Best Dogs to Own: Our Top 25 Picks

sAre you thinking of getting a dog? There are many breeds of dogs out there in the world. They each have different characteristics, personalities, and temperaments. Wanting a particular dog breed might be easy, but sometimes that’s not the best way to choose a dog.

You have to look at the dog breed and its qualities to see that it fits with your lifestyle. After all, you’re not going to buy a Border Collie that has a lot of energy and stick them into an apartment. So, let’s explore the best dogs to own from the AKC breeds list: our top 25 picks.

1. Labrador Retriever

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: United Kingdom

The Labrador Retriever is friendly and outgoing. They are known for being gentle and having intelligent temperaments, so they excel in various roles like being service dogs or family pets. These dogs are best for families and active individuals, as well as first-time dog owners. Labs need regular exercise and mental stimulation, they’re ideal for homes with yards or close access to parks.

2. Golden Retriever

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Scotland

The Golden Retriever is affectionate, intelligent and loyal. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These amazing dogs are known for their patients and are fantastic with children. Golden Retrievers are best for people that have families and those seeking a friendly and dependable companion. They also make good therapy dogs, but be aware that they need plenty of exercise.

3. German Shepherd

• Lifespan: 9-13 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Germany

German Shepherds are loyal and courageous. These dogs are highly trainable and are usually used in police and military work. They are protective in nature and form strong bonds with their families. These dogs are usually better for families that are more active or that need guard dogs. German Shepherds, also called Alsatians in Great Britain, thrive in homes where they have a purpose or a job.

4. French Bulldog

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: France

French Bulldogs are playful, adaptable and affectionate. They are also small, but sturdy creatures. They are known for their playful personality, but also for their bat-like ears and charming nature. French Bulldogs are best for those living in apartments and small families. They don’t require a lot of exercise, which means it’s perfect for those living in cities, as well.

5. Beagle

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Small to medium-sized
• Origin: Great Britain

Beagles are curious, friendly and energetic. They are known for their love of tracking and keen sense of smell. They were, after all, bred to be hunting dogs. Beagles are sociable dogs and enjoy being around people, as well as other pets. These dogs are best for those that have other pets, active individuals, or families. Remember, Beagles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

6. Bulldog

• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Size: Medium-sized
• Origin: United Kingdom

Bulldogs, or also called English Bulldogs, are calm, courageous and loving. They are known for their loose, wrinkled skin and they’re very distinctive pushed-in nose. These creatures are gentle companions that enjoy lounging around with you. If you are looking to buy a bulldog, note that they are low energy and are best for those living in apartments or first time owners. Bulldogs are not active at all and are just happy doing short walks.

7. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Small to medium-sized
• Origin: France, Germany

Poodles are intelligent, trainable and hypoallergenic. They come in three sizes — standard, miniature and toy — and are known for their curly and low shedding coats. Excelling in competitions, they are great when it comes to agility and obedience. These dogs are best for those who are active individuals or interested in dog sports. Just remember, Poodles need regular grooming and mental stimulation.

8. Yorkshire Terrier

• Lifespan: 13-16 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: United Kingdom

The Yorkshire Terrier, or colloquially called Yorkie, is a small dog that has a big personality. They are bold, affectionate, and lively dogs. known for their long and silky coats, they are often seen as glamorous pets. They are perfect for those living in apartments or seeking a small, portable companion. Be aware that even though they are small, Yorkies are energetic and enjoy playtime, as well as short walks.

9. Boxer

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Size: Medium to large
• Origin: Germany

Boxers are playful, loyal and energetic. They are known for their Boundless Energy and affectionate nature. If you have children, then get a boxer, because they are excellent with children and are often seen as the “clowns” of the dog world. Boxers are best for those with active families or wanting protective companions. They are outdoorsy dogs that need regular exercise.

10. Dachshund

• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: Germany

Dachshunds are curious, lively and brave. Known as “wiener dogs,” dachshunds are small creatures with long bodies and short legs. They are best living in small homes or those with families because they’re independent dogs but also enjoy companionship and play time.

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Lifespan: 9-14 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: United Kingdom

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affectionate, gentle and friendly. These creatures love to cuddle and are known for their silky coats and their expressions. These dogs are best for retirees or families, and even though seeking a loving lap dog. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog that can thrive in various settings including apartments and larger homes.

