But not all dogs are created the same way. These are the 11 best dog breeds, based on factors such as health, personality and general popularity. Portuguese water dogs were originally bred to herd fish, recover lost gear or broken nets, and act as messengers from the ship to the coast. Portuguese water dogs also enjoy being petted and are friendly to strangers.
Just keep in mind that, like many larger dogs, boredom can cause them to become destructive. Known as nature's baby-sitters, Newfoundland dogs are the sweetest. Perhaps the best-known Newfoundland is Peter Pan's fictional grandmother, who was wonderful with children. Newfoundland dogs are also good swimmers, and the breed was trained to rescue people from drowning, a dog that even saved Napoleon Bonaparte.
One of the oldest toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring their owners. The Greeks even erected graves for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called El Consolador because they were believed to relieve pain and cure diseases. Maltese dogs are also extremely hypoallergenic, with a silky coat that doesn't shed. Siberian Huskies are impressive animals, with their thick fur and penetrating eyes.
Most people who choose a Husky do so because of their extraordinary beauty. Huskies are kind-hearted dogs that are affectionate with children. Their coat is minimal, except twice a year, when they wrinkle their coat, and they don't have the typical dog smell that larger breeds usually have. Huskies aren't considered a great breed for first-time dog owners, as they need a lot of attention, exercise, and are great at escaping and fleeing.
But they are easy to train, as they are very intelligent and are lively, fun-loving and loyal family dogs. Poodles can get attention, so don't be surprised if this people-oriented breed is constantly with you. The bichon frise is a carefree little dog, ideal for families with children or for living in an apartment. It looks a bit like an inflatable cotton ball.
This breed is a great versatile companion. Bichones are relatively easy to train, adapt well to any lifestyle and only need moderate daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You will have to devote the time and money to regular visits to the hairdresser. The curly coat of this breed should be trimmed regularly and brushed carefully.
For a coat that requires less maintenance, cut your bichon's hair. If you are looking for a medium sized, large and energetic dog, look no further: the playful boxer. This loyal dog forms a close bond with the family. If you lead a reasonably active lifestyle, a boxer may be right for you.
This breed needs a lot of exercise and a solid training base. Although young boxers can be a little hyperactive, they are trainable and enjoy attention during training. Once trained and socialized, boxers can thrive in active homes and often get along well with children. Guardians by nature, boxers naturally protect their families, especially children.
The boxer's grooming needs are basic. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet and affectionate dog with the appearance of a puppy. Gentlemen can thrive in all types of homes and tend to get along well with children of all ages. This breed is small, but not tiny, and has a friendly demeanor.
This dog is elegant, attentive and, in general, calm. The Cavalier's moderate energy level means that basic daily exercise is usually sufficient to maintain health. You need basic training and respond well to it. Despite having a medium-length coat, this dog's grooming needs are basic.
Regular brushing is essential to prevent hair from tangling. The golden retriever is the family dog par excellence; they are eager to please. Goldens are great for kids of all ages. This medium to large sized dog is happy, loyal, affectionate and active.
The breed is intelligent and adaptable to thrive in most homes. They also need a good amount of exercise to stay in good physical condition and avoid boredom. Training is essential, but not difficult. They love to learn and can be trained to do many things.
The breed needs regular brushing to keep its coat free of tangles and matting. Described by many as the perfect dog for an apartment, the French bulldog is ideal for urban life. Small and light, Frenchies don't take up much space, and a daily walk or light play on the living room rug will be enough to meet your exercise requirements. In addition, they are silent dogs, they bark only when absolutely necessary, making them ideal for your neighbors or also for any child who is taking a nap.
The most popular breed in the United States for more than 30 years and counting, the faithful Labrador Retriever is a true expert in all trades. Quiet, tolerant and highly trainable, this breed is also large enough not to be harmed by the rough play of young people. Laboratories will retain the well-deserved title of family favorite for years to come. Shutterstock Maltese dogs, one of the oldest toy breeds, were bred to be sweet and adoring their owners.
