20 Best Dog Breeds To Pet In 2023

While talking about the best breeds on the basis of popularity, people’s choice, and ease of dealing with them, the Labrador retriever still remains at the top. It has a lifespan of ten to twelve years. Basically, they are near to 50 to 60 cm long.

Talking about their nature, they are also trustworthy, agile, and helping hand. People all over the world are fond of bringing Labradors to their houses. Let’s find out why.

First and foremost, Labradors are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, which makes it easy for us to train them. They are adaptive to the new environment easily. Then comes their friendly nature and how great they are with the kids.

If you want to choose someone who will be more like a friend to you, a Labrador may be the best option. One thing you need to keep in mind is their high-quality diet to keep them healthy and happy. 

People prefer dogs on the basis of their own nature, the dogs’ nature, and sometimes their appearance as well. Here on our second-place list is the French Bulldog. It is also one of the most common breeds on the market.

The most important thing to include about this breed that makes it people’s top choice is its small size and easygoing nature. It replicates the bulldog but in a small size. Normally, they are 12 inches tall and weights an average of around 16 to 28 pounds.

A small drawback about this breed is that it’s slightly expensive due to the costly breeding. Also, you may need a bit more patience while training them. Apart from that, you’d be surprised at how happy your house has been having this adorable breed play around with a happy face.  

A piece of important information to the ideal parent of this breed is that french bulldogs are allergic to some factors like indoor plants, cockroaches, dust, and a few more things. You should be careful about these things while bringing a french bulldog at home. The rest is all great.

The Golden Retriever is of Scottish origin and is medium-sized. Basically, they are dark golden, light golden, or cream golden in color and have a life expectancy of ten to twelve years.  A fit and healthy golden retriever can run up to 30 to 35 miles per hour. 

The golden retriever is full of energy and they require active exercises on a regular basis. For families or individuals who have an active lifestyle and prefer playful and trustworthy pets, the golden retriever can be one of the best options.

Like Labradors, this breed of dog also needs a heavy diet to maintain its health. You should not ignore its strong diet at any cost. Apart from that, you won’t have any trouble training them. 

The German Shepherd is next on the list. If you are planning to own a dog for security purposes, this breed is the best option so far. With a life expectancy of nine to thirteen years, the German Shepherd is large and agile in nature.

This breed comes under the category of courageous, strong, and intelligent. These dogs are also used in militaries and police departments for investigation. The maximum running speed of a german shepherd is around 48 km per hour.

A German shepherd is an excellent choice for someone looking for a loyal and protective companion. Yet, you should be attentive toward its regular exercise to keep it active and train well to balance its overly aggressive nature. 

Petting a dog is not always for protection. Sometimes, we would want to play with them as well. For those who want obedient, playful dogs, you can go for poodles.

Knowing a little more about this breed, there are four different sizes. Standard Poodle stands between 45 to 62 cm, Medium Poodle is 35 to 42 cm, Miniature Poodle is 28 to 35 cm tall, and Toy Poodle is the shortest at 24 to 28 cm. Among these, the medium has not been very popular around the world until now.

The poodles have a unique thick and curly coat and are available in a variety of colors. They are loyal, smart, active, and easy-to-train dogs. Mostly, they like to be around people, rather than being in a kennel.

Without a doubt, the bulldog is also one of the family dogs, especially good with children. Out of all dog breeds, the bulldog has its distinctive appearance. It is medium in size with a wrinkled face and a slightly pushed-in nose.

Bulldog is known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are very active and protective as well. This breed needs a healthy diet and is easy to train as well.

If no health problems arise, a Bulldog can live for eight to ten years. They are more liking to stay inside rather than do exercises or run around. Bulldogs, generally, get tired even after playing for a maximum of ten minutes. 

So, a bulldog can be an ideal pet for a family with kids. Those who are having this breed, need to be more patient and need to take good care of the dog’s hygiene and health.

Next on the list is the Beagles. This breed is originally from the United Kingdom but is now more popular in the United States. Talking about the cause of its breeding, they were bred for hunting animals like rabbits and hares. 

This breed has a similar appearance to a larger foxhound. What distinguishes them is their height. the beagles are 33 to 41 cm, varying in male and female breed, on the other side, they weigh around ten kilograms. The beagle is a breed of dog with a scent hound that was bred to hunt other animals.

Many people are curious to know whether this breed is lazy or not. Well, it would be wrong to categorize beagles as a lazy breed. They are among the active dogs. Eventually, they get lazier once they get old.

Even though they are still used in some countries for hunting animals, their popularity as pets has also been rising. People love their fun-loving, active and intelligent nature.

As mentioned earlier, making a decision about choosing a dog is not an easy task. You get confused trying to choose among so many breeds of dogs. Next on the list is the Rottweiler, a breed well known for its protection purposes.

Rottweilers are large or medium-to-large in size, giving them the appearance of fierce beasts. They are counted as one of the oldest surviving dog breeds till now. This breed has a life expectancy of eight to ten years.

