Dog Breeds, Health, Training & Nutrition


Browsing Category

Best Dog Breeds: What Are Your Favorites?

We’ve written many articles over the years on different types of dog breeds, tips & tricks, and much more. This article showcases dog breeds by type to help you choose, and then you can read the detailed articles by going here. Let’s get started on discussing the best dog breeds by type.

Purchasing or adopting a new dog can be an exciting yet difficult process. There are so many choices! No dog is perfect for all homes, but there is a perfect dog for every home.

Below are different top dog breeds. Whether you are looking for a certain temperament or getting a dog for a specific purpose, there is a perfect dog for you!

Best Dog Breed for First Time Owners

First time owners need to be extra careful when choosing their first dog. Checkout the following breeds.

Most Friendly: Golden Retriever

golden retriever husky mixThe Golden Retriever is a popular family dog due to their kind and gentle nature. Golden retrievers are large dogs, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. They have long golden coats and friendly dispositions. Originally bred for hunting fowl, these dogs were aptly named retrievers. Golden Retrievers are noted for their ability to pick up birds and bring them back undamaged due to their soft mouths and gentle carrying.

Golden retrievers love water and outdoor adventures, but they also make wonderful family dogs. Additionally, they are often used as therapy or disability assistance dogs due to their sweet personalities and exceptional trainability. The Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog in the United States making them an all around loving and devoted companion.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Best for Families: The Beagle

The Beagle is a great option for families, especially those with young kids. Beagles are a small hound breed weighing in under 30 pounds. They are often tri-colored, but come in variations of brown, black, tan, and white. Beagles are friendly and playful dogs that are just the right size.

Beagles are loyal, happy-go-lucky, clever, and energetic. They are the most popular hound breed in America and often boasted as one of the best dog breeds for families. Beagles make great companions and love to play. However, you do not need to worry about them being to big and knocking over tiny toddlers. Beagles have great temperaments for kids and families, being described as friendly and kind.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Most Affectionate: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet and small dog. They typically weigh around 15 pounds and are part of the toy group. These dogs have silky coats and adorable long floppy ears. They come in one of four distinct color patterns including black and tan, black and white, ruby (golden brown), and blenheim (brown and white spotted).

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a great family dog due to its size and easy nature. This breed is described as graceful, affectionate, and gentle. They originated in England and are popular among royalty. These dogs are easy to please, and their agreeable nature makes them good with kids, other dogs, and even cats. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being a lap dog and enjoys cuddling, making them excellent companions.

Best for Allergies: The Poodle

The Poodle is a great dog if you or your loved one has allergies. Poodles are hypoallergenic and all-around great dogs. Poodles come in a variety of sizes such as the standard poodle, the miniature poodle, and the toy poodle. They also come in a variety of colors such as white, black, grey, and brown.

Poodles are said to be active, proud, and very intelligent.  Poodles are very trainable and also good family dogs thanks to their agreeable temperament. Additionally, there are a wide variety of poodle crosses such as the Labradoodle, Cockapoo, or Maltipoo. These crosses share many of the same traits as the poodle and are still hypoallergenic.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Best for Apartments: The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has grown in popularity over the past couple decades. It is currently one of the most popular dog breeds in America. French bulldogs typically weigh under 28 pounds, making them suitable for almost any home or apartment. Unfortunately, many apartment complexes have size restrictions, making it harder to have larger dogs. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors including white, fawn, brown black, brindle or bi-colored. They also have what some people refer to as smushed faces as well as pointed ears.

The French Bulldog is described as smart, adaptable, and playful. These dogs are small, adorable, and do not need a ton of exercise. A short walk around the block every day should do the trick. Additionally, French Bulldogs are on the quieter side and often do not bark, making them ideal for apartments.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Best Therapy Dog: Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular therapy or disability assistance dogs. Therapy dogs are needed to comfort and support humans in a variety of situations. Therapy dogs must have extensive training and good temperaments. Labs are described as friendly, agreeable, reliable, and outgoing.

These happy-go-lucky dogs come in different colors such as yellow, brown, and black. Labs are ideal for therapy dogs because they are intelligent and easily trained. Additionally, they are naturally loving and caring towards people. Not only is the Labrador Retriever a great therapy dog, it is the number one most popular dog breed in America. Labs in general are great dogs and can also be wonderful companions for families.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Most Intelligent: The Border Collie

Border Collie Lab MixThe Border Collie is one of the smartest breeds out there. They were bred to be working dogs and love new challenges or jobs. Border Collies are medium sized dogs, often weighing between 35 and 55 pounds. They have long coats and are typically black and white, but they can come in other colors.

Border Collies are easily trained and have active minds. This makes them a great breed for active owners. Border Collies need stimulation and training or they can get restless. However, training them is rewarding and simple due to their innate intelligence. For this reason, Broder Collies make great working and agility dogs. You can often see them herding sheep, catching Frisbees, or flying around an agility course.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Most Loyal: The German Shepherd

Miniature German ShepherdThe German Shepherd is steadfast and faithful. Originally bred for farm work and herding sheep, this breed is agile, courageous, and powerful. German Shepherds are large dogs, weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. This distinctive breed is athletically built with a medium length brown and black coat and pointed ears.

The German Shepherd is often used in police and military work. They bond strongly to their handlers, but also are fierce protectors. These dogs are a great all-around working dogs. German Shepherds are often praised for their athleticism, intelligence, and noble character. The German Shepherd’s loyal nature makes them ideal for working, but they are also the second most popular breed in America due to the fact that they make great family pets and protectors.

Check out out more details regarding this breed:

Most Obedient: The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is often used for police and military work. Although these dogs can look intimidating, they are loyal, trainable, and hard-working. These large and sleek dogs usually are dark brown or black with lighter brown coloring on their face and legs. Additionally, Dobermans are typically seen with cropped ears and docked tails.

These athletic dogs quickly pick up training and are enthusiastic workers. Dobermans are alert and intelligent dogs, making them ideal protectors and guard dogs. Additionally, Dobermans are well known for being able to pick up new skills and re-learn training. Their ability to learn new information and loyally follow commands makes them extremely obedient and trainable.

Most Adventurous: German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer was originally bred to be a bird dog and often still accompanies hunters today. These dogs have sleek coats and typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. German Shorthaired Pointers typically have solid brown heads with white and brown spots across the rest of their body.

This breed is friendly, smart, hardy, tenacious, and reliable. The German Shorthaired Pointer is an active dog who needs lots of exercise. They can go all day and still have boundless energy. The German Shorthaired Pointer loves to run off leash and explore. They are always up for activities such as hiking, swimming, and running. They bond closely to their families, making them great companions while outdoors. These dogs are intelligent and trainable, so they make great buddies for runners, hikers, and those who love the outdoors.

Read More About Different Dog Breeds

Getting a new dog is exciting and rewarding! Whether you are getting a new puppy or adopting a shelter dog, each breed is unique and has distinct personalities. Make sure to do your research and ensure that the dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle. No matter what breed you get, a dog will be your loving and loyal companion for life.

Check out more articles related to various dog breeds below.