What dog breed is best for apartments?
Find compact, calm breeds like French Bulldogs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, perfect for apartment life.
Your Ultimate Guide to Happy, Healthy Dogs
While people often use ‘dog breeds’ and ‘dog types’ interchangeably, ‘types’ can refer to general categories like working dogs, toy breeds, or family-friendly dogs
Dog Types vs. Dog Breeds - What’s the Difference?
When searching for your perfect pup, you may come across the terms "dog types" and "dog breeds." While they’re often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference:
Dog types refer to broader categories of dogs based on traits, behavior, or purpose — like working dogs, toy dogs, herding types, or family-friendly dogs.
Dog breeds are specific genetic lines recognized by organizations like the AKC or FCI — for example, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, or German Shepherd.
At BestDogDirectory.com, we help you explore both — so you can easily discover the type of dog that fits your lifestyle and then dive deeper into the breed details.
Labrador Retriever Details
Origin: Newfoundland, Canada
Main Characteristics: Friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited.
Coat Length: Short
Size: Size: Medium to large; males weigh 29–36 kg (65–80 lbs), females 25–31 kg (55–70 lbs).
Eye Color: Brown or hazel.
Labrador Retriever Origin
Newfoundland Canada Map
Coat Color: Black, yellow, or chocolate.
Purpose: Originally bred for retrieving game; now popular as family pets and service dogs.
Suitable Owners: Active individuals or families; excellent with children.
History: Developed from the St. John's dog in the 19th century; prized by English nobility for retrieving skills.
German Shepherd Details
Origin: Germany
Main Characteristics: Intelligent, courageous, and versatile.
Coat Length: Medium.
Size: Large; males weigh 34–41 kg (75–90 lbs), females 29–34 kg (65–75 lbs).
Eye Color: Brown.
German Shepherd Origin
Germany Map
Coat Color: Varies; commonly black and tan, sable, or all black.
Purpose: Herding, police and military roles, search and rescue.
Suitable Owners: Active individuals or families; requires training and socialization.
History: Standardized by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 19th century for herding and working purposes.
Poodle Details
Origin: Germany and France
Main Characteristics: Intelligent, active, and trainable.
Coat Length: Curly and dense; requires regular grooming.
Size: Standard, Miniature, and Toy; weights vary accordingly.
Eye Color: Dark, oval-shaped.
Poodle Origin
Germany & France Map
Coat Color: Various, including white, black, apricot, and gray.
Purpose: Originally water retrievers; now companions and show dogs.
Suitable Owners: Those seeking an intelligent, hypoallergenic pet; adaptable to various living situations.
History: Dates back to at least the 15th century; name derived from the German word "Pudel," meaning to splash in water.
Bulldog Details
Origin: England
Main Characteristics: Calm, courageous, and friendly.
Coat Length: Short and smooth.
Size: Medium; males weigh about 24 kg (53 lbs), females about 22 kg (49 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark.
Bulldog Origin
England Map
Coat Color: Brindle, white, red, fawn, or piebald.
Purpose: Originally used for bull-baiting; now a companion breed.
Suitable Owners: Families or individuals; good with children; requires minimal exercise.
History: Transformed from a fighting dog in the 13th century to a gentle companion after bull-baiting was outlawed.
Beagle Details
Origin: England
Main Characteristics: Curious, friendly, and merry.
Coat Length: Short.
Size: Small to medium; two size varieties: under 13 inches and 13–15 inches at the shoulder.
Eye Color: Brown or hazel.
Beagle Origin
England Map
Coat Color: Typically tricolor or bicolor, including combinations of white, black, and brown.
Purpose: Hunting hare; now also family pets.
Suitable Owners: Active families; good with children; enjoys companionship.
History: Dates back to Roman times; refined in England for hunting purposes.
Siberian Husky Details
Origin: Siberia, Russia
Main Characteristics: Energetic, friendly, and resilient.
Coat Length: Medium, double coat.
Size: Medium; males weigh 20–27 kg (45–60 lbs), females 16–23 kg (35–50 lbs).
Eye Color: Blue, brown, or one of each (heterochromia).
Siberian Husky Origin
Siberia Russia Map
Coat Color: Various, including black, white, gray, and red.
Purpose: Sled pulling and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Active individuals; requires ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Main Characteristics: Loyal, gentle, and affectionate.
Coat Length: Long, thick double coat.
