dogs breed rankings

Our top 20 dogs breeds by the criteria that matter day to day: apartment living, children, first pet, shedding, grooming, price, and more.

Affenpinscher1
American Cocker Spaniel2
Bichon Frise3

dogs breeds suited to apartment living

Not all dogs breeds do as well indoors. These profiles are often recommended for an apartment, provided you ensure outings and stimulation. Open a breed profile for temperament, grooming, and breeders.

Podium: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise

View top 20
Australian Shepherd1
Basset Hound2
Beagle3

dogs breeds for families with children

For a family, choose a patient, sociable dog breed. These profiles are often mentioned with children: check temperament, training, and breeders on each profile.

Podium: Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Beagle

View top 20
Bichon Frise1
Cavalier King Charles2
Clumber Spaniel3

dogs breeds for first-time owners

Some breeds are more forgiving of a first-time dog owner’s mistakes. These profiles are often recommended for beginners: read about training, temperament, and price before choosing a breeder.

Podium: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles, Clumber Spaniel

View top 20
Akita Inu1
American Cocker Spaniel2
Basenji3

Very affectionate dogs breeds

A very affectionate dog bonds strongly with its household. Compare temperament, need for company, and purchase price on these dogs breed profiles.

Podium: Akita Inu, American Cocker Spaniel, Basenji

View top 20
Basset Hound1
Beagle-Harrier2
Bloodhound3

dogs breeds that live well with other pets

Living with multiple animals requires a sociable temperament. These dogs breeds often get along better with other companions: compare compatibility on each profile.

Podium: Basset Hound, Beagle-Harrier, Bloodhound

View top 20
American Cocker Spaniel1
Bohemian Shepherd2
Bolognese3

Easy-to-train dogs breeds

An easy-to-train breed progresses faster, especially for a first dog. These profiles score well for trainability: open the profile for temperament and training tips.

Podium: American Cocker Spaniel, Bohemian Shepherd, Bolognese

View top 20
Azawakh1
Basenji2
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)3

Dog breeds that bark less

A quiet dog is better suited to apartment buildings. These breeds generally bark less, even though training remains decisive. Compare barking, apartment living, and breeders on each profile.

Podium: Azawakh, Basenji, Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)

View top 20
Altdeutscher Schäferhund1
American Akita2
American Bulldog3

Guard and watchdog dog breeds

Some dog breeds are more vigilant and territorial. These profiles score well for guarding: read about temperament and training needs before contacting a breeder.

Podium: Altdeutscher Schäferhund, American Akita, American Bulldog

View top 20
Chow Chow1
Basset Hound2
Bullmastiff3

Calm, low-energy dogs breeds

A calm dog adapts better to a relaxed pace. These breeds have a lower energy level: check daily exercise, health, and apartment compatibility on the profile.

Podium: Chow Chow, Basset Hound, Bullmastiff

View top 20
Affenpinscher1
Anglo-French Small Game Hound2
Basenji3

dogs breeds that shed less

Less hair day to day makes life easier, especially indoors. These dogs breeds generally shed less: confirm coat and hypoallergenic traits on the breed profile.

Podium: Affenpinscher, Anglo-French Small Game Hound, Basenji

View top 20
Affenpinscher1
Afghan Hound2
Airedale Terrier3

Dog breeds that drool little

The heavy jowls of some breeds go hand in hand with heavy drooling. These dogs generally drool little: compare grooming, shedding, and temperament on each page.

Podium: Affenpinscher, Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier

View top 20
Billy1
Boston Terrier2
Bourbonnais Pointer3

Easy-to-groom dogs breeds

Easy grooming makes daily life simpler. These dogs breeds generally require less grooming: check coat type, shedding, and care budget on the breed profile.

Podium: Billy, Boston Terrier, Bourbonnais Pointer

View top 20
Akita Inu1
Altdeutscher Schäferhund2
American Staffordshire Terrier3

Most intelligent dogs breeds

A quick-witted breed learns fast and likes to be stimulated. These dogs have the best intelligence scores: plan games and activities to prevent boredom, and open the page for temperament and needs.

Podium: Akita Inu, Altdeutscher Schäferhund, American Staffordshire Terrier

View top 20
Atlas Shepherd Dog1
Basset Bleu de Gascogne2
Beauceron3

Most robust dogs breeds

Some breeds are less prone to hereditary diseases. These dogs have the best health scores: check life expectancy, watch points, and veterinary follow-up on each page.

Podium: Atlas Shepherd Dog, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Beauceron

View top 20
Chinese Crested Dog1
Chow Chow2
English Bulldog3

dogs breeds that need little exercise

Not all breeds need long daily outings. These dogs are fine with moderate activity: check energy, apartment compatibility, and health on the breed page.

Podium: Chinese Crested Dog, Chow Chow, English Bulldog

View top 20
Affenpinscher1
Airedale Terrier2
Barbet3

So-called hypoallergenic dogs breeds

No breed is completely allergen-free, but some shed less or produce fewer dander. Consult an allergist, then compare these so-called hypoallergenic dogs breeds.

Podium: Affenpinscher, Airedale Terrier, Barbet

View top 20
Affenpinscher1
Alaskan Klee Kai2
Australian Terrier3

Small dogs breeds

A small size makes city life and travel easier. These small dogs breeds stay compact as adults: size, weight, and price are detailed on each profile.

Podium: Affenpinscher, Alaskan Klee Kai, Australian Terrier

View top 20
Pitbull1
American Foxhound2
Briquet Griffon Vendéen3

dogs breeds with a more affordable purchase price

The price of a purebred dog depends on lineage, pedigree, and breeder. These breeds are among the most affordable in the directory: compare purchase range and cost of living on each profile.

Podium: Pitbull, American Foxhound, Briquet Griffon Vendéen

View top 20