People start dogs, guided by their preferences, and each owner considers his own dog to be the best breed. And this is correct because any of them has its own indisputable merits and can claim the right to be called ideal.
Let’s figure out which breeds of dogs were included in the list of the best and by what criteria such ratings are made.
What makes the breed popular?
Several factors influence interest in a particular breed. The most important of them are:
- Appearance and coat length. In countries with hot climates, short-haired or hairless dogs with a long muzzle are considered ideal. Where it is cold and damp for most of the year, shaggy breeds with a thick undercoat are popular.
- Dimensions. The townspeople consider tiny dogs to be ideal, which do not take up much space and can walk in a tray or on a diaper. Rural residents, on the contrary, prefer to see next to them large dogs capable of performing guard functions.
- Character and temperament. Friendly and playful dogs like Goldens or Labradors are ideal pets for families with children. People with active lifestyles have hardy Shepherds or Dobermans who can keep the company on a bike ride or on a hike. And glamorous young ladies are in demand for decorative breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas.
Therefore, the ratings of the best dog breeds are not entirely objective. Even such an unexpected factor as television affects popularity.
Many breeds claim to be the “best dog in the world”. But most often those who have more fans get into it.
In 2020, the ranking of the best breeds included:
- Labrador Retriever
Even a man can envy the character of this dog: they are full of love and almost always in a good mood. With them it is easy in every sense: they are friendly, calm, playful, not only amenable to training, but also obviously enjoy their studies and do their best to please their beloved master. Labrador dogs easily make friends with people and animals. Unless they react to birds like hunters, but even here there are happy exceptions.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are surprisingly loyal to their owner, intelligent and noble dogs. Appearing in Germany at the end of the 19th century, German Shepherds were mainly acquired as assistants in driving and grazing livestock. But their innate qualities – poise, obedience, the quick reaction in non-standard situations made German shepherds excellent service dogs, guides for blind and visually impaired people.
3. Golden Retriever
The outgoing and very loyal Golden Retriever is a wonderful family pet. He is very patient and gentle with children and gets along well with other pets.
4. French Bulldog
Dogs of this breed are great for family living. Lovely character, playfulness, and friendliness have always made French Bulldogs so popular. Pets are very fond of all family members, large and small.
5. Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a very loyal dog with a serious character. They really need human attention, since this breed was originally bred as a companion for the owner, so if you are not ready to devote a lot of time to the pet, it is better to consider other options.
6. Beagle
The Beagle is a very sociable breed of dog that easily establishes close relationships with both adults and children of all ages, therefore it is perfect for families with children.
7. Poodle
The Poodle is an elegant and cute dog, renowned for its unusual curly coat. Representatives of this breed have a lively character, cheerful disposition, and very intelligent.
8. Rottweiler
The popularity of Rottweilers changes at different times, but everyone knows about them all the time. If people need a loyal friend who will accompany him anywhere in the world and in any weather, will always protect and protect, moreover, he is not particularly prone to fatigue, then this particular breed is chosen.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular indoor and decorative dog breeds in the world. York is charming in appearance, energetic, affectionate, and a great companion.
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
The character of the shorthaired pointer is very strong-willed and dynamic. They are like clockwork toys that are ready to take off at just one turn of the key. However, such high activity does not prevent them from being faithful and faithful. They are a little fussy, but if they are raised correctly, they make wonderful household members.
11. Boxer
Boxers are quite loving dogs, they get along well with other animals. If you decide to get a dog of this breed, then at the same time you should think about what other animals are desirable in your home. If there are any, then it is recommended to start them at the same time as the dog. Accordingly, they will be brought up together, which will be most comfortable for everyone.
12. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies have a calm and friendly, yet lively character. Dogs are very active and are almost constantly on the move.
13. Dachshund
Dachshunds are gentle dogs full of energy. Their proud, courageous behavior sometimes borders on recklessness. However, these are such cheerful dogs that such self-will can be easily forgiven.
Dachshund is very loyal to his family, gets along well with children, especially older ones.
Dachshunds are suitable for travel dogs.
