Labrador Retriever

Loyal, friendly, and very trainable, the Labrador is a wonderful family dog and has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for more than three decades.

The Labrador retriever was developed in Newfoundland, where they ware used as a hunting dog retrieving ducks and assisting fishermen. The breed’s water-resistant double coat is designed to protect the Lab from cold weather, dense underbrush, and frigid water.

Highly energetic, Labs need lots of training and daily exercise.

Cocker Spaniel

The cocker spaniel is a breed that is centuries old, and these dogs were used to help hunters get game birds and waterfowl. They were bred to be loyal and reliable, and today, they are still the devoted and energetic companions that they have always been.

These dogs are eager to please and intelligent, so training shouldn’t be challenging, whether you’re teaching your dog tricks or obedience commands. They’re also affectionate and bond with their family, including children. Plus, they can get along with other dogs and cats, particularly when raised together. However, their high prey drive may make them go after smaller pets.

Akita

The Akita is a type of dog known as a spitz breed (also called a Northern breed), which have a double coat, long tail that curves over the back, and upright triangle-shaped ears. This breed has existed in Japan for centuries where they were employed for hunting and guarding duties.

Akitas bond very closely with their families and are extremely loyal, but they can be willful or stubborn at times, so they need a family with experienced dog parents. They are naturally protective but never aggressive toward people when properly socialized.

Akitas do best with older children who are taught how to interact with the dog responsibly. 

Doberman Pinscher

When German tax collector Louis Dobermann created the Doberman, he wanted a dog that was intimidating in looks, fiercely protective, and exceedingly loyal. Today’s Doberman is just that—a great family dog that forms close bonds with their people.

Dobermans need lots of daily exercise but tend to be calm in the house. With proper socialization and training as puppies, Dobermans are highly obedient, well-mannered, and self-assured. They get along well with all family members, including children, but might be reserved with strangers. 

Dachshund

This breed’s name translates to “badger dog,” as the dachshund was bred to hunt badgers. They burrow because they were bred to do that when hunting, so that is something to keep in mind when letting your dog play in your backyard or at the dog park.  

These energetic dogs are small but have a big personality. They are clever and lively, but they can be independent and stubborn. Also, they are very loyal dogs, typically bonding closely with one person. And they are so devoted that they can get lonely or jealous if they don’t get enough attention.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed from Japan that was used for hunting. These dogs can get along with children and other dogs, particularly when they are properly socialized during puppyhood, so they can make good family pets.

These dogs are known for being attentive, affectionate, and intelligent, and they are loyal to the people they love and want to protect. However, they can also be stubborn, strong-willed, and reserved, so training might be a challenge.   

Bulldog

Even though they were originally bred to be fighting dogs, today’s bulldog is a sweet dog that makes a great family pet. They can even do well in homes with kids and other pets. These very loyal and protective dogs will form a strong bond with the people they care about.

Because this is a low-energy breed, a bulldog can be a good choice for families that aren’t active and want a pet that doesn’t require as much exercise as some other breeds. However, training can be a bit difficult with these dogs, who have a stubborn side.   

Golden Retriever

The beautiful golden retriever is well-known for their sweet temperament and their loyalty to those who care for them. This breed is also known for intelligence and trustworthiness, with many of them trained to work as search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs, and guide dogs.

Golden retrievers are fantastic family pets that get along with everyone, including kids and other pets. It’s no wonder that they have been ranked as one of the most popular breeds for many years. They are devoted and caring, and want to be around their family as much as possible.

German Shepherd

The German shepherd is fiercely loyal, courageous, and highly trainable—no wonder these dogs have long been used as police and military dogs. German shepherds require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation, something that can be achieved through training for a dog sport like agility. 

The intelligent German shepherd bonds closely with their human family, including kids who are taught how to behave responsibly around dogs, and they may form a deep bond with one person. Some German shepherds can become overprotective, so extensive socialization is mandatory early in puppyhood.

Beagle

Beagles love people and especially adore their family. They get along fantastic with other dogs and other types of animals, including cats and horses.

Beagles are a type of hound known as scent hounds, which means they use their extraordinary sense of smell to assist hunters by sniffing out and tracking down prey. Beagles were traditionally used to hunt foxes, hares, and other small animals in large packs, howling and baying to lead the hunters to the animals. Hunters would travel along with the pack, either on foot or on horseback.

Though loyal and eager to please, Beagles can be challenging to train because they are easily distracted by interesting sights and smells. 

Pug

The pug is an ancient breed from China. This little dog has a wrinkled face, curled tail, and short snout. Despite their small size, they are sturdy, and they are adaptable so they can do well in a variety of homes, including those with older adults, children, and other pets.

These sweet dogs are not high-energy, so they need a moderate amount of exercise. They are very loyal to their family, affectionate, and friendly. But they can be prone to overheating and breathing difficulties, and their skin folds need to be kept clean.  

Irish Setter

Known for being loyal, affectionate, and playful, the Irish setter is a sweet dog with a beautiful red coat, which is why they are also known as red setters. These athletic dogs are eager to please. They can excel at various activities like agility and dock diving, but are also excellent as service dogs and therapy dogs.

