As of 2013, there are 339 dog breeds in the world, according to Fédération Cynologique Internationale. With so many breeds, it can be hard to identify the best dog breed of them all.
So we chose to identify the top 3 best canine pets according to certain categories. By doing so, you will be able to determine for yourself which breeds have superior qualities.
3 Best Dog Breeds with the Least Health Issues
1. Border Collie
With a lifespan of 10–14 years, this breed is known for its high energy, intelligence, and stamina. Animal specialists frequently identify this dog as amongst the healthiest, even though he is not immune to certain health issues. Border Collies are susceptible to hyperthyroidism, collie eye anomaly, canine hip dysplasia, and lens luxation.
2. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear may be a small dog, but he is no less sturdy. Averaging 14–16 years, he does not need a lot of exercise thanks to its miniature size. A couple of short walks and play sessions a day will keep him satisfied.
However, take note that this dog breed is not exempt from breed-related health issues such as luxating patella and hip dysplasia.
3. Mixed Breeds
Mongrels are less likely to be affected by hyperthyroidism, allergic skin disease, musculoskeletal issues, and some varieties of heart disease.
These dogs do not inbreed as much and thus are not as affected by certain genetic diseases. Although they can outlive purebreds, some cross-breeds are prone to certain health conditions.
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3 Best Dog Breeds That Do Well in Training
1. Golden Retriever
This family-friendly dog is on every “smartest dog” list. Intelligent, versatile, and eager to please, the Golden Retriever is an easy-to-train canine companion.
2. German Shepherd Dog
Military and police are partial to this breed for his intelligence, courage, diligence, confidence, and obedience. The strength and loyalty of the German Shepherd also add to his appeal as a highly trainable dog.
3. Rottweiler
This is another breed favoured by the police and service institutions. Despite his imposing appearance, the Rottweiler is a loving and loyal breed that likes to work and is quick to learn.
3 Best Dog Breeds for People with Dog Allergies
1. Bichon Frise
Those with allergies approve of the Bichon Frise’s hypoallergenic soft coat that hardly sheds. This playful dog needs daily grooming to prevent matting.
2. Poodle
A toy, miniature, or standard-sized poodle has hypoallergenic hair that does not shed as much. However, the Poodle needs to be regularly clipped every 6–8 weeks, as well as weekly brushings.
3. 3. Shih Tzu
The long flowing coats of Shih Tzus shed minimally, making them hypoallergenic dogs. To maintain their well-kept appearance, brushing must be done 2 to 3 times a week. Visits to the groomer for some hair trimming may be needed every 4 to 6 weeks.
3 Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds
1. Dachshund
Miniature Dachshunds make good couch mates as they sleep for hours in the same spot. The Dachshund’s size, easy-to-groom short coat, and moderate activity make them a suitable companion for busy city dwellers.
2. Greyhound
Although amongst the fastest dog breeds, the Greyhound is calm, reserved, and even loves to lounge on the couch. This short-haired dog is content with short bouts of exercise as he is not a high-energy breed.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle and affectionate breed of dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel likes to quietly snuggle on the couch. Light exercise is all he needs.
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3 Best Dog Breeds for Pet Owners with an Active Lifestyle
1. Jack Russell Terrier (JRT)
A very intelligent and equally active breed, the JRT is bred to hunt and thus enjoys dog sports (e.g., Earthdog). His small size belies his expansive reservoir of energy, requiring much mental and physical exercise to stay happy and contented.
2. Australian Shepherd
As a herding dog, the energetic Australian Shepherd requires a lot of exercise to keep him busy and stimulated. Otherwise, he may use his “herding” tendencies on other pets or people.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Bred for cattle herding, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has limitless energy stored in his small and compact body. Like the Australian Shepherd, his thirst for physical and mental stimulation must be quenched to keep him from herding people and other animals in the household.
3 Best Dog Breeds for Homebodies
1. Basset Hound
Although a scent hound, this breed tends to move slowly and maintains a relaxed demeanour. The Basset Hound only requires light exercise.
