Rottweilers originally worked as herding dogs that herded cattle to market. That required athleticism and toughness: “You have to step in the chest every once in a while,” as he put it.
“Here’s my fun fact about Rotts: The owners of the dogs, when they sold cattle at the market, would put their wallets with the money around the Rottweiler’s neck. No one is going to take that away from the rottweiler,” he said.
But Frei hopes people don’t get a Rottweiler because he looks macho.
“If you need a male dog to prove you’re male, you’re not male,” he said.
No. 9 — German Shorthaired Pointer
Active people are often fans of the German Shorthaired Pointer because the dogs are highly energetic and can make excellent running and hunting companions. With their webbed feet and water-repellent fur, they are also fantastic swimmers.
“We call German Shorthaired Pointers the SUV of sporting dogs because they can do it all,” Frei joked. “They are intelligent; they are athletic. If you have a German Shorthaired Pointer, you’d better be ready for long walks or runs every day if they need it.”
No. 10 – Dachshund
Dachshunds come in all different sizes and with three coat varieties: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired, but they are instantly recognized by the public as charming “dachshunds.” (Fun fact: With a nod to hot dogs, “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson had a beloved dachshund named Nathan.)
“They’re all going to be long, low and level,” Frei said. “They have a lot of terrier personality in them. They were bred to hunt badgers and probably other ‘bad boys’, so they have a certain fearless temperament. They are tough, small, solid dogs.”
No. 11 – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh corgis are good enough for a queen, literally. Queen Elizabeth II surrounded herself with the sturdy little dogs. The internet loves them, too, including their “bottoms” with the severed tails, which you’ll find emblazoned on T-shirts, hats, and even poking out of the inside of coffee mugs.
California resident and dog writer Elaine Gewirtz says her corgi, Midge, is a character, like most corgis you’ll meet.
“They are not a breed that just sits and looks at you,” he told TODAY.
Corgis excel at dog sports like agility and domestic hobbies like cuddling. Smart, intuitive dogs also love to make friends with people and other dogs, and are often fascinated by what’s going on around them, he added.
No. 12 – Australian Shepherd
Hiking trails, particularly in the west, are often packed with Australian Shepherds as they are so athletic. As a herding breed, Aussies are bred for endurance, making them adept at ranching and long walks in the great outdoors. They are also fiercely intelligent. Be prepared to offer plenty of training and exercise.
No. 13 – Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier, recognizable by that long, plush coat, typically weighs just 7 pounds. But the Yorkie’s diminutive size doesn’t denote a small personality. In fact, the AKC breed standard includes: “The dog’s head-high carriage and confident demeanor should give the appearance of vigor and conceit.”
Mission accomplished.
No. 14 – Boxer
Boxers have a face that tends to make us smile. In addition, they are playful, intelligent and affectionate; as the American Boxer Club notes, “the boxer’s most remarkable characteristic is the desire for human affection from him.”
No. 15 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
People love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels not only because of their sweet “lap-loving personality,” but also because they are multi-talented dogs, according to Kim Campbell Thornton, dog writer and editor, and Cavalier enthusiast.
“They are happy to play sports with dogs, go hiking or to the beach, or just be couch potatoes with you. Whatever you want to do, it’s a game,” she told TODAY. “Finally, their size makes them great travellers, which is important with so many people taking their dogs on the road with them these days.”
No. 16 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher can have a fearsome reputation. But the dog “from yesterday’s horror movies” is still protective, but now he’s also a fun-loving, athletic dog and a “demanding companion,” according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
Smart dogs also boast qualities like bravery, loyalty, and an energetic nature. As with all dogs, positive socialization and training are key.
No. 17 – Great Dane
“My running joke about the Great Dane is that my parents never bought me a pony growing up, so my Danes serve that purpose,” Colorado resident Susan Kohut told TODAY.
Kohut has adopted four Great Danes from rescue organizations. (Purebred dogs can end up in local shelters, and there are more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country.) She loves them for being goofy, goofy, loyal, and adaptable. Her current Dane, Eloise, will happily walk 6 miles, but if the weather isn’t nice, she’s fine with a short walk and then snuggling on the couch.
No. 18 – Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature schnauzer’s beard makes the breed instantly recognizable; In addition, they do not lose much hair.
Courageous Dogs are highly recommended for families with children by the AKC, which lists other positive attributes as being bright, friendly, trainable, and courageous without aggression.
No. 19 – Siberian Husky
There’s no doubt that Siberian Huskies turn heads, but they’re more than just a pretty face.
Heather Mundt, a Colorado resident, freelance writer and family travel expert, said she and her husband got their first husky in 1997 and fell in love with the breed’s love of exercise. (She was quick to mention that this affinity can turn them into “freaks” without enough and that they get bored easily.)
“Huskies are always ready to run or walk, so they are great adventurers. They are also beautiful but willful. Which means they are difficult to train. But I adore them, and they’ve always been great with kids,” he told TODAY. “The two we have now, Boris and Tasha, are pandemic rescues, and I was reluctant to get them because I hate losing my pets. But I am very happy to have Huskies in my life because they are so entertaining. I also joke that they are my favorite children now that my children are teenagers. At least the dogs are happy to see me.
No. 20 – Bernese Mountain Dog
Driving through Switzerland, and in the city of Bern, you will see images of the Bernese Mountain Dog on postcards and souvenirs. It’s natural for the Swiss to take pride in the gentle giants known for being loving, resilient, strong, intelligent, even-tempered and eager to please.
Here is a complete list of rankings of the 197 best dog breeds.
Choosing the right dog for you
Before you bring home any dog, it’s important to realize what you’re getting into and learn about the care a dog will need, such as training. As Frei mentioned, “You are not born with a degree of obedience.”
It’s also crucial to work with responsible breeders whose motivation is to preserve a breed’s best traits and perform health checks, rather than backyard breeders just looking to make a profit, he added.
“Responsible purebred dog breeders, heritage breeders, are fighting to keep some of these breeds alive. Not just to keep the breed alive, which is what happens in many cases, but to make sure the best traits come out in those breeds,” he said. “They are going to be a lifelong member of your family.”
So choose that family member carefully, and keep in mind that the most popular dogs may not be the right pets for everyone.
