Best Dog Breeds For Different Personalities

The American Kennel Club officially recognizes 190 different dog breeds, and that doesn't even include "designer dogs" like the Labradoodle or Cockapoo.

From Chihuahuas to Chow Chows, there are a wide range of dogs to choose from. You might already have your favorite, but does that make it the best dog breed for you?

Before you bring home a furry friend, take the time to consider which traits and characteristics fit the best into your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. 

For Apartment Dwellers

With small spaces and nearby neighbors, apartment dogs need to follow a different behavioral code than dogs in the suburbs.

If you live in an apartment, condo, or townhouse, the best dog breeds are quiet, small, and have low energy. Avoid getting a Pitbull, Rottweiler, Doberman, Great Dane, Husky, or German Shepherd, as these breeds are commonly banned from most apartment complexes.

Best Dog Breeds: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachsund, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Pug, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier

For Cuddle Buddies

Who doesn't love a good snuggle session? Certainly not these dogs! These breeds are well-known for their loyal, loving natures. 

The very definition of "Man's Best Friend," you'll always find them close at hand, begging for another belly rub.

Best Dog Breeds: Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, English Toy Spaniel, Great Dane, Greyhound, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pug, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

For Families

Families with young kids are probably used to hearing the constant whine of "Can we get a puppy?" But think carefully before you select your new pet.

Very small children might be intimidated by a large dog, while rambunctious youngsters might not get the rough-and-ready playtime experience they want with a Maltese.

Every family will have their own set of preferences and needs, but the affectionate, docile, and laidback breeds listed here would make great companions for little ones.

Best Dog Breeds: Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pitbull, Pug

For People With Allergies

Luckily, an allergy to dog dander doesn't have to prevent you from keeping man's best friend in the house. The trick is finding a dog that doesn't shed, also known as a hypoallergenic dog.

As long as you treat them to regular "spa days" to brush out the loose fur, your allergies will thank you!

Best Dog Breeds: Basenji, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Komondor, Portuguese Water Dog, Shih Tzu, Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless), Yorkshire Terrier

For the Impatient

If the adjustment period is the factor that's holding your family back from dog ownership, these are the best dog breeds to consider.

These dogs are friendly and easy to train, so you can bond instantly.

Best Dog Breeds: Australian Cattle Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, Boxer, Corgi, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer, Papillon, Poodle

For Extroverts

If your house is a revolving door of friends, family, and neighbors, a protective guard dog is not what you need.

These dogs are friendly toward strangers, so you can host as many open houses, game nights, and get togethers as your heart desires. 

Best Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamute, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Bloodhound, English Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Pitbull, Pug

For Puppy Lovers

There isn't a soul on earth that doesn't love a puppy! And while every dog will age, these breeds will keep that playful puppy enthusiasm well into their Golden Years.

Best Dog Breeds: Beagle, Bearded Collie, Bichon Frise, Brittany Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Springer Spaniel, Papillon, Toy Fox Terrier, West Highland Terrier

For Hectic Households

Not everyone has a typical 9-to-5 schedule with a consistent evening routine. And, while all dogs need basic care (exercise, affection, food, water), these easygoing dogs can handle changing schedules, loud noises, and whatever else your hectic house can throw at them.

Best Dog Breeds: Australian Cattle Dog, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Golden Retriever, Mini Schnauzer, Poodle, Samoyed, Weimaraner

For Athletes

If you're an athlete looking for a furry companion to keep up with your exercise routine, you need a high-energy dog breed. These dogs like a lot of exercise, so they'll always be down for a jog or a game of fetch in the backyard.

Best Dog Breeds: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, Boxer, Dalmatian, Irish Setter, Jack Russell, Siberian Husky, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel

For Quiet Households

If you're sensitive to sound, having a yapping dog keeping you and the neighbors up at all hours of the night wouldn't be the right fit.

Instead, stick with one of these quiet dog breeds that are known for holding their tongues.

Best Dog Breeds: Australian Shepherd, Basenji, Bernese Mountain Dog, Borzoi, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Setter, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound, Shih Tzu, Wheaten Terrier,

For Low-Energy Households

Maybe you work long hours or simply don't have the time to walk a dog for hours on end. A low-energy dog breed is the perfect choice.

Content with a brisk walk or a short spin around the dog park, these dog breeds are happy to spend the rest of their days in a comfy spot (like your lap).

Best Dog Breeds: Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Havanese, Pekingese, Pug, Saint Bernard

For Warm Weather

With a short, single coat (no undercoats here!), slender build, and long snout to keep them cool, these dog breeds are better suited to tropical temperatures, like those we see in Central Florida.

Best Dog Breeds: Afghan Hound, Basenji, Dalmatian, Doberman, German Shorthaired Pointer, Ibizan Hound, Pharaoh Hound, Rat Terrier, Vizsla, Whippet

For Cold Weather

Thick fur (with an undercoat) and ample fat make these dog breeds perfectly suited for snowy weather and icy temperatures. But that's not to say you can't have them if you live in, say, Central Florida.

Just be sure to give them a thorough brushing every day to remove the undercoat and give them indoor access with plenty of water.

Best Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Norwegian Elkhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, St. Bernard, Tibetan Mastiff, Tibetan Terrier

Conclusion

Dog breeds were developed across multiple cultures and times to enhance (or discourage) different traits. While each dog breed is known for a certain set of behaviors and characteristics, don't take the breed at face value.

Before adopting your dog, make sure you ask about his/her unique temperament and needs before you bring them home. Just because a certain type of dog is your favorite doesn't mean it will fit well into your habits or household.

Once they've been adopted, make the most of your favorite breed's temperament by giving them the best nutrition to keep them healthy and happy.

At Rick's Dog Deli, all of our meal formulations are 100% human-grade, wholesome, and natural, not to mention beloved by dogs of all breeds. Try one of our Signature Meals, Therapeutic Meals, or create a Custom Order today!