Home, Sweet Home! These 21 Breeds Make the Best House Dogs

Whether you ’re living on your own or with kinsfolk phallus and looking to add a whelp to the mix , you may wonder which strain make the good star sign dog . Ultimately , it depends on what your family situation looks like and how you’re able to devote your clip .

" pick a firedog who fits your life-style is highly important , " says Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Laura Robinson . She excuse that just because some breed are precious or fun does n’t of necessity mean they ’re a great fit for your picky home . For good example , if your agenda does n’t accommodate aSiberian husky’sexercise need , he may become bored and pick up some unsuitable , destructive demeanor .

From charming Chihuahuas to mellow Newfoundlands , we ’ve rounded up the best house dogs to gibe your family — but first , some considerations to keep in head .

woman waking up with her dachshund

Photo: Goodboy Picture Company / Getty

What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Breed

A few thing to deal when picking a stock , Robinson says , include :

Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievershave been known as the most popular dog for decades , and for good reason ! " research lab make amazing family dogs . They are typically very well-disposed , happy , go - with - the - stream dogs , and typically be intimate all people , " Robinson says . Because they are retrievers , they can be very dynamic at time , so it ’s best to carve out about an hr for playday every day . They do shed quite a fleck but are unquestionably worth the extra time spent vacuuming !

Miniature Schnauzer

Theminiature schnauzeris restrict to be your bearded bestie . Mini schnauzer are super lovesome and corking with home and children , Robinson says . well-disposed and courageous , mini schnauzer boom when they get about an hour of exercise daily , consisting of playday primarily inside combined with a nice walk . Miniature schnauzers do n’t spill much , make them a fantastic couple forallergy sufferers — although , they do require regular grooming to keep their pelage in tip - top shape .

Newfoundland

Who can resist this cute bear face ? Robinson line theNewfoundlandas a " tranquil , gentle giant " who does not require much to be well-chosen . The Newfoundland is a laid - back breed who is super easygoing and loyal to her family . A Newfie ’s preferred pastimes include move out for curt 30 - minute walks every day and take note the world around them . Because they grow up to be large dogs , they must have enough space to relax and cast . You ’ll also desire to brush her long , thickheaded coating regularly and have a towel quick for her drool . cook for some slobbery , wet kiss !

Maltese

TheMalteseis a darling strain consecrate to her family . fresh and angelical , Maltese dogs can pass time alone — although , they ’d rather be in your arms ! Robinson say they ’re " best with mob who are home most of the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. as they like a sight of tending . " These gentle pups do n’t ask a lot of exercise , but they do like going for pass or doing zoomies in the backyard . With a coat so flowy and glamorous , Maltese wiener require routine training but do not shed much .

Japanese Spitz

If you have children or other favorite in your house , the adorable ( and adaptable!)Japanese spitzwill get along with everyone . Robinson describes these cloud andiron as " odd dogs with a sense of humor , " who are also loyal and bright , make them howling companions . A playful breed , the Nipponese spitz requires at least 45 minutes of interactional sport and steady walks .

Greyhound

TheGreyhoundis an first-class family pet . Nicknamed " 40 - miles per hour - couch potatoes , " Greyhounds are elegant and loving . " Their word and stock make them large house PET — clean , calm , and an warm comrade , " Robinson enjoin . Although they ’re considered to be the fast dog breed , Greyhounds are happy to lounge in the house or go out for long walks .

Shih Tzu

Meet your unexampled cuddle buddy ! Theshih tzuis always quick for some rest and retreat with you . Robinson describes shih tzus as being " quite outgoing and well-disposed " and will get along with the entire family , both two - legged and four - legged . They have beautiful , foresighted locks , which as you may think , do require some brushing and regular grooming .

Chihuahua

" Loyal " might as well be theChihuahua ’s middle name . This tiny but mighty breed loves being around their family and may be an idealistic fit for those who work from home or are retire , Robinson allege . Chihuahuas are smart , affectionate lapdogs who might not need much exercise due to their small size but do appreciate short , daily walk of life .

Dachshund

This hot dog - mold pooch make a wondrous addition to any home . Robinson saysDachshundslove to be stuffy to their crime syndicate and prefer inside frolic ( adjudicate one of theseinteractive toysfor interminable fun ! ) with short walk . These spunky dogs will love being anywhere as long as they ’re with you .

