Whether you’re looking to find your very first furry friend or you’ve got enough room in your home (and heart) for a new set of paws, we’re here to help you select a dog breed perfectly suited to your personality and predilections. There are far too many kinds of dogs to review in a single article, so we’re narrowed the field down to five loyal, lovable, longstanding favorites of dog owners across the country.
Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are quite possibly the most popular breed in the US, and it’s easy to see why. Happy, smart, loyal, and loving, Goldens are as American as mom and apple pie. An above average intelligence makes them easy to train, a gentle nature makes them perfect for children, and a patient attitude ensures they get along with just about anyone. Keep in mind that Goldens might need a bit more grooming than some other breeds.
Labrador Retrievers If you’re a fairly active person, you can’t go wrong with a Labrador Retriever. Labs are very similar to Goldens, but are better suited to more energetic environments. While a Golden might be content to cuddle all afternoon on the couch, Labs thrive on regular action. Consider a Lab if you’re a jogger, if you love the outdoors, or if you have a really big backyard and younger children. Also, they love the water!
Border Collies High energy, high intelligence, and unswerving loyalty make the Border Collie a great choice for singles and couples. Border Collies are extremely active, so don’t expect them to plop down on the couch and watch TV – you’ll need plenty of energy to keep up with them. Borders are also arguably the smartest breed of dog, so your training options are limitless. While Borders are affectionate, their sensibilities usually aren’t well suited to young children.
French Bulldogs If you prefer a lap dog, look no further than the French Bulldog. Some might tell you that a Lhasa Apso or Yorkshire Terrier is a better choice, but don’t you believe it. Lhasas and Yorkies tend to be yippy and nippy, while the French Bulldog is famous for her calm and even disposition. Also, Frenchies have short, easy to manage coats, so very little grooming is necessary.
Beagles Beagles are widely regarded as the diplomats of the dog world. If you plan on spending time with other dog owners, or if you have other pets, the Beagle is the perfect choice. Cute, fun, and even-tempered, Beagles are extremely social and want spend as much time with their friends as possible. It should be noted that Beagles aren’t the easiest breed to train, but they make up for it in personality. After all, Snoopy was a beagle!