Best Dog Breeds List: Which is Right for You?

by Hannah Roundy

From big to small, active to lazy, shedding to hairless, and more!

How many dog breeds are there?

A full dog breeds list could fill an encyclopedia. There’s no exact number of how many dog breeds exist. Some countries and kennel clubs only recognize certain types.

For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) currently registers about 202 different dog breeds – and that’s only counting purebreds. Alternatively, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes around 300 breeds.

Breed aside, dogs are man’s best friend. It doesn’t matter if it’s a super mutt or a purebred Poodle.

Purebreds vs. Mixed Dog Breeds

What’s the difference between a purebred and mixed-breed dog? Purebreds are dogs that are of one singular breed. Their parents were both purebreds of the same breed, as well. For instance, a German Shepherd with two German Shepherd parents is a purebred.

Mixed-breed dogs are just as the name implies. They are a combination of two or more dog breeds. Some pups have a dozen different breeds in their DNA, while others have two or three.

Some breed combinations are more popular than others. Poodle-mixed dogs (or “doodles”) have outranked purebreds in popularity over the past decade. Every dog with a breed name ending in “-oodle” is a hybrid Poodle breed.

Are purebred dogs better or worse than mixed breeds? We don’t have quite enough evidence yet to make the call. All we know is if it barks, eats, and has a tail, we’ve already fallen in love.

Small Dog Breeds

woman with small dog eating sundays dog food

For city dwellers and frequent travelers, small dog breeds are your best bet. These pint-sized pups often come with big personalities and yappy barks. Here are a few of our personal favorite small dog breeds:

Big Dog Breeds

golden retriever on the beach

Some pet parents prefer a dog that makes a statement – or takes up a lot of room on the couch. Big dog breeds are likely to be strong, loyal, affectionate, and surprisingly gentle. If you’re looking for a running buddy, guard dog, or play pal for the kids, consider adopting a larger pup. Here are a few notable big dog breeds:

Low-Shedding & Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

For our allergy-prone friends who love dogs, you’re not alone. Dog dander allergies make it difficult to adopt a pup, but not impossible. There are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds that can be a game-changer for you. Popular low-shedding breeds include:

Maltese
Poodle (all sizes)
Bichon Frise
Miniature Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog
Havanese
Chinese Crested Dog
Scottish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Some Doodle variations

While no pups are 100% allergen-free, some dog breeds produce less dander than others. Most hypoallergenic dog breeds need regular grooming to prevent any allergen build-up in their coat. Just make sure you (and your allergies) are up for the challenge of caring for a hypoallergenic pup.

Smartest Dog Breeds

Looking for a pup that’s easy to train? Take a look at our list of the smartest dog breeds. Highly intelligent dogs are often quicker to learn commands and pick up on communication. Based on recent studies, here are the smartest dog breeds:

Border Collie
Poodle
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Doberman Pinscher
Labrador Retriever
Rottweiler
Australian Cattle Dog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Schnauzer
English Springer Spaniel
German Shorthaired Pointer

Dog Breeds List for Families with Kids

dog outside with boy in background

Pet lovers looking for a family dog have plenty of choices. The best dog breeds for families with kids are gentle, affectionate, patient, and adaptable. Pick a pup that loves to play, isn’t sensitive to noise or touch, and can bond with every member of the family (even the toddler who pulls their ears). Here’s our dog breeds list for family-friendly pups:

Newfoundland
Cocker Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Boxer
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Collie
Weimaraner
Beagle

Athletic vs. Lazy Dog Breeds

Don’t choose a dog breed that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Sunrise hikers and avid runners should pick more athletic and adventurous breeds. If you’re on the opposite spectrum, we have a few lovably lazy dog breeds to co-pilot the couch with you:

Bulldog
Basset Hound
Saint Bernard
Pug
Newfoundland
Chow Chow

Which dog breed is right for me?

Caring for a dog is a huge responsibility, and selecting the right breed matters more than you think. A dog’s breed plays into their health, trainability, friendliness, and personality. Even if your pup isn’t purebred, breed habits are literally in their DNA.

Ask yourself a few questions before selecting your ideal breed:

How much of my weekly time can I dedicate to grooming and training?
Do I want a dog to go with me everywhere or one that’s more independent?
What is the maximum weight and height I’m comfortable with?
Will my roommates, kids, or pets be okay with this breed?

The best dog for you isn’t necessarily the most popular breed. It’s the pup that fits your lifestyle, living situation, and routine. Find what calls to you!

If you are a first-time dog parent looking for the perfect pup, visit your local animal shelter. You’ll be able to tour the facility and see the dogs in person. Ask to play with the pups that make your heart flutter. Your new furry friend may be a mixed-breed mutt or a purebred breed you’re not familiar with.

The Journey Begins!

dog waiting for bowl of sundays dog food

Exploring dog breeds lists is only step one in the journey to pup parenthood. Once you bring home your furry friend, there’s a whole new life awaiting you both. Get ready for cuddles, treats, training time, vet visits, and more!

No matter where you are in your dog parenting journey, the Sundays’ team is here for you. Find everything you need to be the best pet parent ever on our blog. Give your dog the best start by feeding them 100% human-grade dog food – made with love by Sundays for Dogs.