One can really be aggressive if you fail to train them well. People have a perception of them as being aggressive, but that’s not true at all. However, in order to keep them well socialized and a good family pet, one must work hard to train them properly, as well as keep them active with regular exercise and a healthy diet. 

The German Shorthaired Pointer dog breed was created originally for hunting. But they do well as family pets as well. Its temperament is that of an intelligent, bold, playful dog that can be easily trained.

One thing about this breed is that they are highly energetic and need immense exercise. There is barely any dog sport that a German shorthaired pointer is not a master at. Surprisingly, it is a breed that can also swim.

A person willing to welcome this breed to his family needs to take care of his excessive exercise requirement. It is suggested to keep them away from children under seven years old.

Next on the list is the Dachshund. They are originally from Germany. With short legs, a long back, and floppy ears, it has a unique appearance.

They can be of different colors and may be long-haired, smooth-haired, or wire-haired. With a life expectancy of twelve to sixteen years, Dachshunds are quick learners. One won’t have to work hard for very long to train these dogs.

For someone who loves to play with dogs, this breed is the best one, as they are playful, easygoing, and, moreover, they love to cuddle. Children can be best friends with the Dachshund.

Let’s talk about what one can do to best pet them. Firstly, if you have an apartment, then that can be a plus, as they don’t need a backyard because of their small size. These dogs love to travel outside with you sometimes. 

There are some drawbacks to this breed. First, due to their long spines, Dachshunds are predisposed to back problems or disc damage. Secondly, they have a loud bark that can scare you.

It is a good thing that a dog has a strong bond with the family, but these breeds can be more than that sometimes. They won’t want you to leave. These dogs love their human parents so much that they would start to have separation anxiety if you left them behind at home.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which originated in Pembrokeshire, is one of the best dog breeds to own. If you want a small but active, friendly, playful, and protective dog, then you can go for this breed. 

Normally, they are 25 to 30 cm long and weigh around 12 kg in multiple color options.  If there are no health issues, a healthy Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live up to 12 to 15 years with a healthy diet.

People mistake this breed for being aggressive. But, in reality, they are friendly and easygoing. If your dog is being aggressive, then it would be better to meet a specialist, as normally they don’t show that behavior at all.

Can you leave the dog alone at home? The answer would be yes. These kinds of breeds are comfortable being left alone in the home.

Despite having an Australian name, the breed of Australian Shepherd was first domesticated in California in the active nineteenth century. It has a thirteen to fifteen-year life expectancy.

Speaking of its physical attributes, males of this breed range in height from 51 to 58 cm, while females stand between 46 and 54 cm; they also weigh differently. Male dogs are normally between 25 and 32 kg, and females weigh around sixteen to twenty-five kilograms. 

So, why do people choose Australian Shepherds?

The Australian shepherd is a smart, energetic, and naturally protective dog. Raising and taking care of them is simple. This breed was developed to help people, specifically to herd sheep. But now, because of their devotion and loyalty, they are among the best family pets. 

Is it difficult to pet Australian Shepherds?

Well, no. Having a dog comes with a responsibility. You need to look after their hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and health. Considering these factors as the top priority, it won’t be hard to pet a dog of any breed.

One of the tiniest dog breeds on our list is the Yorkshire Terrier. It’s the tiniest, standing about six or seven inches tall and weighing about six or seven pounds. The Yorkshire terrier is a breed of toy dog that originated in Britain and was originally developed to hunt rats.

 These days, people tend to pet them; perhaps this is due to their adorable appearance. Also, despite their small height, they present themselves so far as bold, confident, independent, and courageous breed.

What is the best part about having a Yorkshire Terrier as a pet dog?

First and foremost, the best part is their physical appearance. As previously stated, it is one of the smaller dog breeds, making it easy to carry. Similarly, their kennel won’t take up more space in our house.

They get along well with other pets, so you won’t have any problems having multiple pets if you want. A small dog doesn’t need excessive exercise either. 

Is it safe from the children?

The question might strike people as odd. However, if you intend to have them over, it is a matter of concern. Normally, we ask whether the dog is safe or not.

But here is the exceptional case. Children may hurt this breed by stepping on them or sitting on them. However, this won’t be a problem in the case of some large Yorkshire terriers.

We can infer from the breed’s name that the Boxer is fearless and protective in nature. This medium-sized mastiff dog breed was developed in Germany primarily for guarding purposes. The short-haired dog breed has a life expectancy of nine to fifteen years. 

Boxers are increasingly being chosen as family pets, which may be due to their loyalty, friendliness, bravery, and confidence. People can choose between fawn and brindle boxers, which come in these two coat colors. 

Boxers are one of the more intelligent breeds of dogs, so they can be stubborn as well. But it can be managed with proper training. They are easily attached to people, and if you don’t teach them how to respond to strangers, they might not make good guard pets.

Regarding the best environment for boxers, there is no specific requirement at all as long as it is warm. They can adapt to any environment, and they don’t mind spending a lot of time indoors. But it’s important to take your dogs for a walk outside at least once per day. 

