Rottweilers originally worked as cattle dogs that drove cattle to market. It required athleticism and tenacity – “you have to take a hoof to the chest once in a while”, as he noted.
“Here’s my Rottweiler fun fact: Dog owners, when selling cattle at the market, would put their purse with the money around the Rottweiler’s neck. Nobody’s going to take that from the Rottweiler,” he said. -he declares.
But Frei hopes people won’t get a Rottweiler for looking macho.
“If you need a macho dog to show you’re macho, you’re not macho,” he said.
No. 9 – German Shorthaired Pointer
Active people are often fans of the German Shorthaired Pointer because the dogs are so energetic and can be great running partners and hunting companions. With their webbed feet and water-repellent coat, they are also fantastic swimmers.
“We call German Shorthaired Pointers the SUV of sports dogs because they can do it all,” Frei joked. ” They are intelligent ; They are athletic. If you have a German Shorthaired Pointer, you better be prepared to take long walks or runs every day if they need it.
No. 10 — Dachshund
Dachshunds come in different sizes and with three coat varieties – smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired – but they are instantly recognizable to the public as charming “Viennese dogs”. (Fun fact: With a nod to hot dogs, “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson had a beloved dog named Nathan.)
“They’re all going to be long, low and level,” Frei said. “They have a lot of terrier personality in them. They were bred to hunt badgers and probably other “bad guys”, so they have a certain fearless temperament. They are sturdy and strong little dogs.
No. 11 – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke’s Welsh Corgis are good enough for a queen – literally. Queen Elizabeth II surrounded herself with big little dogs. The internet loves them too, including their “asses” with the docked tails, which you’ll find on t-shirts, hats, and even sticking out of the inside of coffee mugs.
California resident and dog writer Elaine Gewirtz says her corgi, Midge, is a character, just like most corgis you’ll meet.
“They’re not a breed that just sits and stares at you,” she told TODAY.
Corgis excel in canine sports like agility and household hobbies like cuddling. Bright, intuitive dogs also like to befriend people and other dogs, and are usually fascinated by what’s going on around them, she added.
No. 12 – Australian Shepherd
Hiking trails, especially in the West, are often teeming with athletic Australian Shepherds. As a herding breed, Aussies are bred for their endurance, so they are adept at ranches and long hikes outdoors. They are also fiercely intelligent. Be prepared to provide plenty of training and exercise.
No. 13 – Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier – recognizable by that long, luxurious coat – typically weighs just 7 pounds. But the small size of the Yorkie does not denote a small personality. In fact, the AKC Breed Standard understands, “The dog’s high head carriage and confident demeanor should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.”
Mission accomplished.
No. 14 – Boxer
Boxers have a face that tends to make ours smile. In addition, they are playful, intelligent and affectionate; as the American boxing club note: “The boxer’s most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection.”
No. 15 — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
People love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels not just for their sweet “knee-loving personalities,” but also because they’re versatile dogs, according to Kim Campbell Thornton, dog writer and editor — and Cavalier enthusiast.
“They are happy to play dog sports, go for a hike or go to the beach, or just be a couch potato with you. Whatever you want to do, they’re ready,” she told TODAY. “Finally, their size makes them great travelers, which is important with so many people taking their dogs on trips with them these days.”
No. 16 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman pinscher can have a fearsome reputation. But the dog ‘from yesterday’s horror movies’ is still protective but now also a fun-loving athletic dog and a ‘sharp companion’, according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
Intelligent dogs also possess qualities such as fearlessness, loyalty, and an energetic nature. As with all dogs, socialization and positive training are essential.
No. 17 – Great Dane
“My running Great Dane joke is that my parents never bought me a pony when I was a kid, so my Danes fill that role,” Colorado resident Susan Kohut told TODAY.
Kohut adopted four Great Danes from rescue organizations. (Purebred dogs can be found at local shelters, and there are over 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country.) She loves them for being goofy, silly, loyal and adaptable. His current Dane, Eloise, will happily take a 10km hike, but if the weather isn’t good she’ll settle for a short walk and then a cuddle on the couch.
No. 18 – Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer’s beard makes the breed instantly recognizable – plus, they don’t shed much.
Courageous dogs are highly recommended for families with children by the AKC, which lists other positive attributes as being bright, friendly, trainable, and fearless without aggression.
No. 19 – Siberian Husky
There’s no doubt that Siberian huskies turn heads, but they’re more than just a pretty face.
Heather Mundt, Colorado resident, freelance writer and family travel expert, said she and her husband got their first husky in 1997 and fell in love with the breed’s love of exercise. (She was quick to mention that this affinity can make them “monsters” without getting enough of them and getting bored easily).
“Huskies are always ready for a run or a hike, so they are great adventurers. They are also beautiful but willful. Which means they are difficult to train. But I love them and they’ve always been great with kids,” she told TODAY. “The two we have now, Boris and Tasha, are pandemic rescues, and I was reluctant to get them because I hate losing my pets. But I’m so glad to have huskies in my life again because they’re so much fun. Also, just kidding, they’re my favorite kids now that my boys are teenagers. At least the dogs are happy to see me.
No. 20 — Bernese mountain dog
Traveling through Switzerland – and in the city of Bern – you will see images of the Bernese Mountain Dog on postcards and souvenirs. It’s only natural that the Swiss are proud of these gentle giants known to be affectionate, hardy, strong, intelligent, even-tempered and eager to please.
here is a Complete list rankings of the 197 best dog breeds.
Choosing the right dog for you
Before bringing a dog home, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and learn about the care a dog will need, such as training. As Frei mentioned, “They are not born with an obedience degree.”
It’s also crucial to work with responsible breeders whose motivation is to preserve a breed’s best traits and perform health checks, rather than backyard breeders simply looking to make a profit, he said. -he adds.
“Responsible purebred dog breeders – heritage breeders – are fighting to keep some of these breeds alive. Not just to keep the breed alive, which they are in many cases, but to make sure the best traits of these breeds come through,” he said. “They are going to be a lifetime member of your family.”
So choose this family member carefully and keep in mind that the most popular dogs may not be the right pets for everyone.