The Greeks even erected graves for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called “The Comforter” because they were believed to relieve pain and cure diseases. They tend to lose hair, except twice a year, when they wrinkle their fur, and they don't have the typical “dog smell” that larger breeds tend to have. We have been independently researching and testing products for more than 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Learn more about our review process. For families that like to think big, think of a gentle giant like the Bernese mountain dog. They may exceed 100 pounds, but underneath all that fluff is a sweet, affectionate pet known for its child-friendly nature. Alaskan Malamutes will do anything to please their pack, whether human or canine.
Designed to work like sled dogs, these powerful puppies need a leader who establishes a consistent training and exercise regime. Now is your chance to start skiing. At the other end of the size spectrum, the Newfoundland can tip the scale at a staggering 100 to 150 pounds. These gentle giants excel at swimming, but they have also earned a great reputation as nanny dogs thanks to their patient and vigilant nature.
His sweet temper will definitely win you over, if you have space. Cocker Spaniels tend to be friendly, playful, and trustworthy, making them good furry friends in every way. According to the American Kennel Club, they are wonderful playmates for children, especially for active children who want to burn energy with this energetic dog. No matter the weather, Cocker Spaniels love to run outside, so keep your rain boots by the door.
These dogs are eager to please and willing to learn. They are also good greeters, enthusiastically welcoming owners at home, wagging their queues in anger. Poodles are even-tempered and well-behaved, making them popular with families. Standard poodles, in particular, are suitable for active families given their playful and energetic nature.
These puppies don't bark much and like to socialize, both with humans and with other puppies they encounter while walking around the neighborhood. According to Canine Journal, poodles are intelligent and also easy to train. They learn quickly and protect wisely, eager to keep an eye on children in the backyard or on the playground. Pugs are enthusiastic and exuberant, intelligent and funny, according to Dogtime.
Their bright eyes and wrinkled faces delight adults and children alike. Their expressions are so human that they evoke curiosity, wonder and joy. These pint-sized puppies can weigh up to 20 pounds, but they're eager to run, jump and play. They need little maintenance and rarely bark, making them a good choice among families with young children.
These small dogs are more than happy with a hug and a nap. The friendly and affectionate Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an ideal choice as a family dog thanks to his friendly nature and eagerness to please. These small, happy dogs (the breed weighs up to 18 pounds) are especially good with children, according to the American Kennel Club. They learn quickly and interact well with caregivers, making them charming household companions.
These calm dogs also love to be cuddled. Many describe this pint-sized pup as the perfect cuddle companion. For first-time dog owners, the bichon frise is a great choice given its calm and kind personality, which also makes it one of the best options for families. While this large breed dog enjoys a good nap in the sun, it also likes to walk outdoors, especially in a snow-covered yard.
Agile, intelligent and loyal to the extreme, the Australian cattle dog is a great trail runner, mountaineer and companion by the fireplace. Considered among the best guard dogs in the family, German shepherds know how to keep their family safe. This beautiful breed was developed in the unforgiving Siberian Arctic, where they were used as sled dogs that carried cargo across the tundra. Whether you live in an apartment, love camping and hunting, want a quiet lapdog or want to dedicate yourself to canine competition training, there's not just one dog for you, there's a perfect dog for you.
And although breeds such as the Portuguese water dog have similar hair, the poodle has an advantage because it is also one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, making it easy to train and adapts to different life situations. In addition, they were bred to retrieve ducks and other birds for hunters, so if you like to play fetch, this is the dog for you. As thin, short-haired dogs, Vizslas also do well in higher temperatures, which not only makes them love to runners in warmer climates, but also makes them very suitable for running long distances, where overheating can become a problem for other breeds. They are generally used as service dogs and police dogs to protect officers and locate drugs or human remains.
The easiest breeds to train are German Shepherds, Border Collies, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs and Papillons. Becoming a dog owner for the first time is exciting, but it can also be more or less of a challenge depending on the type of breed you have. . .