French Bulldog

If you cerebrate " evidently " when Netflix inquire if you ’re still there in the center of yourOzarkmarathon , theFrench bulldogwill be mightily there on the sofa with you . soft , quirky , and smart , Frenchies get laid attention and will merrily play with any member of the kinfolk . Because they ’re prone to heating system enervation , Frenchies should pass most of their time indoors . Keep them harbor with dog puzzle toys .

American Hairless Terrier

Are you or a fellowship member allergic to pet ? TheAmerican hairless terriermight just be the best Canis familiaris for your menage . American hairless terrier are not only downright adorable but also exceedingly playful , fast , and courageous . A great fit for alive pet parents who can shower them with love and attending , these pups will jump for joy at the chance to cauterize off some vigor , whether inside or outside . Since they do n’t have pelt , it ’s important to applydog sunscreento protect their skin and dress them in the appropriate clothing to keep them lovesome .

Collie

Colliesare sweet , unagitated , and blue-blooded - mannered , Robinson says . They ’re an empathetic breed who enjoy spending clip with children and other fauna , making them a great theater and family favourite . They bed to play , and while they do n’t require unremitting exercise , they make the perfect running buddy on your morn or afternoon jog ! collie do shed a mint , so it ’s important she ’s brush and groomed often .

Pug

Pugsare here forallthe cuddles ! These all-embracing - eyed cuties care for their companionship with their humans and love to be the center of attention , Robinson says . They have a restrained amount of energy and do n’t skin much , which is a self-aggrandizing plus if you hold out in anapartment . A silly breed sure to make you laugh , pugs ca n’t think of a unspoilt place to be than right on beside you — and will gladly take a cat sleep in your circuit .

Coton de Tulear

An affectionate and truehearted breed , theCoton de Tulearis just as sweet as she is fluffy . Cotons are outgoing and energetic and will get along with everyone from nipper toolder adult , as well as other positron emission tomography in the household . Cotons opt to be with company so they can entertain and act as much as their hearts hope .

Bichon Frise

The little floof cognise as thebichon friseis an amazing sept blackguard who get along with people and animals likewise . A winning mate for owners with favourite allergies , bichons are humble - shedding pup . Robinson says this breed needs playtime but is well-chosen to do so inside along with some shortsighted walkway outside .

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

While he may have the purple name , theCavalier King Charles spanielwill treat you and your household like royal line . Robinson consider the breed to be one of the best apartment dogs , as all it takes are some inadequate walks for them to be happy . The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is fabulously sweet and well-disposed and loves to be around his people !

Japanese Chin

Bred to be a associate , theJapanese chinis a small , rarefied strain proud to be your lapdog . This stock is sometimes name as " computed axial tomography - like , " Robinson says , and will generally do better in a calm , quiet home . She describe the Nipponese mentum as well-informed , good with families and senior kid , and good suit to be indoors . These puppy are leisurely to give care for as they do n’t want much exercise or playtime but do want some hebdomadal brush .

Mastiff

Mastiffsare massive ravisher who are soft and low alimony . Consider yourself a lounge potato ? The mastiff will love to lay with you and watch TV ! " While mastiffs are very enceinte and can be liberal droolers , they are great family dogs and have a very patrician nature , " Robinson suppose . " They are typically very warm with their sept and do n’t ask that much exercise . "

Havanese

Lovingly nickname a Velcro dog due to his loyalty and devotion , theHavaneseis a full sweetheart sure to steal your warmheartedness . Havanese are favorable dogs who opt to be in your overlap and shower with affection and tending . Intelligent and charming , they are a bouncy bundle of joy who make wonderful familiar to all human and darling in the family . While his lovely pelage is conceive to be low shedding , you ’ll want to invest in a goodbrushsince it does require regular preparation .

Yorkshire Terrier

Fun , touchy , and consecrate — that ’s theYorkshire terrier ! These pint - sized whelp make fantastic house dogs and prefer to be where you are . They have loads of personality , are playful ( they ’ll take every squeaking plaything you ’ve got ! ) , and like going out for short manner of walking . Yorkies are a low - shedding breed , which is idealistic if you or a family member have pet allergies .

Miniature Poodle

These sound teddy bears are just as clever as they are loving . Miniature poodlesare blue-blooded , easy to check , and friendly with fry and other pets . Robinson says they " do postulate a little more exercise than other small dogs but are very happy indoors as long as they get some exercise . " Since these piffling athletes run to have higher amounts of vim , you’re able to keep them participating and content with games of fetch , farseeing walks , or swims . ( They ’ll also benefit from enrichment toys and puzzles . ) Miniature poodles require daily brushing and frequent grooming to keep their coats from getting matte .

labrador retriever with young girl who is carrying a stick