Updated at: 02-10-2023 - By: petstutorial

Choosing the right dog breed for your household can be a daunting task, especially with so many breeds to choose from. However, with careful consideration of your lifestyle, preferences, and living situation, you can find the perfect furry companion to share your home with.

In this article, we will provide you with a list of 15 of the best house dog breeds according to various sources. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other breeds that can make great house pets.

We will also provide you with some tips to help you choose the best dog breed for your housing situation, size, energy level, shedding, trainability, and price.

Remember, dogs are a long-term commitment, and families should be prepared to care for their pup for 16 years or more, depending on the breed’s lifespan.

15 Best Types Of House Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, also known as the Labrador or simply Lab, is a British breed of retriever gun dog that was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and are known for their friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited personalities.

Labs are great family dogs and are often described as one of the most family-friendly dog breeds. They are gentle, patient, and great with children and other pets.

Labs are highly intelligent, good-natured, and eager to please, making them a top choice for service dog work. They are also active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Beagle

The Beagle is a small scent hound breed that is similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. They were originally developed for hunting hare, known as beagling.

Beagles are known for their friendly and playful personalities, making them excellent family dogs. They are small to medium-sized dogs with short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and tan.

Beagles are muscular, solid dogs with a slightly domed skull, and their muzzle is squarish and broad. They have long and droopy ears, and their chest is deep, back is straight, and they have a moderately long tail that is carried high.

Beagles are active, curious, and have a keen sense of smell, making them excellent hunting dogs. They are also friendly, gentle, and playful, making them great companions for people of any age.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian, is a breed of working dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. They are a medium to large-sized breed that is known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts.

German Shepherds are highly trainable and are often used as police dogs, military dogs, and service dogs. They are also great family dogs and are known for their courage, confidence, and loyalty.

German Shepherds are moderately active dogs and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are also known for their curious nature, which makes them excellent guard dogs and suitable for search missions.

However, they can become overprotective of their family and territory if not socialized correctly.

Boxer

The Boxer is a medium to large-sized dog breed that was developed in Germany in the late 19th century.

They are a short-haired breed of mastiff-type and have a smooth and tight-fitting coat that comes in fawn, brindled, or white, with or without white markings.

Boxers are known for their great love and faithfulness to their master and household. They are harmless in the family, but can be distrustful of strangers. Boxers are intelligent, willing to please, and have a friendly temperament at play, but are brave and determined when aroused. They are highly desirable family dogs and cheerful companions due to their intelligence, modesty, and cleanliness.

Boxers are hunting mastiffs that were employed in the pursuit of bear, wild boar, and deer. They are suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work due to their strength and courage.

Boxers are not for everyone, but those prepared to provide love, stimulation, and cuddles will find them to be great companions.

Dachshund

The Dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, badger dog, doxie, and sausage dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. They were bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, such as rabbits and foxes.

Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired, and a variety of colors, including black, tan, red, and chocolate. They are playful, friendly, and social dogs that make great pets for first-time pet parents.

Dachshunds are good for apartments and small houses, but they do tend to bark a lot. They are also known for their stubbornness and can be difficult to train.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in Siberia, Russia, and was raised by the Chukchi people as a sled dog and companion. They are recognizable by their thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings.

Siberian Huskies are friendly, intelligent, and independent dogs that are known for their outgoing nature. They are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Siberian Huskies are good with children and strangers, but they are not watchdogs as they tend to bark little and love everyone. They are also known for their gentle temperament, which makes them great family pets.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in Germany in the Middle Ages. They were originally bred to hunt wild boar and deer and were also used as guardians of German nobility.

Great Danes are known for their courage, friendliness, and dependability. They are typically swift, alert dogs that have a massive square-jawed head and body.

Great Danes are gentle giants and have a good disposition, making them charming and affectionate companions. They are playful and patient with children and love to be around people.

Great Danes are also known for their loyalty and courage, making them good watchdogs. They require plenty of exercise and consistent training and rules should start right from puppyhood.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. They were developed from the smallest specimens of the Standard Schnauzer, or crosses between the standard and one or more smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Poodles, as farmers bred a small dog that was an efficient ratting dog.

Miniature Schnauzers are described as “spunky” but aloof dogs, with good guarding tendencies without some guard dogs’ predisposition to bite. They have a very square-shaped build, measuring 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm) tall and weighing 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) for females and 11 to 18 pounds (5.0 to 8.2 kg) for males.

They have a double coat, with wiry exterior fur and a soft undercoat, and recognized coat colors are black, pepper and salt, black and silver, and pure white.

Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-moulting dogs, and they are a bright, friendly, trainable companion, small enough to adapt to apartment life but tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland. They are known for their wiry, double coat that comes in black, white, or salt and pepper, and they are always in the top 20 most popular breeds in the U.S., England, and Germany.

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, obedient, friendly, and full of life, and they love to be in the thick of the family action. They are extroverted with moderately high energy and require at least an hour of exercise a day, as well as mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp. They are incredibly loyal to their family and require a great deal of attention.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. They were developed from the smallest specimens of the Standard Schnauzer, or crosses between the standard and one or more smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Poodles, as farmers bred a small dog that was an efficient ratting dog.

Bichon Frises are cheerful, small dogs with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give. They have black eyes and a fluffy white coat that requires regular grooming.

Bichon Frises are gentle and playful, and they make great family dogs. They are known for their long lifespan, typically living for 12-15 years.

Bichon Frises are considered a great all-around pet that is a playful yet gentle dog. They get along well with other pets and are generally considered very good with kids.

