Dog breeds are basically divided into working dogs and family dogs. But there are also four-legged friends that are suitable for both purposes.
Working dogs are specifically bred for work. Family dogs, on the other hand, are used for entertainment. The following overview should help you with your search:
In contrast to working breeds, family dogs are usually very trusting and loyal from birth. Without the affection of their family, they quickly become depressed.
No special training is necessary for this. It is an instinct. Below you will learn about the 30 most popular family dog breeds worldwide.
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#1 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a family dog breed. However, he was originally bred as a hunting dog. At that time he chased after all kinds of birds.
After all, the animals' hunting instinct is also very strong. Accordingly, they also need a lot of exercise. But they are also really easy to train.
That's why this four-legged friend is also used as a therapy and guide dog. But also as a sniffer dog for drugs, bombs and a rescue dog. Because he is very intelligent.
It is even among the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Since he is also used as a rescue dog, this four-legged friend can swim well. [2]
Fun fact: A bathtub and the sea. A world of difference. At least for this four-legged friend and he definitely prefers the sea.
#2 French Bulldog
The French bulldog is a family dog with no hunting instinct. After all, they weren't bred for hunting. But to be kept as a house dog.
These four-legged friends are also suitable for beginners. You should own a piece of land. Because this four-legged friend is not suitable for apartment life.
You should always keep an eye on your dog outside. It doesn't cope well with heat, but it doesn't cope well with cold either. He will also simply enjoy your company.
His trusting and sociable nature makes him the fourth most popular dog breed in the world, although he has a tendency to drool from time to time. [3]
Fun fact: A lifeguard should always be present with this four-legged friend. They absolutely cannot swim and sink.
#3 Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever. He originally found his job as a hunting dog for waterfowl. Today it is predominantly a family dog breed.
But they are also rescue and guide dogs. This earns them a place in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. [4]
That is not her only achievement. They are also the world record holder for the loudest bark at a whopping 113.1 decibels. An impressive volume.
The animals bark when insistent, but are far too friendly to attack. Otherwise they get along excellently with children, strange dogs and other pets.
Fun fact: Everything is retrieved here. No matter what it is, this four-legged friend will carry it around in his mouth.
#4 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a family dog. However, he was originally bred to work as a sheepdog. Because he is particularly obedient and vigilant.
Today he is also used as a family, police, military, guard and rescue dog. He achieves this variety of application areas through excellent trainability.
This dog breed is also in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They take second place among the most popular breeds around the world. [5]
So right after the Labrador Retriever. They achieve this popularity, among other things, because they are very trusting towards their families and get along well with children.
Fun fact: “Half dog, half frog” was the description for the four-legged friend in a BBC documentary. Because his bottom hangs particularly low.
#5 Poodle
The poodle has its home in Germany, although its name comes from French. It is one of the 7th most popular dog breeds in the world.
This breed of dog is considered hypoallergenic and particularly clean. This is mainly because they shed very little. They are even non-shedding dogs.
In the past, their fur was even shaved bald. However, this wasn't because of fashion or anything like that. The animals were simply supposed to swim better with bald bodies.
They are available in 4 different sizes. The toy poodle, for example, is a lap dog. The standard poodle, on the other hand, is a family dog, but also a hunting dog. [6]
The family dog breed can be divided according to a simple rule of thumb: the smaller the poodle, the more difficult it tends to be to train the four-legged friend.
Fun fact: Turner beware! This four-legged friend can learn to flick-flack.
#6 English Bulldog
The English Bulldog has a lot of wrinkles on his face. The reason for this was that these kept the blood away from the eyes during a potential fight.
The animals often have an underbite. In general they are very broad and muscular. However, they are less trainable and need little exercise.
They were once used for bull baiting. This is a blood sport in which dogs were chased after chained bulls. [7]
Fortunately, it has long since been banned. Life expectancy is now 8-10 years. However, many die at the age of 6.
