The 22 Best Dogs for All Types of Owners

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated June 27, 2025
A yellow labrador on a leash stands next to a person, looking up with its mouth open.

When you’re thinking of getting a new dog, you always have to take into consideration many factors. What is your personality like? Where’s the dog’s personality like? There are breeds that behave differently around children and those that behave differently around adults. Some dog breeds don’t mix well with other pets. You may be one that doesn’t like to exercise, but there are dog breeds out there that need exercise on a daily basis because their energy levels are through the roof. The great thing is that there is a dog breed for all types of owners. Let’s take a look at the 22 best dogs for all types of owners.

These are all purebred AKC-recognized breeds. Keep in mind that many mixes combine characteristics of purebred dogs, so don’t rule out a mix when choosing your family’s next dog.

A labrador golden retriever wearing a black harness lies on green grass dotted with small white flowers, looking at the camera with its mouth open.

For Families with Children

One of the best things that you could do for your children is get a pet. Your children will learn a myriad of things when they have responsibilities with a pet. However, not all pets do well with children. The great thing is that some of them are great with kids. Let’s take a look at them.

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  1. Labrador Retriever: These dogs are friendly and patient. They are also fantastic with kids.
  2. Golden Retriever: The golden retriever is one of the most popular animals for those that have families. Why? Because these dogs are loyal, tolerant, and super playful. That is a big plus when you have children.
  3. Beagle: The Beagle is a small dog that is great with children. They are also loyal and tolerant (a good personality trait to have around kids).

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, one of the dog breeds for first-time owners, lies on grass with its tongue out, next to an orange ball.

For Apartment Dwellers

There are many dogs that are big and require a lot of space. If you live in an apartment, like many people, having a big dog may not be a good option. However, there are many small dogs that don’t require a lot of space and an apartment can be the perfect situation for them. Let’s take a look at these dogs.

  1. French Bulldog: French Bulldogs can be quite adaptable, low energy, and because they’re small, can fit in any type of apartment.
  2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog who is affectionate and calm. They don’t require a lot of space, which is great for those living in apartments.
  3. Pug: The pug is a funny looking, compact dog. They are also sociable and even tempered.

A black, white, and brown border collie sits outdoors on a patio, looking up with its mouth slightly open. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.

For Active Owners

Calling all nature lovers out there. If you’re looking for a dog that would love to exercise with you —  from taking hikes to running on the boardwalk by the beach, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll outline a few of the dog breeds that do well when it comes to exercise. These are very energetic dogs that will love to go outside.

  1. Border Collie: The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dogs on the planet. They are also energetic and they thrive when it comes to exercise.
  2. Australian Shepherd: These dogs are extremely smart and they enjoy outdoor activities as much as any nature lover out there. They are also active dogs.
  3. Siberian Husky: This dog is quite a beautiful creature. They are very energetic, friendly, and if you’re a runner, you’re in luck, because they love running.

Close-up of a small dog with long ears and fluffy fur against a vibrant autumn leaf background.

For Novice Owners

Thinking about getting it done but you don’t know where to begin? You haven’t had a pet since you were a child. The thing is that when you were a child, you may not have taken care of one fully because of your parents’ help. Or maybe you have never had a pet and you are yearning for one. you feel like a novice and you don’t want to overwhelm you. These dog breeds are right for you.

  1. Bichon Frise: These dogs are friendly, easy to train, and low shedding. If you’re a novice, the Bichon Frise is going to be an easy dog to handle.
  2. Shih Tzu: This dog is  loyal and affectionate. They are also low maintenance, which means they don’t require a lot of work. This is perfect for new dog owners.
  3. Papillon: The Papillon is an intelligent and easy to train dog. They are also small, which means that they can fit in any type of living space and adapt to any owner. 

A small pomeranian dog wearing a harness sits on a car seat beside a white handbag, smiling.

For Seniors

When you’re a senior citizen, you may not have the energy that you used to. you have slowed down a bit and you don’t want to take on a lot of responsibility, either. As a senior, you have finally retired and you want to enjoy life. However, having some companionship is always a good idea. By choosing a dog breed that is right for a senior, you’ll be safe to know that you’ll be in good company with these dogs. 

  1. Maltese: These dogs are gentle, playful, and small. They also don’t require a lot of activity, which is a great thing when you may not have a lot of energy.
  2. Pomeranian: The Pomeranian is a small dog, which means that you can carry them with ease. They are also energetic and affectionate, so it’s best to take them on short walks each day.
  3. Yorkshire Terrier: The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog that can be bold and courageous. They are also loyal and easy to manage. This is perfect for a senior that loves to travel and take on low responsibility.

Black curly-haired dog standing outdoors on a wooden surface with a clear blue sky and a tree in the background.

For Allergy Sufferers

Since you were born, you’ve been allergic to animals. Your parents always told you that you couldn’t have dogs because of your allergies. But, they may not have told you the whole truth. There are some dog breeds out there that are hypoallergenic. This means that they don’t have the typical dog here that most dogs do. This also means that if you suffer from dog allergies, these dogs may be the best for you. 

  1. Poodle: The poodle is an intelligent and versatile dog. They come in various sizes and colors, as well. The best part is that they are hypoallergenic, perfect for those who suffer from allergies.
  2. Portuguese Water Dog: The Portuguese water dog is a hypoallergenic dog and they are also quite energetic. These dogs kill two birds with one stone —  they are perfect for those who suffer from allergies and also perfect for those that love to exercise and stay active.
  3. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, or Giant): The schnauzer, all types, are loyal and good watch dogs. And because they are hypoallergenic, they will be great for those with allergies.

A majestic Great Pyrenees, large and fluffy with a calm expression, stands on the lush green grass sporting a blue harness.

For Country Living

You finally decided that you want to live outside of the city. Living in a big city isn’t for you anymore and you want to enjoy the great outdoors. You want to have a house where you won’t see a neighbor for miles. You would also like to get a companion that would be a great addition to your country living. These dogs are great for people that live in the country and have huge acreage.

  1. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that is also extremely calm. The best part about this dog breed is that they are also amazing when it comes to outdoor space.
  2. Great Pyrenees: This dog is a gentle and protective dog. When it comes to large properties, this dog does very well. So you won’t have a problem with the Great Pyrenees and your country living.
  3. Australian Cattle Dog: The Australian Cattle Dog hails from Australia and we all know that Australia is one huge country with a lot of land to roam around. So of course, the Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic and intelligent dog that does well in huge spaces.

For Those Who Travel

Calling all those travel lovers out there. Sometimes you yearn to travel all over the world. but when you have a dog, that may stop you from fulfilling that traveling dream. However, there are dogs that can adapt to traveling very easily. The small dogs in particular are the best to have because they can fit underneath the seat in front of you if you are traveling on a plane. Let’s take a look at one dog breed that is the perfect one if you love to travel.

  1. Chihuahua: These dogs are extremely small, loyal, and do well in small living spaces. They are also quite portable, which means that you can take them anywhere.

Bottom Line

There you have it, the best dogs for all types of owners, broken down by category. The bottom line is that each breed has distinct personalities and unique traits and characteristics. These breeds can fit with certain people, but with others they don’t. The best thing to do is research each breed with their characteristics and needs and compare them with your lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle or one where you travel may not fit with a dog breed that needs exercise. At the end of the day, with research and a lot of patience, you can make the right decision and get the right dog that fits perfectly for you.