1. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Corgi dogs have been around for quite some time, approximately 3000 years ago. The Pembroke Welsh Corgis breed is the result of crossbreeding between Corgis and some Northern breeds imported into Wales. The ancient Corgi breed was called Cardigan Corgi, and it is relatively rare nowadays.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are beloved for their lively nature and extreme cuteness. In Welsh mythology, these dogs were even used by fairies for transportation. They are very energetic but can be wary of strangers, yet they adore children. They are obedient and know how to win their owner's heart.
They have a quite amusing face, a long back, big ears, and a cute little bottom. However, you must feed them carefully and regularly, or they can get quite grumpy.
2. German Shepherds
Dutch Shepherd or Dutch Belgian Shepherd, also known as the Dutch sheepdog. Today, this breed has been domesticated and become one of the rarest guard dog breeds in the world. Nowadays, they are trained to protect property and guard homes for families.
Shepherd Dogs are a relatively new breed. They only appeared in 1899. They are a very special breed: extremely loyal and obedient to their owners, and incredibly courageous. These Shepherd Dogs are highly intelligent and always know how to perform tasks they have been trained for.
This dog breed is often used in investigative work to search for missing persons and detect hidden drug stashes. They value human companionship so much that they can become extremely bored and potentially aggressive if left abandoned without playmates.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever Dog is the most popular retrieving breed in the United States. The name 'Labrador' originates from Portuguese, meaning 'Worker.' Their ancestors trace back to Canada. Initially used for retrieving and fetching during hunting, Labradors were brought to England in the 1800s and gained more popularity. Today, they are considered one of the most common family dogs worldwide.
Labrador Dogs (commonly known as Lab dogs) are very obedient, loyal, and exceptionally gentle. They love to play, especially with children and even with other animals. As a result, Labradors are widespread in Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada, and the United States. Labradors are also easy to train and become very helpful.
Moreover, they assist blind individuals and those with autism. Lab Dogs are extensively used by the police and other forces, contributing to security and law enforcement operations.
4. Elegant Poodles
Poodles (or duck-hunting dogs) are a breed specialized in hunting waterfowl, mainly ducks. They have been known throughout Western Europe for about 400 years, descendants of French Water Dogs, Hungarian Water Hounds, and Barbets. The name 'Poodle' originates from 'Pudel' in German, meaning 'to splash about in water.'
Today, this water-loving breed has been bred into a delightful companion with a classy and charming image. They are raised in many families and are highly popular in the pet community worldwide.
Poodles may not have the most appealing appearance like some other dog breeds, but they are playful, lively, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. Poodles love to be close to humans, so it's not surprising if they stick by your side all day long.
Poodles can be very protective against strangers or other dogs, making them a reliable 'guardian.'
5. Lively Beagles
Beagles are a small-sized hunting dog breed that is widely loved worldwide. They are great for keeping an eye on the house while being friendly companions and playmates for children in the family.
Beagles are incredibly intelligent dogs, making them useful for law enforcement at airports to detect unfamiliar objects in passengers' luggage. Due to their friendliness, air travelers don't find them bothersome. This breed is also less prone to infectious diseases, making them suitable for indoor living, even with children.
Moreover, they rarely become aggressive. However, Beagles are often abandoned or sold because their owners struggle to handle their occasional aggressiveness. Therefore, proper training is crucial for this dog breed.
6. Majestic Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever is a medium-sized hunting dog breed originating from Scotland (United Kingdom). It's the result of crossbreeding between Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, Setters, Newfoundlands, and Bloodhounds. Many dogs of the Golden lineage have won top honors in various competitions.
Currently, Golden Retrievers are the second most popular breed raised as pets in the United States and are among the top 5 most intelligent dog breeds.
Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly, loyal, and obedient. They always want to be close to their owners whether indoors or outdoors. Due to their obedience, they are loved by almost everyone, especially children. They are practically never known to get angry.
Owners often train Golden Retrievers to retrieve game such as chickens, ducks, and other poultry. Moreover, you'll be delighted to know that they excel in games like fetch.
7. Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are a breed of dog with a 'global' influence. They always attract special attention from dog enthusiasts and inspire many artists. As a sled-pulling breed of the Spitz type, they originate from Northeast Siberia, Russia. The Chukchi people of Northeast Asia crossbred these dogs, resulting in a breed with excellent long-distance sled-pulling abilities in extremely harsh conditions. Later, Huskies were brought to Alaska, becoming popular in the United States and Canada. Thanks to their captivating appearance and unique personality, Huskies have become favored pets in many households worldwide.
Siberian Huskies are remarkably beautiful dogs, captivating everyone with their thick, plush fur and deep, beautiful eyes. If asked which dog breed looks the most special, most people would answer Huskies. They are also extremely friendly and love playing with children.
They don't have an unpleasant odor like some other large dog breeds. Moreover, they hardly ever shed, except for two times a year when they completely replace their outer coat with a new one. Huskies require a lot of time for training and are prone to escaping, so potential owners should carefully consider before getting them for the first time.
8. Newfoundland Dogs
Originating from the beautiful island of Newfoundland in Canada, that's why this dog is named so. Also known as Newfie, it's the result of crossbreeding native wolf dogs and giant breeds. Perhaps that's why the Newfoundland resembles the Tibetan Mastiff. Newfoundlands were historically raised by people for sea rescue purposes in the North Atlantic. These courageous dogs became lifesavers for unfortunate individuals in distress on icy sea channels. They were first brought to England in 1960.
This dog breed is often referred to as the 'nanny of nature,' and the Newfoundland is one of the cutest animals. Perhaps the most famous Newfoundland is Nana from the story 'Peter Pan,' a tale beloved by children.
With a large, robust physique, it's often affectionately called the 'Tibetan Mastiff from Canada.' Males stand between 69-74 cm tall, weighing about 59-68 kg. Females are slightly shorter, around 63-69 cm tall, weighing 45-54 kg. They have a well-developed, muscular build. The impressive feature you'll notice immediately is their thick, double-layered coat: a soft inner fur and a long outer layer, known for its water-resistant quality due to their origin in the cold North Hemisphere. This fur allows them to adapt to the most extreme temperatures and also deceives the viewer's 'visual perception.' The excessive fluff in their warm coat makes them appear much larger than their actual size. They come in various colors such as brown, black, yellow, white and black, and gray. White spots often appear on the chest, paws, and tail tip.
9. Maltese Dogs
9. Maltese Dogs
10. Portuguese Water
Portuguese Water is a sophisticated and adventurous dog, making an excellent companion for many families. Despite its ancestors believed to have originated from the Central Asian steppes about 700 years BC, its popularity stems from Portugal, where it is known as Cao de Agua, with Cao meaning dog and de Agua meaning water.
Portuguese Water has a robust muscular build with a body structure that allows it to function on both land and underwater for extended periods. Its body length is slightly less than its height. The characteristic appearance includes wavy or curly fur, often trimmed in a lion cut or remaining style (trimming the entire coat from tail to head, leaving about 2.54 cm). Standard coat colors can be black, white, various shades of brown, or a combination of the three. In summary, it's a dog with a cheerful, elegant look, yet robust and powerful.
With traits like a love for adventure, playfulness, and affection, Portuguese Water enjoys being close to water and its human companion. It is quite friendly with other dogs, pets, and children. It is also very obedient – a trait that makes it a perfect adventure companion.
People who are often allergic can still comfortably play with them. Although Portuguese Water is very easygoing, like other breeds, they can occasionally get bored and become aggressive.