Dog breed rankings
Our top 20 dog breeds for everyday needs: apartment living, children, first pet, shedding, grooming, price, and more.
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3Dog breeds suited to apartment living
Not all dog breeds adapt equally well to indoor living. These breeds are often recommended for apartments, provided they get walks and stimulation. Open a breed profile for temperament, grooming and breeders.
Top picks: Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier
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23Dog breeds for families with children
For a family, choose a patient, sociable dog breed. These breeds are often recommended for homes with children: see temperament, training and breeders on each profile.
Top picks: Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog
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3Dog breeds for first-time owners
Some breeds are more forgiving of first-time dog owners. These breeds are often recommended for beginners: read about training, temperament and price before choosing a breeder.
Top picks: Cavalier King Charles, Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu
View top 20123Most affectionate dog breeds
A very affectionate dog forms a strong bond with its family. Compare temperament, need for company and purchase price on these dog breed profiles.
Top picks: Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier
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3Dog breeds that get along with other pets
Living with multiple pets takes a sociable temperament. These dog breeds often get along better with other companions: compare compatibility on each profile.
Top picks: Cavalier King Charles, Border Collie, Samoyed
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23Easy-to-train dog breeds
An easy-to-train breed learns faster, especially for first-time dog owners. These breeds score well for trainability: open a profile for temperament and training tips.
Top picks: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Labrador Retriever
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3Dog breeds that bark less
A quiet dog is better suited to apartment living. These breeds generally bark less, though training still matters. Compare barking, apartment suitability and breeders on each profile.
Top picks: Whippet, Chow Chow, Bull Terrier
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3Guard dog breeds
Some dog breeds are more alert and territorial. These breeds score well for guarding: learn about their temperament and training needs before contacting a breeder.
Top picks: German Shepherd Dog, Belgian Malinois, Rottweiler
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3Calm, low-energy dog breeds
A calm dog is better suited to a relaxed lifestyle. These breeds have lower energy levels: check daily exercise, health and apartment suitability on the profile.
Top picks: Chow Chow, Shih Tzu, English Bulldog
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3Dog breeds that shed less
Less shedding makes everyday life easier, especially indoors. These dog breeds generally shed less: check coat type and hypoallergenic traits on the breed profile.
Top picks: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Poodle
View top 20123Dog breeds that drool less
Some breeds' heavy jowls go hand in hand with excessive drooling. These dogs generally drool less: compare grooming, shedding and temperament on each profile.
Top picks: Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd Dog, Cavalier King Charles
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23Low-maintenance dog breeds
Easy grooming makes everyday life simpler. These dog breeds generally need less grooming: check coat type, shedding and care costs on the breed profile.
Top picks: Whippet, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier
View top 20123Most intelligent dog breeds
A quick-witted breed learns fast and enjoys mental stimulation. These dogs have the highest intelligence scores: plan games and activities to prevent boredom, and open a profile to learn about their temperament and needs.
Top picks: Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog
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3Hardiest dog breeds
Some breeds are less prone to inherited conditions. These dogs have the highest health scores: check life expectancy, health concerns and veterinary care on each profile.
Top picks: Beauceron, Shetland Sheepdog, Picardy Shepherd
View top 20123Dog breeds that need little exercise
Not all breeds need long daily walks. These dogs are content with moderate activity: check energy level, apartment suitability and health on the breed profile.
Top picks: French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, English Bulldog
View top 20123So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds
No breed is completely allergen-free, but some shed less or produce fewer dander flakes. Consult an allergist, then compare these so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Top picks: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Poodle
View top 20123Small dog breeds
A small build makes city living and travel easier. These dog breeds stay compact as adults: each profile details size, weight and price.
Top picks: Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles
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3More affordable dog breeds
The price of a purebred dog depends on its lineage, pedigree and breeder. These breeds are among the most affordable in our directory: compare purchase price ranges and living costs on each profile.
Top picks: Pitbull, Pyrenean Shepherd, American Foxhound
View top 20Other dog breed rankings
- Dog breeds suited to apartment living
- Dog breeds for families with children
- Dog breeds for first-time owners
- Most affectionate dog breeds
- Dog breeds that get along with other pets
- Easy-to-train dog breeds
- Dog breeds that bark less
- Guard dog breeds
- Calm, low-energy dog breeds
- Dog breeds that shed less
- Dog breeds that drool less
- Low-maintenance dog breeds
- Most intelligent dog breeds
- Hardiest dog breeds
- Dog breeds that need little exercise
- So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds
- Small dog breeds
- More affordable dog breeds