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If You Have Allergies, You'll Love These Dog Breeds
The Cutest Dog Breeds That Don't ShedKmatta - Getty Images
Dog lovers who know that experience of constantly reaching for the tissues and antihistamines, you should know all hope is not lost when it comes to those cute, cuddly creatures. Don't let your allergy to pet dander stop you from bringing home a pup of your very own! Instead, consider getting one of these hypoallergenic dogs that don't shed.
While it's true that there's technically no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, breeds like the poodle and the Irish water spaniel have proven to be easier on people's allergies than their non-hypoallergenic counterparts. Dogs that don't shed are the perfect choice not only for those with allergies but for small children as well, since many breeds are known for being friendly and playful. Perhaps the best news of all is that you don't have to sacrifice cuddly cuteness either. Plenty of hypoallergenic dogs qualify as super furry friends like miniature schnauzers and Maltese.
If you want an adorable little one, take your pick from hypoallergenic small and fluffy breeds. Need a furry friend you can spoon? There are also medium dog breeds and large dog breeds. Whatever you prefer, you'll be able to find a hypoallergenic fur-ever friend that's just right for you on this list. Once you do, you'll surely want to give them a unique name, shower them with lots of love, and maybe even throw a few dog birthday parties over the years.
Miniature SchnauzerThe miniature version of this astute watch dog is the most popular of the breed. Schnauzers have the same floppy ears and furry snout as their large counterparts but come in a smaller size that's perfect for small children.
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Shih TzuShih Tzus may be known as the "lion dog" but they certainly don't have the roar to match. With big, dark eyes, this adorable breed has a long life expectancy and has been a delight for a thousand years. Their personality is almost as charming as their coats, which should be dutifully groomed.
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Highland TerrierOften better known as "westies," these adorable white dogs are extremely playful and entertaining. They're the most popular of the small terriers and stand at just 11 inches. The cutest part? Their carrot-shaped tail that never seems to stop wagging!
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Scottish TerrierIf you want an independent, confident companion with high spirits, go for the adorable scottie dog. Their terrier persistence has earned the breed the nickname "the diehard," which makes sense as they're also known to be great watch dogs.
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Bichon FriseThis playful, cuddly white dog is perfect for people with allergies as its coat is hypoallergenic to most. Although this breed's hair won't shed, it will continually grow—so be sure to keep up with grooming!
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Giant SchnauzerThe larger, more powerful version of its miniature brother, the giant schnauzer is a loyal breed. They were originally bred to be all-around workers but were primarily used to drive cattle from the farm to market, for carting, and to protect the farm and family. This makes these pups a particularly intelligent choice.
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Bedlington TerrierThis unique pup has a lamb-like appearance and a soft, curly coat of hypoallergenic hair. Just a little grooming and a lot of love will keep this dog—and you—feeling fine.
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Portuguese Water DogPorties have coats that are hypoallergenic, curly, and waterproof. These energetic pups can be groomed in two styles: the retriever clip, where the whole coat is trimmed down to about an inch all over the body, or the lion clip, where the whole back half of the coat is trimmed off and the fur in the front is longer. Either way, you'll be safe from the sniffles!
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MalteseThese sweet, loyal dogs have hypoallergenic coats that are soft and white. It's important to brush a Maltese daily, especially if their hair is kept long.
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PoodleWhen you think of poodles, you probably picture their famously fluffy coats. What you may not know is that their curly hair is virtually hypoallergenic! Brushing at least once a week helps reduce shedding and your chances of having an allergic reaction.
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LöwchenLöwchen is German for "little lion" and these brave and loyal pups certainly live up to their name. The löwchen's traditional lion-clip haircut makes it look even more like the king of the jungle!
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Standard SchnauzerSchnauzers come in a variety of sizes: standard, miniature, and giant. All three share the same sophisticated salt-and-pepper coat, cute arched eyebrows, and bristly whiskers. They have a double (hypoallergenic) coat that requires regular grooming.
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Yorkshire TerrierWhether their hair is kept long or short, these toy-size terriers are great for people with allergies because their coats are more like human hair than animal fur. You'll love their feisty personalities, too!
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Kerry Blue TerrierOne of the larger terriers, this breed is famous for its beautiful wavy blue coat. A former farm dog, the affectionate and alert animal makes for a great watchdog and family companion.
