Good Dog Guide
Golden Retriever
Gentle, patient, and famously friendly. Goldens love people, water, and anything they can carry in their mouth.
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- High
- With kids
- Great
Breeds
Find your kind of dog.
Every breed has its own personality. Here are nine favorites, with a quick look at how big they get, how much energy they have, and how they do with kids.
Labrador Retriever
Outgoing and eager to please, Labs are easy to train and happiest with a job to do, even if the job is fetching a ball.
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- High
- With kids
- Great
German Shepherd
Smart, loyal, and protective. Shepherds thrive on training, structure, and plenty of time with their people.
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- High
- With kids
- Good
French Bulldog
Playful clowns with bat ears. Frenchies need little exercise and suit apartments, but struggle in hot weather.
- Size
- Small
- Energy
- Low
- With kids
- Great
Beagle
Merry, curious, and led by their nose. Beagles are sociable and vocal, so expect some happy howling.
- Size
- Medium
- Energy
- Medium
- With kids
- Great
Border Collie
Often called the smartest breed. Border Collies need lots of exercise and puzzles to stay happy.
- Size
- Medium
- Energy
- Very high
- With kids
- Good
Dachshund
Brave and bold in a long, low package. Dachshunds are loyal companions with a stubborn streak.
- Size
- Small
- Energy
- Medium
- With kids
- Good
Poodle
Elegant, clever, and athletic. Poodles come in three sizes and shed very little, but need regular grooming.
- Size
- Small to large
- Energy
- Medium
- With kids
- Great
Basset Hound
Low, laid-back, and famous for those long ears and soulful eyes. Bassets have one of the best noses around, and a gentle, easygoing nature to match.
- Size
- Medium
- Energy
- Low
- With kids
- Great
Don't forget the mixed breeds.
Some of the best dogs around are one of a kind. Shelters are full of wonderful mixed-breed dogs waiting for a home.
Every dog has a story.
Tell us about yours, ask a question, or suggest a breed we should add next.
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