Size: Large; males weigh 38–50 kg (85–110 lbs), females 36–48 kg (80–105 lbs).
Eye Color: Brown.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Switzerland Map
Coat Color: Tricolor—black with white and rust markings.
Purpose: Draft work, herding, and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Families or individuals with large outdoor space; thrives in cooler climates.
Shiba Inu Details
Origin: Japan
Main Characteristics: Alert, independent, and clean.
Coat Length: Short, double coat.
Size: Small to medium; males weigh 10–11 kg (23–25 lbs), females 8–9 kg (17–20 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown.
Shiba Inu Dog
Japan Map
Coat Color: Red, sesame, black and tan, or cream.
Purpose: Hunting small game and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Experienced dog owners; needs consistent training and daily activity.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Origin: United States
Main Characteristics: Confident, strong, and loyal.
Coat Length: Short, smooth coat.
Size: Medium; males weigh 16–30 kg (35–65 lbs), females 14–27 kg (30–60 lbs).
Eye Color: Blue, hazel, brown, or amber.
American Pit Bull Terrier
United States Map
Coat Color: Various, including black, white, brindle, and gray.
Purpose: Originally bred for farm work and protection; now used in sports and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Active, responsible individuals; benefits from early socialization and training.
Bichon Frise Details
Origin: Belgium
Main Characteristics: Cheerful, playful, and affectionate.
Coat Length: Medium; soft and curly.
Size: Small; both males and females weigh 5–8 kg (10–18 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown or black.
Bichon Frise Dog
Belgium Map
Coat Color: White, occasionally with apricot or cream tones.
Purpose: Companion dog.
Suitable Owners: Families, allergy sufferers, or apartment dwellers.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin: Zimbabwe
Main Characteristics: Brave, loyal, and intelligent.
Coat Length: Short, dense coat.
Size: Large; males weigh 36–41 kg (80–90 lbs), females 29–34 kg (65–75 lbs).
Eye Color: Brown, often matching coat color.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog
Zimbabwe Map
Coat Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten.
Purpose: Lion tracking, guarding, and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Confident and experienced dog owners with active lifestyles.
Papillon Details
Origin: France
Main Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, and friendly.
Coat Length: Long, flowing coat.
Size: Small; both males and females weigh 3.6–4.5 kg (8–10 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown.
Papillon Dog
France Map
Coat Color: White with patches of black, red, sable, or other colors.
Purpose: Companionship and agility sports.
Suitable Owners: Families or individuals looking for an active, trainable small dog.
Akita Details
Origin: Japan
Main Characteristics: Loyal, dignified, and courageous.
Coat Length: Medium, dense double coat.
Size: Large; males weigh 45–59 kg (100–130 lbs), females 32–45 kg (70–100 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown.
Akita Dog
Japan Map
Coat Color: White, brindle, red, sesame, or pinto.
Purpose: Guarding, hunting, and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Experienced owners with firm leadership and ample space.
Newfoundland Details
Origin: Canada
Main Characteristics: Gentle, patient, and strong.
Coat Length: Long, thick double coat.
Size: Giant; males weigh 60–70 kg (130–150 lbs), females 45–55 kg (100–120 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown.
Newfoundland Dog
Canada Map
Coat Color: Black, brown, gray, or Landseer (white with black markings).
Purpose: Water rescue and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Families with space and time for grooming; great with children.
Basenji Details
Origin: Central Africa
Main Characteristics: Quiet, curious, and independent.
Coat Length: Short, fine coat.
Size: Small to medium; males weigh 10–12 kg (22–26 lbs), females 9–11 kg (20–24 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown.
Basenji Dog
Central Africa Map
Coat Color: Red, black, tricolor, or brindle with white markings.
Purpose: Hunting and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Active individuals seeking a low-maintenance, unique companion.
Scottish Terrier Details
Origin: Scotland
Main Characteristics: Confident, spirited, and independent.
Coat Length: Medium; wiry topcoat with soft undercoat.
Size: Small; both males and females weigh 8.5–10.5 kg (19–23 lbs).
Eye Color: Dark brown or nearly black.
Scottish Terrier Dog
Scotland Dog Map
Coat Color: Black, brindle, or wheaten.
Purpose: Vermin hunting and companionship.
Suitable Owners: Individuals or families looking for a loyal, low-shedding pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your most pressing dog breed-related questions.
Which dog breeds are good with children?
