Playful, loyal, energetic, stubborn. Each dog breed has distinct personality traits, and families should know what they're getting themselves into before adding a furry friend to the family. Whether it's an intelligent herder, a playful sporting dog, or a stubborn terrier, it's important to know how a dog will act around people and within a certain environment.
Which personality is your favorite dog breed?
Mastiffs Are Goofy And Protective
Mastiffs might be intimidating, but they are a very goofy breed that wants nothing more than to be around their family. While their massive size is a bit imposing, Mastiffs are good-natured and fun-loving, even if their bark sounds a bit on the scary side.
This breed loves to play but is also on the lookout for any potential threats to its family. It's important to start socializing Masstiffs at a young age, as they are a bit on the shy side when it comes to meeting new people.
Dachsund Might Be Small But They're Brave
Dachsund's might be on the shorter side, but their big personality makes up for what they lack in height. This breed is particularly brave, wanting nothing more than to protect their family from anyone they observe to be a threat, whether or not the threat is actually there.
Loyal and brave to a fault, dachshunds are one of the tiniest guard dogs out there. But don't let that fool you. They are also extremely friendly and love a good scratch behind their floppy ears.
Golden Retrievers Are Positive And Happy
With a personality that is virtually forever a playful puppy, it's no wonder Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America. Happy, loyal, and smart, this particular sporting dog wants nothing more than to play with its humans and run around.
The positivity of goldens makes them a fantastic family dog, especially for those families with children, as they love to be around high-energy individuals. This breed loves swimming, playing, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Labrador Retrievers Are Fun-Loving And Playful
There is a reason the American Kennel Club has Labrador Retrievers ranked as the number one most popular breed in the United States, and it has everything to do with their adorable faces. This breed is so fun-loving and playful that going outside and running around doesn't feel like a chore, but a way to make the dog happy.
They are very loyal to their people and love seeing new and interesting strangers, especially if they like to play fetch and will give them nice pets on the head.
Great Danes Are Patient And Loyal
The first thing people need to know about Great Danes is that they aren't for the faint of heart. This breed is massive! But families shouldn't let the size scare them away from this fun-loving pooch. They are great with kids and very loyal to their loved ones.
And, if a family is in need of a goofy guard dog, a Great Dane fits the bill! Just keep in mind, this breed is a big commitment.
Boston Terriers Are Silly Yet Determined
If a family is looking for a silly pooch to join the family, they shouldn't look any further than a Boston Terrier. This breed has a fun personality, doing silly antics without even trying. They're also one of the best city dogs, as they are small, compact, and don't require too much outdoor time.
That being said, they are also a very determined breed and will go after any vermin they see in their home or on the street. They might be small, but they pack a big punch when the need comes.
Bulldogs Are Loyal And Calm
Calm, loyal, and somewhat lazy, bulldogs make great family pets. While they do enjoy going out for the occasional walk around the neighborhood, bulldogs are just as happy lying at home on the couch with their humans giving them a nice belly rub.
However, keep in mind that due to their "laziness," bulldogs can put on a bit of unhealthy weight. So, it is important to get them outside to work off all of their treats.
French Bulldogs Are Very Playful
French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are one of the most popular non-sporting breeds out there. Loved for their quirky personalities and huge bat-like ears, Frenchies are all about making people smile, whether they know it or not. This breed is known to be fun and playful and willing to make the best out of any situation.
While this breed doesn't necessarily need as much exercise as some of the larger breeds, Frenchies don't mind taking walks around the park or playing with other animals for a time.
Beagles Are Loving And Happy
One of the most popular hound dogs in America is the floppy-eared beagle. Loving and happy, this breed is full of personality and does its best to keep a smile on its human's face. However, this breed is a hunting dog, so keep in mind that they have a pack mentality.
Beagles definitely prefer to be around others instead of left alone, making them great family dogs. The fact that they also love good playtime makes them a great choice for families with kids.
Pugs Are Stubborn But Loveable
It's important to start training pugs at a young age, as they tend to get a bit stubborn and stuck in their ways the older they get. That being said, they do love their humans, especially if they supply an ample amount of treats, tummy rubs, and a cozy bed for naps.
It is important to get pugs out and running since they are prone to becoming overweight and lazy later in their lives. Don't let any of those traits sway prospective pug owners from their breed, though; they are very loyal and maken great family pets.