This four-legged friend is the ideal family dog because he develops very close relationships with children. He also usually gets along well with other pets and strange dogs.
Fun fact: A bulldog named “Otto” holds the world record for traveling through the longest tunnel on a skateboard.
#7 Beagles
The Beagle is the ideal sniffer dog. It was also originally bred for hunting. We also have one of the best dog noses ever here and she comes from England.
Life expectancy here is up to 15 years. The sizes can vary between two variants. One with 8 kg and the other with 16 kg each. [8]
Both variants are well suited for apartment life. However, staying alone is a problem because they have difficulty getting along alone. Otherwise they are easy to care for.
We also have no problem with heat. Digging is one of their favorite pastimes. Otherwise they are a very trusting family dog breed.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend smells with his nose and ears! Because they wave smells towards their snouts when they run.
#8 Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has a waterproof undercoat. So the water never quite reaches the skin. This means that this four-legged friend is ideal for keeping outside. [9]
The animals are also ideal guard dogs as they are territorial, alert, fearless and strong. The males are usually more self-confident and the females are more trusting.
However, the animals should always be used to children because they have a strong herd instinct and could therefore push them. Otherwise they are friendly.
However, they are not suitable for everyone. Above all, they need a strict and dominant master. Then they are easy to train and can also be used as a family dog.
Fun fact: The nickname of this four-legged friend “Rott” or “Rottie” is even used among dog connoisseurs.
#9 German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred for hunting. Because he has a very good nose. It works perfectly on land, but also works just as well in the water.
The webbed membranes between the toes are also practical. This makes the animals excellent swimmers. But they often have ear infections after swimming.
This can happen if the ears are not dried properly. In general, this is one of the most active dog breeds in the world. [10]
The family dog breed is very versatile. As a watchdog, bomb-sniffing dog, sled dog or simply a family dog for active people.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend looks for its prey with its head held high. Almost no other sniffer dog searches with their nose up.
#10 Dachshund
The Dachshund can come in three different sizes. So as a dachshund, a dwarf dachshund and a rabbit dachshund. This allows him to climb into a roof structure.
There are also three different hair types: short, long and rough hair. In total, there are nine different types of dachshunds. [11]
Everyone of this variety barks a lot. Their life expectancy is up to 16 years. They are well suited for first-time owners. But they are also ideal for the family.
However, the family dog breed always has cute long floppy ears. Not only are they cute, they are also super friendly with children. They are only skeptical when it comes to strangers.
Fun fact: Here we have a candidate for the nasty nicknames. So may I introduce: the “Sausage Dog”.
#11 Welsh Corgi Pembroke
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranks among 13 of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. No wonder, because it is perfect for beginners. He is also very trainable.
The name translates as “Pembroke dwarf dog”. The dogs live up to 15 years. They are relatively small, but despite their size they can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
They have a strong herding instinct. This means that when they are young they even tend to pinch their owners' heels. Otherwise they are very trusting towards the family.
They also behave openly towards strangers. This makes them the perfect family dogs. Finally, they also get along very well with children. [12]
Fun fact: You might get a little frightened by your puppy. But don't worry, it's normal. These four-legged friends can also be born without a tail.
#12 Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog. He needs a lot of activity, otherwise it can lead to constant barking. And they are really very persistent.
This family dog breed is also known as the “Aussie”. They are also known for their optimal trainability. However, they require a lot of exercise.
Although they can be trained optimally, they need a strict master in order to obey. That's why they're less suitable for beginners.
The four-legged friends are very versatile. They also serve as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs and family dogs. [13]
Fun fact: These four-legged friends were considered sacred because of their blue eyes. She was honored with the name “Ghost Eye”.
#13 Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier is significantly more self-confident and lively than other lap dogs. He sometimes tends to be a bit crazy. [14]
This is expressed in the fact that he sometimes carelessly takes on a large dog. However, this also makes him a good watchdog.
These four-legged friends require a lot of physical and mental…