2. French Bulldog
One of the world’s most popular breeds of dog, the sweet-natured Frenchie makes a great canine companion for people who enjoy staying indoors. He tends to have a sedentary lifestyle but can benefit from daily multiple short exercises.
French Bulldogs can easily suffer from heat and exercise exhaustion due to their flat or brachycephalic faces. Thus, any doggy exercise activities they do must be done in moderation.
3. Chow Chow
Data from dog activity tracking collars made by a certain company revealed that the Chow Chow logged the least active minutes per day. At 43.36 minutes of daily activity on average, this breed shows that he prefers to guard his humans quietly.
3 Best Dog Breeds That Rarely Bark
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
This Swiss dog breed may be mouthy and nippy as a puppy, but he is steady, quiet, and calm as an adult. Being a working breed, this is an active dog that requires daily exercise.
2. Basenji
This is a “barkless” breed due to its flat larynx. When the Basenji vocalises, he will make a sound similar to a yodel rather than a bark. The noise he makes is less likely to bother the neighbours.
3. Great Dane
One of the biggest canine breeds, the Great Dane is calm and quiet. This earned him the monicker gentle giant from dog fanciers.
He does not give in to barking even in the midst other yapping dogs. When the Great Dane does bark, his voice is deeper and louder than that of other breeds.
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3 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
This is the most popular dog breed in the UK and the US due to his very loving and affectionate nature. Intelligent, good with children, and playful, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful family dogs because of their eagerness to please their humans.
2. Golden Retriever
This dog breed rivals the Labrador Retriever in affection and eagerness to please his owners. As an intelligent and active breed, the Golden Retriever wears many hats in the service of humans. He is involved in search and rescue work, as well as in assisting differently-abled people.
3. Pug
Fun, loyal, friendly, and affectionate, this breed loves to cuddle with his people. The Pug is an entertaining and loving dog who is eager to please his human.
3 Best Dog Breeds That Love Independence
1. Afghan Hound
This elegant canine has been bred to assist hunters in chasing animals even at long distances. As such, he is a very independent dog that needs only minimal direction. He is not likely to engage in attention-seeking behaviour.
2. Shiba Inu
This Japanese breed is strong-willed and independent. He can tolerate being on his own for long periods. Being energetic, intelligent, and territorial, the Shiba Inu requires an assertive owner.
3. Basenji
This “barkless” dog breed is known for his cat-like personality and independence. Although the Basenji prefers to do things by himself, he is capable of bonding with one or two humans in a household.
FAQs About the Best Dog Breeds
1. What Is the Best All-Round Dog Breed?
The Labrador Retriever is one of the best all-round dog breeds. He gets along with almost everyone, is easily trainable, and loves to be kept busy.
It is no wonder that he is the long-time favourite canine companion of dog lovers in the US, UK, and other parts of the world.
2. What Is the Best House Dog for Indoor-Loving People?
Some of the best house dogs for indoor-loving people are the Basset Hound, French Bulldog, and Chow. These breeds do not mind staying inside the house for most parts of the day.
Although they are less active than other dogs, providing them with exercise remains necessary. Their sedentary lifestyles make them highly prone to obesity.
3. What Is the #1 Popular Dog Breed?
The Labrador Retriever is the #1 most popular dog breed in the UK whilst the French Bulldog ranks #1 in the US.
Keep in mind that a breed’s popularity should not be the main factor when choosing your ideal pet. The most important aspects to consider are temperament, health quality, activity levels, and grooming needs.
4. What Is the Best Dog Breed to Own?
The best dog breed for an individual will depend on what they are looking for in a canine companion. Some people will prefer protective and attentive dogs whilst others love to own a laid-back and playful pooch.
Put in plenty of hours researching the best dog breed to single out the most suitable one for you.
Conclusion
The best dog breeds may vary depending on the qualities a pet lover values in a canine. Thus, knowing the ideal traits you want in a canine companion is important to finding your best match. Our Breed Finder Quiz and Dog Breed Comparison tool can help you with this task.