Chihuahuas Are A Sassy Breed
Chihuahua might be small, but they have no issue letting their humans know who is actually in charge of the household. Stubborn and sassy, this breed isn't afraid to pick a fight if they think they're wrong or if their "time-out" is unfair.
That being said, they are very affectionate and loyal to their favorite people and have no issue curling up with their humans on a cold night. And, if a blanket and fire are involved, they might love their human even more!
Pomeranians Are Smiley For A Reason
Loving and loyal, there is a reason Pomeranians seem to have a permanent smile on their face. They love being around their family and have no issue going outside to run around. But, keep in mind, these pooches are on the smaller side, so excessive exercise isn't really in the cards.
But, a nice walk around town is all it takes to make this breed happy. Pretty much, all they want to do is be around their favorite people.
Collie's Love Their People And Are Happy To Train
Loyal and loving, collies are all about making their favorite humans happy. This personality trait makes them one of the best family dogs around. But, for those looking to add a collie to the family, keep in mind that they are quite athletic.
While this breed is more than happy to train and work its brain, collies also need to work their muscles. They are a very athletic breed and, as a herder, enjoy running in open fields. A yard or at least a nearby park is the key to a happy collie.
Poodles Are Very Smart
While poodles might be stereotyped as weak, full of themselves, and in it for the haircuts and showmanship, that isn't necessarily the case. Poodles are an extremely smart breed that is actually all for learning, exercising, and getting out in the world.
Families interested in adding a poodle to the mix need to keep in mind that not all poodles are created equal; while some are teacup-sized, others can be quite large. But all of them are smart, loyal, and will do anything from running around to training.
Cocker Spaniels Are Very Sweet
Cocker Spaniels might be the ultimate family dog. Bred to be hunting dogs, this breed is very smart and highly trainable. In fact, they want to be trained and enjoy a good mind puzzle or two to flex their brain muscles. Speaking of muscles, they also love a good bout of exercise.
And running around outside is made all the better if kids are involved. Cocker Spaniels are great with kids and, like children, they have a whole lot of energy. So, throwing the two together is a great mix!
Airedales Are All About Family
The Airedale Terrier, also known as the Bingley Terrier, is all about family. Their personality is outgoing, friendly, and confident, but don't let that food you! They have a stubborn side. While they are loyal to their family, they are fiercely protective over their homestead.
Even so, this breed's lovable personality is all about companionship. So, if a family is willing to bring them to the park, play ball, and run around, they will love them forever.
Boxers Are Protectors
When you become part of a Boxer pack, there is no going back. This breed is all about protecting their own and will do anything to keep their loved ones safe from anything they perceive as a threat. That being said, it's not like a Boxer's personality is all work and no play.
While they are definitely loyal, this breed is actually very silly and loves to play with their loved ones. Especially good with children, Boxers are a great family dog to have around.
Siberian Huskies Are High-Energy And Loyal
As Siberian Huskies were initially bred as sled dogs, they are very high-energy. This personality trait is something to keep in mind if a family is thinking of adding one of these furry creatures to the family. Aside from needing a lot of time to play outdoors, Huskies are very loyal to their families.
They are pack animals, so once a person becomes part of their "pack," they are in for life. This is a great trait for families with young kids, as Huskies will protect the child from pretty much anything.
Doberman Pinschers Are Focused
As a working dog breed, Doberman Pinschers are dependable. They are the protectors in the family and have a very alert and focused, yet stoic personality. While those traits might make this breed sound not as fun, that's a common misconception.
Doberman Pinschers are actually very energetic and love going outside to play with their loved ones. Just keep in mind that they do come with a fearless side, so letting them run loose without the chance of them running off chasing after a squirrel or bird requires a whole lot of training.
Yorkshire Terriers Have Big Personalities
Yorkshire Terriers are great city dogs. Not only are they small, but they have the no-nonsense personality of a city slicker. They're a bit on the feisty side, but they're so small and cuddly it's difficult to hold that tiny personality trait against them.
It's especially hard if your a Yorkshire Terriers favorite person, as they tend to latch onto one person in particular and become their shadow. Not exactly a family dog, this breed is great for those living in small apartments and need a companion with a big personality.