Irish setters are so loyal and devoted that they can develop separation anxiety when left alone. They make wonderful family pets, as they are tolerant of children and other dogs, but bear in mind that they might chase smaller pets because they were originally bred for hunting.  

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels griffon, or griff, is an extremely loyal dog. The breed dates back to the 1800s, and this is a sturdy and compact little dog that has is lively, playful, and intelligent. These dogs even have human-like expressions, along with a reputation for being entertaining and lots of fun.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Brussels griffon can be stubborn, which could make training a bit challenging. They also aren’t the best choice for families with young children, and because they are good watchdogs, they do have a tendency to bark, which might disturb neighbors.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland, or Newfie, is a hard-working giant dog breed that dates back to the 1800s. They have been used to help fishermen, and have been used in water rescues as well. They can be trained for work, and they are intelligent, so they can respond well to training and socialization.

Despite their size, these dogs are gentle, calm, and affectionate. They love people and get along well with children, and make loyal family companions. They also have an instinct to protect. But they can be slobbery and their large size means they need a spacious home.  

French Bulldog

Also known as the Frenchie, the French bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., as these little dogs make lovely companions for individuals and families. They are playful, loyal, and lovable, as well as quiet so they can do well in apartments.

These family-oriented pets prefer being around their humans, so they shouldn’t be left alone. They can get along with kids and other pets, and they make great lapdogs. They are also intelligent and willing to learn, so training isn’t difficult and you can use training to bond with your dog even more.

Collie

Anyone who has seen a Lassie movie or television episode knows that there aren’t many breeds more devoted than the collie. Collies are from the United Kingdom, where they were used to herd sheep and other livestock.

Mellower than many herding breeds, collies are extraordinarily gentle with children and most family pets, including cats. The rough coat is long and requires a good amount of brushing and combing to keep it clean and free from tangles and mats. The smooth coat is short and is considered wash-and-wear.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd, or Aussie, is very intelligent and loyal, as well as a great companion for individuals and families who are active and can give this dog the work that they need to thrive. These dogs were bred to work. They can do well in a variety of sports, and are a good choice for service, therapy, and search and rescue.

Aussies have a lot of energy and they need to let it out in a positive way, so they do best in homes that can give them the mental and physical stimulation that they need daily. They are easy to train because they are willing to learn and can pick up commands quickly.    

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay retriever is also known as the Chessie. This athletic dog was bred to help hunters retrieve waterfowl, and they are excellent swimmers with a waterproof coat. Although they aren’t the best choice for first-time dog parents, they can make loyal companions for those who can give them the exercise and attention they need every day.

These dogs are high-energy and don’t seem to get tired. They need a lot of exercise, and they also need to be trained properly while they are young in order for them to be well-mannered because they can be stubborn and independent.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees has been used in the Pyrenees Mountains for centuries to watch over and protect sheep and other livestock from predators and thieves. Like most flock guardian breeds, the Great Pyrenees is protective and alert to danger—they enjoy being outdoors patrolling for danger.

Early socialization can help them become more comfortable with and accepting of invited guests. Aloof with strangers, Great Pyrenees are very loyal and bonded with their human family.

Though large, Great Pyrenees need only moderate amounts of exercise, like daily walks. 

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a giant dog breed that is more than 1,000 years old. They are calm, gentle, and loyal, and also loving to all people. Plus, they are eager to please and willing to work. For these reasons, they do very well as search and rescue dogs and service dogs.

Saint Bernards make great family dogs because they get along well with children. Provided that they are trained when they are young, they will know not to jump on people and will establish other good manners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is sweet, loving, and extremely loyal. The breed is a toy-sized spaniel, which means their ancestors were bird hunters long ago. However, for the last century, the Cavalier’s main purpose has been being a devoted family companion.

Playful and affectionate, the Cavalier needs only moderate exercise. They get along well with everyone, including gentle children, other dogs, and cats. Cavaliers are clean, calm in the house, easy to train, and a delight to live with.

Chihuahua

Weighing in at less than 6 pounds, the diminutive Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds. Chihuahuas are feisty and don’t seem to realize they are tiny, so they respond to any perceived threat with the bravery of a mastiff.

The breed is extremely loyal, potentially to a fault—they can become overly possessive of their favorite people and not want others coming around. Extensive socialization as puppies is necessary to teach them to be accepting of friendly guests and other visitors.

Chihuahuas are delicate and some don’t love children, so they do best in a home without kids or with older kids who can treat the dog responsibly.  

Great Dane

The Great Dane was developed not in Denmark as the name might suggest but in Germany. This gentle giant is one of the tallest and largest dog breeds, but they are generally friendly toward people. However, Great Danes are always alert to danger and will be protective if the need arises.

Very loyal and affectionate with their human family, Great Danes can do well with kids. These enormous dogs don’t always know their own strength, so early and consistent training is very necessary in order to teach Great Danes good manners so they don’t knock anyone down.