Discover family-friendly breeds known for gentleness, like Golden Retrievers, Beagles, or Labrador Retrievers.
Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?
Explore breeds like Poodles, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dogs, known to minimize allergic reactions.
Which dog breeds require minimal grooming?
Consider low-maintenance breeds such as Boxers, Dachshunds, or Greyhounds with short, easy-care coats.
What dog breeds are easiest to train?
Find intelligent, trainable breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, or Labrador Retrievers for quick learning.
What dog breeds suit active lifestyles?
Explore energetic breeds like Australian Shepherds, Huskies, or Vizslas, ideal for runners or outdoor enthusiasts.
Which dog breeds live the longest?
Learn about long-lived breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Shih Tzus, often living over 15 years.
What dog breeds make good watchdogs?
Discover protective breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, or German Shepherds, known for loyalty and vigilance.
Are there dog breeds suited to cold climates?
Explore breeds adapted to cold weather like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, or Bernese Mountain Dogs.
What dog breeds are ideal for seniors?
Find gentle, manageable breeds like Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, perfect for seniors.
Which dog breeds are best for first-time dog owners?
Consider friendly, adaptable breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Papillons for new pet parents.
What are some rare dog breeds?
Discover unique breeds like the Azawakh, Otterhound, or Norwegian Lundehund, known for their rarity and charm.
Are certain dog breeds prone to health problems?
Understand breed-specific issues like hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or heart conditions in Boxers.
Which dog breeds shed the least?
Explore minimal-shedding breeds such as Bichon Frises, Yorkshire Terriers, or Miniature Schnauzers.
What dog breeds thrive in warm climates?
Learn about heat-tolerant breeds like Chihuahuas, Basenjis, or Greyhounds that adapt well to warmer weather.
22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Introduction
If you suffer from dog allergies but still dream of having a furry companion, you're not alone. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds are far more allergy-friendly than others due to their low-shedding coats and minimal dander. This guide highlights 22 of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds that could be perfect for your lifestyle.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that produce fewer allergens. Allergic reactions are usually caused by proteins found in a dog’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. Dogs that don’t shed much or have hair instead of fur typically spread fewer allergens in the home.
1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
Highly intelligent and low-shedding, poodles are a top choice. Their curly coat traps dander, preventing it from spreading.
2. Bichon Frise
With a soft, curly coat, the Bichon rarely sheds and is known for its cheerful personality.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
These athletic dogs have dense, curly coats and were bred to work in water, making them great for active families.
4. Maltese
A toy breed with long, silky hair instead of fur. Gentle and loving.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Small, confident, and hypoallergenic thanks to their human-like hair.
6. Shih Tzu
Despite their long coats, they don't shed much. Regular grooming is essential.
7. Labradoodle (if bred for low-shedding coat)
A cross between a poodle and a Labrador. Not all are hypoallergenic, so check the coat type.
8. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
Bold and protective. Their wiry coat minimizes shedding.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
An Italian truffle-hunting breed with dense curls and low-shedding fur.
10. Havanese
Friendly and adaptable, with a soft coat that requires brushing.
11. Cairn Terrier
Rugged little dogs with a low-maintenance coat that sheds minimally.
12. Scottish Terrier
Independent and dignified. Their wiry coats trap loose hairs.
13. Chinese Crested
Available in hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless has minimal dander.
14. Basenji
Short-haired and fastidious like a cat. Doesn’t bark, but makes a unique yodel-like sound.
15. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
Hairless version produces minimal dander. Ancient and rare.
16. Afghan Hound
Silky-coated and elegant. Doesn’t shed much but needs regular grooming.
17. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Bouncy and friendly, with a soft, flowing coat that doesn’t shed heavily.
18. Bedlington Terrier
Looks like a little lamb, but is all terrier in spirit. Curly coat needs clipping.
19. Lhasa Apso
Calm and confident. Long coat requires maintenance but is low-shedding.
20. Irish Water Spaniel
Curly-coated and energetic. Excellent for allergy-prone homes.
21. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless version is ideal for allergies.
Tips for Living with a Hypoallergenic Dog
Bathe your dog regularly to reduce dander.
Use HEPA filters in your home.
Keep dogs off beds and furniture.
Wash bedding and toys often.
Consult an allergist to understand your sensitivities.
22. American Hairless Terrier
Energetic and affectionate. The lack of fur means fewer allergens.