Maltese

The Maltese is a small breed of dog that is known for its playful and affectionate personality. They are originally from the Mediterranean island of Malta and have been prized for their long, silky white coat that hangs down to the ground. They are the perfect size for snuggling on your lap, growing to around 7-12 inches in height and weighing about 4-8 pounds.

Maltese dogs are highly adaptable and make great companions for all ages of pet parents. They are smart, playful, and sweet, and their highly adaptable personality is one of the many reasons why Maltese often fall into the top 20 of America’s most popular dog breeds.

They are also known for their innate watch-dog mentality and loyalty to their owners. Maltese dogs are generally healthy and have an average lifespan of 14-15 years.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is a small breed of dog that originated in France in the mid-19th century. They were created as smaller versions of the Bulldog and were bred to be companion dogs.

French Bulldogs are known for their distinctive bat-like ears, adorable faces, and playful nature. They are small dogs, typically weighing around 16-28 pounds (7-13 kg), and have a lifespan of about 10-12 years.

French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver, mouse, and black with white or tan. They are the fourth-most registered dog in the United States and the second-most registered dog in the United Kingdom.

French Bulldogs are adaptable, playful, and loyal dogs that make great companions for singles, families with kids, and couples. They require minimal grooming and exercise and are relatively easy to train. French Bulldogs are also known for their stubbornness, but with patience and proper motivation, they are willing to learn.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog breed that is the national dog of Cuba. They are a bichon-type dog that is descended from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana, which was developed from the Bichón Tenerife.

Havanese dogs are small in size and sturdy in structure, with a tail carried over their back and ears that drop and fold. They have a long, silky coat that comes in all colors.

Havanese dogs have a spirited personality and a curious disposition, and are notable for their springy gait, which distinguishes them from all other breeds. They are considered an ideal family pet and a true companion dog, and are highly adaptable to almost any environment.

Havanese are friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great companions for families with children. They are intelligent and easy to train, and have a low-maintenance coat that requires regular grooming.

Havanese dogs are active, intelligent, happy, and trainable, and are ideal for the guardian who wants a small dog that can be content with frequent walks and games of fetch. They are affectionate and happy dogs that do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners.

Havanese dogs are intelligent and trainable, and need socialization to prevent them from becoming timid with strangers. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized, and they enjoy outside activities.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog that originated on the island of Newfoundland, which is now part of modern-day Canada. They are known for their calm and docile nature, as well as their strength and loyalty.

The breed is often referred to as “the gentle giant” and is described as having a sweet temper. Newfoundlands are ideal companions in the world of therapy and are often referred to as “nanny dogs”.

They are also known for their ability to rescue people from the sea due to their powerful hindquarters, large lung capacity, large webbed feet, and heavy, oily coat that contributes to their ability to swim and withstand cold waters.

The Newfoundland is a huge, characteristically gentle, and patient dog that stands 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kg). They are affectionate and playful with nearly everyone, including strangers, other dogs, and household pets.

Newfoundlands get along especially well with children, which has earned the breed the nickname “nanny dog”.

Collie

The Collie is a large but lithe herding dog that stands anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall. They are known for their long, flowing coat and gentle temperament.

There are two varieties of Collies: Smooth Collies and Rough Collies. The Rough Collie is the more popular of the two and is known for its long, flowing coat.

Collies are highly intelligent, sensitive, and loyal dogs that are usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. They are natural herders and need to be taught not to herd humans.

Collies are faithful, playful, docile, and protective of their family members, and they are good with children. They are energetic outdoors and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Collies are highly trainable and make great family pets. They are good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger.

Poodle

The Poodle is a breed of water dog that is highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable. They are divided into four varieties based on size: Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle.

The Standard Poodle stands between 45 and 62 centimeters (18 and 24 in), the Medium Poodle between 35 and 45 centimeters (14 and 18 in), the Miniature Poodle between 28 and 35 centimeters (11 and 14 in), and the Toy Poodle between 24 and 28 centimeters (9.4 and 11.0 in).

Poodles are highly trainable and are ranked second out of 130 breeds in “working and obedience intelligence”. They are an active dog, requiring regular physical and intellectual activities.

Poodles were originally bred for waterfowl hunting, but they are currently classified as companion dogs by the FCI. Poodles are renowned for their playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. They are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families and are always up for a good game.

Poodles are good family dogs, fun, energetic, smart, and easy to train. They do best with plenty of exercise for both mind and body and prefer to be with people.

FAQS

1. What are the best house dog breeds?

The best house dog breeds include Labrador Retriever, Beagle, German Shepherd, Boxer, Dachshund, Siberian Husky, Great Dane, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Maltese, French Bulldog, Havanese, Newfoundland, Collie, and Poodle.

2. What are the most popular dog breeds for families?

The most popular dog breeds for families include Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, Irish Setter, Collie, and many more.

3. What are the best small house dog breeds?

The best small house dog breeds include Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Pomeranian, Boston Terrier, and Maltese.

4. What are the best large house dog breeds?

The best large house dog breeds include Great Dane, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd.

5. What are hypoallergenic dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that produce fewer allergens than other breeds, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Some hypoallergenic dog breeds include Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog.

6. What should I consider when choosing a dog breed for my home?

When choosing a dog breed for your home, consider factors such as your lifestyle, living situation, activity level, grooming requirements, and common health ailments of the breed. It’s also important to consider the dog’s temperament and energy level to ensure a good match for your family.

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