Dogs of this breed usually get along well with other animals, although cases of jealousy and irritation towards other animals are known.
14. Great Dane
Great Danes are very large dogs with a gentle and patient character. These good-natured giants make wonderful family pets. Great Danes are attentive to their owner and very loyal to him.
15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is an amazing dog, a favorite breed of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, a small shepherd dog with a big and fearless heart.
16. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman is a dog that most amazingly combines high intelligence and devotion, fearlessness and vigilance, strength, and grace.
17. Australian Shepherd
The Aussie breed has an open and very friendly nature, making it an ideal companion for humans. It doesn’t matter how old you are – this pet literally thinks of itself as your best friend, period. No more, no less. If you are an elderly person and need a companion to make your daily life easier, the Aussie is an excellent choice.
18. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are considered cuddly and flamboyant dogs that enjoy training. They are also considered curious, courageous, friendly, energetic, and observant animals that bond closely with their owner and family. In addition, many of these dogs love the company of children.
19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The character of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel combines the aristocratic dignity of a true Englishman with the charming playfulness of a spaniel.
The Cavalier is fairly easy to train. These dogs are quick-witted, they have a good memory and they learn new commands at an average speed.
20. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu are absolute extroverts, fun, mischievous, loving, and trusting.
They are cute, gentle tame dogs and great companions.
Little optimists love to play and lie around. They are attached to the family and get along well with children who treat them with care.
21. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers have an excellent temperament, they are very loving and gentle. They are smart, playful dogs with good manners.
22. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are very lively and intelligent dogs. They make excellent companions, especially for single people.
You can always carry such a small dog like the Pomeranian with you, and they are only glad to be constantly with their owner.
23. Havanese
The dog is completely human-oriented, used to live near him and serve him. The dog is not suitable either as a guard or as a shepherd, Havanese are companions. They get along well with people, they never show aggression, even towards strangers.
24. Shetland Sheepdog
These energetic dogs helped Shetland farmers: they drove away animals from their possessions and herded sheep into the flock. Sheltie is always happy to go in for sports, quickly learns all the commands, and performs them with great enthusiasm. In addition, she is very fond of active walks, it is not for nothing that this breed is one of the most frequently used in agility.
25. Bernese Mountain Dog
The dog is energetic, attentive, emotional, but does not have a pronounced tendency to bite. As a rule, she is completely devoted to only one person (her master) and treats everyone else with distrust.
26. Brittany
They are always happy to help the owner, open and cheerful. Kindness, affection, responsiveness – all these qualities are inherent in every Brittany, without exception. However, there is one subtle point. These animals can be very shy by nature, and in order to get rid of such a character trait, they need to socialize in the right way.
27. English Springer Spaniel
The ancestor of all now known spaniels, a gambling hunter, and a great friend, the Springer Spaniel is still popular around the world.
28. Mastiff
Mastiffs are majestic, harmonious dogs with dignity. Calmness, patience, kind disposition, and obedience of the mastiff are combined with boundless courage, strength, and perseverance.
29. Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels are playful, cheerful, sympathetic, and gentle dogs by nature. They are very sociable and love to be around their loved ones. Loyal and upbeat English Cocker Spaniels are excellent pets and are well suited for large families and single people. However, in a family, they are more likely to bond with the same person.
30. Vizsla
In the circle of his family, the dog usually shows great love and affection, always trying to participate in family affairs and in general to be closer to his people. The Hungarian Vizsla breed treats children well and kindly, not only because it sees them as a companion for various games and entertainment, but also simply because these dogs, in principle, feel a certain predisposition towards children. Smart, understanding.
31. Pug
The pug is a kind and sociable creature who loves to play and have fun. And although they are not very active dogs, more inclined to cuddle and take a nap, they occasionally have bursts of activity, especially in their youth, they can run around the house and frolic, but, as a rule, not for long.
32. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are very lively, adorable, and intelligent dogs. They are loyal to their owners and tend to choose one most beloved person from all family members.
