the outgoing, playful nature of the Cocker Spaniel with the Poodle’s obedience and non-shedding coat, the cockapoo makes a devoted family companion.
- Puggle – By mixing the sweet, docile Pug with the spunky Beagle, Puggles offer an amusing, affectionate personality in a compact package.
- Shih Poo – This cross between a Shih Tzu and Toy or Miniature Poodle results in a playful, devoted pup with a hypoallergenic coat requiring moderate grooming.
- Yorkipoo – Combining the feisty Yorkie with the intelligent Poodle produces a fun-loving companion who bonds closely with their family and has minimal shedding.
For those seeking hybrid vigor and unique mixed breed traits, designer dogs can make appealing options.
Rare and Unique Dog Breeds
In addition to popular and designer breeds, some unique and rare dog breeds deserve recognition for their special qualities, including:
- Xoloitzcuintli – Also called the Mexican Hairless Dog, this ancient breed comes in miniature, standard and toy sizes. Hairless varieties have zero coat and require sunscreen and moisturizer.
- Norwegian Lundehund – This nimble breed has unique anatomical adaptations like six-toed feet and extreme flexibility to hunt seabird nests on cliffsides. They have a dense double coat and cheerful disposition.
- Azawakh – Originating in Africa, slender sighthounds have short, thin coats in colors of fawn, grizzle, red, blue, or brindle. Their aloofness makes them less suitable for novice owners.
- Finnish Lapphund – An ancient reindeer herder of Finland, this friendly Spitz has a thick, profuse coat ideally suited for harsh northern climates. They’re intelligent, eager to please, and adapt well to any climate.
- Skye Terrier – This handsome Scottish breed has a long, flowing coat that epitomized elegant Victorians. They’re focused but sensitive and don’t thrive with frequent changes to routine.
- Leonberger – Bred to resemble a lion, these German gentle giants have imposing manes and loyal, steady temperaments ideal for families and cart pulling.
- Lagotto Romagnolo – Hailing from Italy, the curly-coated Lagotto was historically a water retriever but today excels at truffle hunting and therapy work.
For those seeking uncommon breeds with unique histories and talents, exploring rare dogs opens up new canine possibilities.
Most Expensive Dog Breeds
While mixed breed dogs adopted from shelters offer value and love, some seek out purebred status or rare breeds with price tags to match. The most expensive dog breeds include:
| Breed | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Samoyed | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Pharaoh Hound | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Tibetan Mastiff | $2,500 – $7,000 |
| Akita | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Chow Chow | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| Rottweiler | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Saluki | $2,500 – $5,000 |
From large guardian breeds to rare imports, some breeds demand a premium. But remember, a dog’s love is priceless!
Easiest Dog Breeds to Train
For first time or busy owners, trainable dogs make an easier introduction to pet parenthood. The most biddable, obedient breeds include:
- Labrador and Golden Retriever – Eager to please and highly food motivated, Labs and Goldens aim to be perfect pupils for reward-based training.
- German Shorthaired Pointer – This versatile gundog lives for approval and responds promptly to positive reinforcement training techniques.
- Shetland Sheepdog – Originally bred as a herding dog, Shelties are whip smart, quick to learn commands, and love showing off their skills.
- Papillon – Despite their dainty appearance, Papillons are self-assured and pick up new tricks with ease thanks to their intelligence and people-pleasing attitude.
- Poodle – In all sizes, Poodles are a cinch to train given their exceptional intelligence, desire to work closely with people, and eagerness to perform.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Bred for herding cattle, Corgis aim to please and have an innate ability to learn cues and commands accurately.
- Miniature Schnauzer – With strong drives to work and please their handler, Mini Schnauzers tend to be fast learners who thrive on positive training.
If you value trainability in a canine companion, these quick to learn breeds will astound you with their capabilities.
Dog Breeds with Blue Eyes
Certain dog breeds exhibit striking, sky blue eyes in contrast to their coats. While all pups are born with blue eyes that later darken, some retain their light hue. Breeds prone to blue eyes include:
- Siberian Husky
- Border Collie
- Weimaraner
- Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Great Dane
- Dachshund
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Dalmatian
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
For a flashy, striking look, dogs with blue or merle markings and light eyes offer plenty of visual appeal.
Best Dog Breeds for Cuddling
Some dogs practically insist on snuggling, while others prefer play to pampering. Top dog breeds renowned for excellent cuddling include:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Devoted to their people, Cavs will happily spend all day in your lap or right by your side.
- Havanese – These affectionate companion dogs thrive on close contact and being involved in family activities.
- Chihuahua – Big dogs in small packages, Chihuahuas bond intensely to their favorite person and expect lap privileges.
- Pug – With their sociable, charming nature, Pugs eagerly seek physical affection from their loved ones and pride themselves on being lap warmers.
- French Bulldog – Playful, patient, and low energy describe the Frenchie, a loyal buddy who excels at snuggling on the sofa.
- Bichon Frise – Sweet-tempered Bichons think they’re tiny humans and will happily spend hours getting belly rubs with their family.
- Pomsky – This fluffy cross between a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky inherits the cuddly nature of both parent breeds.
For devoted dogs guaranteed to be glued to your side, these cuddly canine breeds deliver nonstop affection.
Dog Breeds Prone to Weight Gain
Certain breeds are genetically prone to obesity and require strict portion control and exercise routines to stay trim. Breeds predisposed to weight gain include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Basset Hound
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beagle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Boxer
- Pug
With careful management and exercise, dogs prone to obesity can achieve healthy weights and enjoy life to the fullest.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Allergic owners needn’t live without canine companionship. Certain breeds produce less dander and may reduce allergic reactions, including:
- Standard Poodle
- Maltese
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Bichon Frise
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Schnauzer
- Airedale Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
By producing less dander and shedding minimal hair, certain breeds can make dog ownership manageable for allergy sufferers.
Conclusion
When selecting a canine companion, considering breed traits and tendencies can help match dogs to the right owners. While mixed breeds offer the same devotion, some desire predictability in size, activity needs, grooming and trainability. Whether seeking a pampered lap dog, energetic adventure buddy, hypoallergenic housedog or family protector, various breeds fit specific needs. However, responsibly acquiring any dog involves a lifetime commitment to their health and happiness. Do your homework, then enjoy the unique friendship of owning a well-suited hound!