12. Siberian Husky

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Siberia

Siberian Huskies are energetic, friendly and independent. They are known for their amazing appearance with striking blue or multicolored eyes, and they also have thick, double coats. The Siberian Husky is a dog typically for active owners with large yards. They need a lot of exercise and are known for their strong prey drive and escape artist tendencies.

13. Shih Tzu

• Lifespan: 10-16 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: China

The Shih Tzu is friendly, outgoing and affectionate. They are toy dogs that usually have a distinct long, flowing coat. They are also quite obedient and are good companion dogs that love to be pampered. Shih Tzus are perfect for those living in apartments or families in a larger house. They do require regular grooming, but usually they are low maintenance dogs.

14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Medium-sized
• Origin: Wales

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is loyal, intelligent and outgoing. corgis are known for their short legs, long bodies, and fox-like faces. They are also known as the dog that Queen Elizabeth II liked. originally they were hurting dogs with a lot of energy and a strong worth ethic. These dogs are best for active families or those wanting a smaller, sturdy dog. These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.

15. Rottweiler

• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Germany

Rottweilers are confident, loyal and protective. They are also strong and powerful, which means they’re often used in protection and police work. They are known for their devotion to their owners and their families. A Rottweiler is usually best for a dog owner that has experience or active families. They need consistent training and socialization in order to be the best possible dog.

16. Australian Shepherd

• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: United States

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic and loyal. These creatures are highly trainable and excellent Dog Sports like agility and obedience. They are also known for their striking coat patterns and beautiful, bright eyes. These dogs are best for active owners because they need a lot of physical exercise. Apart from physical exercise, they need mental exercise to prevent boredom, too.

17. Chihuahua

• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: Mexico

Chihuahuas are bold, lively and affectionate. They are the smallest dog breed in the world, but they have a huge personality and are sometimes known as “purse dogs.” These dogs are best for those living in apartments or seeking small dogs. They are usually low-maintenance, but love being close to their owners.

18. Great Dane

• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Germany

Great Danes are gentle, friendly and affectionate. They are also known as gentle Giants because of their large size, but they are extremely calm and good natured. Great Danes are best for those with large homes because of their incredible size. Keep in mind that these dogs need a lot of space, but are usually couch potatoes that love to lounge around.

19. Doberman Pinscher

• Lifespan: 10-13 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Germany

Doberman Pinschers are loyal, intelligent and protective. They are known for their sleek appearance and strong guarding instincts, so they’re usually trained to be guard dogs. These highly trainable dogs are best for those who are experienced owners and active families.

20. Maltese

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: Malta

The Maltese is an affectionate, playful and hypoallergenic. They are small creatures that are known for their long, flowing white coats, and are usually seen as elegant lap dogs. The Maltese is usually best for those living in apartments or retirees. They require regular grooming, but other than that they are pretty low maintenance.

21. Border Collie

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Medium-sized
• Origin: Great Britain

Border Collies are intelligent, energetic and highly trainable. They are often considered as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. They excel in dog sports and were originally bred to be herding dogs. Border Collies do best if you are an active owner or interested in dog sports. These dogs also need a lot of mental and physical exercise to be happy and healthy.

22. Boston Terrier

• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: United States

Boston Terriers are friendly, lively and affectionate. These dogs are small creatures that are known for their tuxedo-like markings. That is why they are known as the American Gentleman dog. These playful pups are best for families that live in apartments or first time owners. Lastly, they’re easy to train and get along with children and other pets.

23. Pug

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: China

Pugs are charming and affectionate. These adorable little pups are known for their wrinkled faces and curled tails. They are also playful, but enjoy lounging and cuddling with their owners. Pugs are usually best for those living in apartments, families, and those wanting a more low maintenance talk. Although they are easy going and require minimal grooming, you should watch out for breathing issues they usually develop.

24. Bichon Frise

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Small
• Origin: France and Belgium

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, affectionate, and hypoallergenic breed. Bichon Frises are fluffy and known for their cheerful temperament and curly coats. They’re fantastic for those that suffer from allergies because of their hypoallergenic coat. They are also good for those wanting a small, friendly dog. The Bichon Frise requires regular grooming, but usually they are low maintenance and easy to train.

25. Bernese Mountain Dog

• Lifespan: 7-10 years
• Size: Large
• Origin: Switzerland

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle, affectionate, loyal breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy animals that are known for their tri-color coats, but also their sweet nature. They are excellent with children, which means that if you have a family with a large yard, this is the dog that you should get. They are often called “gentle giants,” and because of that they will need some space to roam around.