33. Maltese
The character of the Maltese lapdogs is calm and to some extent even intelligent. They are characterized by activity and energy, liveliness, and agility. This makes them funny and fun and is a godsend for the children living in the house. Dogs of this breed are very fond of games, especially in the fresh air.
34. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is a dog with a high level of energy and intelligence. Most of all, Weimaraners love to run and hunt. They are friendly and very brave dogs, however, they can be overly irritable. If you do not allow the Weimaraner to do what he wants, he can easily develop destructive behaviors.
35. Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd (Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd) is an excellent multifunctional herding dog native to America. Despite its compact size, it is characterized by excellent performance and endurance. This affectionate and loyal breed also makes an exceptionally good companion dog for active families.
36. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands have an outstanding character. These dogs are loving and patient, obedient and calm, intelligent, and always ready to protect and help the family in any business.
37. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso breed has a noble, balanced character and does not waste on trifles. These dogs retain the pride and strength of their great ancestors, which can be seen at first glance. The Cane Corso breed is exceptionally devoted to its family, and if you are looking for a family companion who combines all the best qualities of a strong and intelligent dog, this is what you need.
38. Border Collie
Border Collie is a very reliable and responsible shepherd, so he always does his job well and manages sheep grazing perfectly. The dog is very obedient and always responds to the commands of his owner.
39. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are docile and contact breeds. They are friendly towards other dogs and children.
40. Collie
Collie is an excellent family dog. She loves spending time with children, playing, and looking after them. Collie puppies are usually very curious and playful, they easily make contact with people.
41. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dogs of this breed are highly active, playful, intelligent, and independent by nature and are most popular as good guardians and versatile hunters.
42. West Highland White Terrier
Like other terriers, the West Highland White Terrier is intelligent, independent, a bit stubborn. It is a lively, cheerful dog that needs a firm hand during training.
43. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
His education must be dealt with from childhood. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs early socialization and training. If the owner does not have enough experience, it is better to entrust it to a professional. Representatives of the breed quickly learn commands and are generally easy to train. By the way, they are often used in the USA as service dogs.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a calm disposition, does not show aggression. He will never attack first, but he will not let himself be hurt.
44. Belgian Malinois
These dogs are extraordinarily cheerful, love to play, walk in the street, and generally spend time as actively as possible. For many centuries of its existence, the Belgian Shepherd Dogs devotedly served people, and therefore the Malinois breed cannot spend time lying on the couch.
45. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is distinguished by a strong and willful character, the dog requires a firm hand and a confident owner. Inclined to dominate, she will constantly check if the leader’s place is vacant and try to take it. The animal is distinguished by an average degree of activity, it is quite adapted for living in an apartment in a metropolis. However, the dog will feel most comfortable with an active owner who loves regular physical activity. The dog prefers long walks and will be an excellent companion on nature trips.
46. Bichon Frise
French lapdogs are real little “energizers” who don’t sit still for a minute. They are extremely friendly, active, and amusing creatures that easily take root both in spacious houses and in small apartments.
47. Akita
Akita Inu possess a good character, which makes them wonderful animals for the family. They are known as quiet dogs that only bark when required. Many fans of this breed say that Akita Inu makes you feel relaxed and calm, so they help people cope with stress.
48. Saint Bernard
For all their impressiveness and strength, these are the most peaceful creatures. The calm behavior of noble dogs, their friendliness and devotion, complaisance, and patience impress even those who do not like dogs at all. They are excellent defenders, but mediocre watchmen.
49. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The wheat terrier is not so independent and stubborn in comparison with other terriers. Of course, there is some stubbornness in his character and one can encounter his independent behavior, but often in this breed of dogs, these character traits are subject to correction through training and socialization.
50. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is a charming and noble dog with a vulnerable soul and gentle character. This is an incredibly affectionate and devoted friend, for whom the meaning of life is to serve people.
51. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute breed is known for having irrepressible, enormous energy. If you live in a private house, be sure – your dog will repeatedly destroy your backyard – lawn, garden, vegetable beds – all this will turn into trenches and holes. By the way, it is better to dig the fence deeper or make a concrete foundation.