Next on the list is the Great Dane, a large breed of dog that originated in Germany. It is one of the two largest dog breeds in the world; another one is the Irish Wolfhound. The three colors of Great Danes are brindle, fawn, and blue. 

For your information, male dogs of this breed stand between 76 and 90 cm tall, whereas female dogs are 71 to 84 cm tall. Similarly, they weigh at least 54 kg and 45 kg, respectively. The life expectancy ranges from eight to ten years.

Regarding their temperament, they are keen to get physical affection from their owners. The Great Dane is a gentle and loving animal, which is why they are known as “gentle giants.” They do well with children as well, especially those who are raised with them. 

Although Great Danes are reputed to be naturally aggressive, this is not the whole story. The Great Dane can make a good family pet with less aggression if properly trained. Nonetheless, like any dog, Danes can become aggressive when left untrained, especially when it comes to unfamiliar people, animals, and surroundings. 

The Siberian Husky is a working breed of dog that originated in Siberia. Their thick double-fur coat and vertical triangular ears give them a distinctive look. A healthy husky lives for around twelve to fifteen years. 

Is the Siberian husky a good family dog?

Well yes. This breed of dog enjoys being around people, especially children. They are friendly, outgoing, and social by nature. Huskies, on the other hand, are one of the most misunderstood breeds, with a reputation for being fierce and aggressive.

Huskies are one of the most honest dog breeds in the world. You can read its face as it shows what it means. They are easygoing and adaptable to new environments as well. 

Having huskies as pets has some drawbacks as well. Such dogs may not be a good choice if it’s a matter of security or guarding your house. Huskies fail to prove their loyalty as they can be friends with anyone in or outside your house.

One of the best dog breeds to take home is Miniature Schnauzer. This breed is counted as one of the smallest dog breeds with an average of eleven to fourteen inches in height and weighs nearly eleven to twenty lbs. 

Regarding its coating, the miniature schnauzer has wiry fur outside and soft and silky fur inside. We can get this breed in various colors. Not to forget, this double-coated dog has a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years if there occur no health and exterior issues. 

So, why do people choose this breed as a family dog? First and foremost, miniature schnauzers are all-time alert, intelligent, and obedient in nature. Moreover, they are so much into playing that even a piece of paper is enough for them to enjoy.

Regarding possible health issues, the miniature schnauzer is more likely to face high-level fat-related problems, diabetes, bladder stones, and eye problems. After swimming, it should get its ears dried in order to avoid infections. Also, ear examination should also be done during the regular check-up. 

For the family or individuals loving huge dogs, the Doberman Pinschers can also be a good option. While discussing them as a huge dog breed, a well-grown male dog can reach up to 72 cm whereas female dogs make up to 68 cm. In relevant to their height, this breed of dogs can weights up to 45 and 35 kgs respectively.

Going back to where this breed was developed, a tax collector, night watchman, dog catcher, and keeper of a dog pound, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann is the man behind it. Dobermann introduced this breed as a working dog in the near 1890s. To develop this breed, the dog catcher came across different dog breeds like Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Weimaraner, Short-haired Shepherd, and some others.

The Doberman Pinschers have a reputation as fearless, strong, alert, loyal, and intelligent one. Having these features, this breed has been considered one of the best military and house guard dog breeds. Not to forget, they require a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain their health. 

Here in our top 20 best dog breeds, comes the Shih Tzu, the toy breed of dog that originated in Tibet, China. If you look at the picture you can see how cute and adorable this dog actually is. For people loving toy dogs and are willing to play with dogs frequently, this breed by far can be the best option. 

Regarding the appreance of the breed, they are covered with long and silky hair, round brown eyes, floppy ears, and small muzzles. One thing that can be easily noticed about this breed is its underbite.  Basically, a well-grown-up Shih Tzu can stand up to eleven inches and weights up to seven and a half kilograms maximum. 

As per their behavior, they are fun-loving, calm, and playful. Everyone in the house, and more especially the kids can easily get fond of Shih Tzu. As they don’t have fur but hair all over the body, they can grow really fast, blocking the visuals if not trimmed on time and regularly.

As mentioned earlier, this breed of dog has long and silky hair, that even touches the floor. So, to avoid unwanted curls and fizziness, it needs regular grooming. Taking care of its hair on a regular basis might end up being expensive so this matter is to consider before bringing them home as a pet.

In a section of health, Shih Tzu comes under that group of dog breeds who have some serious health issues that even can be hereditary. To begin with, this breed seems to suffer from heart disease more even from an early age. Next are eyes, ears, and skin infections.

Last on the list, but of the best pet dogs is Boston Terrier. This breed was originated in the United States and even nicknamed ” American Gentleman”. 

A well-grown Boston terrier grows up to 43 cm and weighs a maximumly of 11 kg. A healthy dog can live near to fifteen years. 

The Boston Terrier are friendly and intelligent in nature. They love to be surrounded by people. Rather than being in open ground, they prefer to live in a small and cozy apartment with adequate exercise for them.

One thing about Boston Terriers, that maximum people love is they lack barking even though they are attention-seeking all the time. Also, proper training can be enough to teach them to well behave with other pets as well.