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Coton de TulearThis little prince of a pup is known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Coton de Tulears have soft, long white coats that should be groomed several times a week with a special pin brush.
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Irish Water SpanielJust look at those curls! These playful, high-energy pups have a thick, water-repellent double coat that only needs to be brushed once every couple of weeks.
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Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierThese cute Irish farm dogs are known for being happy, outgoing, and loyal. Their coats are low-shedding but require careful care to prevent matting.
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Lagotto RomagnoloIs it a dog or a teddy bear? Maybe it's a little bit of both! These cuddly, low-maintenance dogs have thick, wooly coats that only need to be trimmed monthly.
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Afghan HoundAfghan hounds' elegance and beauty have been admired for centuries, so why stop now? These striking dogs have silky, flowing coats that should be groomed regularly.
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AffenpinscherIf you're a Star Wars fan who's always wanted a little Wookiee or Ewok of your own, this is as close as it gets! In addition to their apish good looks, affens are known for their hilarious antics and affectionate nature.
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Chinese CrestedThese one-of-a-kind dogs have a spiky "crested" hairdo that sets them apart from any other breed. There's also a hairless variety for those who want a truly shed-proof pup.
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XoloitzcuintliXoloitzcuintli is known as the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, but today it makes an excellent companion and watchdog. These pups come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), and two varieties (hairless and coated). You can't go wrong!
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Toy PoodleIf a standard or even miniature poodle is too big for you, consider an adorable toy poodle that stands no more than 10 inches tall. Poodles aren't all looks, either. Beneath their curly, low-allergen coats are smart, athletic pups just waiting to be welcomed into your family.
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Hairless TerrierAnother hairless option, this affectionate, lively breed loves daily walks, occasional baths, and YOU! These terriers usually weigh less than 14 pounds, so they're great if you're looking for a small dog.
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BologneseIt's not just a sauce! The Bolognese breed originated in Italy in Roman times, when royals and noblemen bestowed them as precious gifts. These pups are playful but calm, with a long, fluffy, pure-white coat.
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The Best Dog Breeds For Small Living Spaces
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Fur-ever RoommateLiving in an apartment or studio doesn't mean you can't have a furry bestie. Though small dogs are typically easier to manage in compact living spaces, the size of your apartment shouldn't be the only factor to consider; some larger dogs have low energy levels and will be happy to lounge on the couch for most of the day. If you're moving into or living in a small space, here are some of the best dog breeds for apartments.
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Cavalier King Charles SpanielKnown for being friendly, intelligent, and deeply loyal, Cavaliers make for great family pets, as they are gentle with kids and adapt well to new living spaces. Clocking in at no more than 18 pounds, the Cavalier makes for an ideal companion in an apartment or studio. They're also easy to house train and typically don't bark as much as, say, a Maltese. (Sigh, I know because I have one.)
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GreyhoundWhile it may seem strange for the world's fastest dog to make this list, greyhounds actually love to sleep, clocking in more than 18 hours of sleep per day. Though they require daily walks and exercise, you can rest assured that they're just as happy snoozing during the week. Just be sure to let them stretch their legs and sprint away at the dog park every now and then.
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Italian GreyhoundWeighing a third of their racing cousins, Italian greyhounds are the pocket-sized version of their larger counterparts. Known for being loving, quiet, and gentle, Italian greyhounds weigh around 10 pounds when fully grown — and like their cousins, they also love to sleep. While those who own Italian greyhounds say they can be somewhat harder to house train, they are light and low maintenance enough to make for good apartment dogs.
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Boston TerrierBoston terriers are great apartment dwellers because of their small size and mild temperament. Known for being ultra affectionate, friendly, and smart, they can adjust well to small homes. However, they will require daily walks, since they are high energy dogs. Just let them have the zoomies every now and then; weighing an average of only 10 to 15 pounds, your downstairs neighbors won't mind.
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Basset HoundThough large, the stocky basset hound makes a great apartment companion because they have some of the lowest exercise requirements. Just one walk per day should suffice in keeping your floppy-eared basset hound happy, healthy, and stimulated. Known for being steadfast and loyal to a T, basset hounds love to spend most of the day napping. Their only downside? They tend to drool a lot.
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ChihuahuaDespite being the smallest dog breed (weighing four to five pounds on average), chihuahuas are known for their fierce temperament and tendency to bark. But being so compact, they have virtually no exercise needs and require very little living space. Go ahead and sign that studio lease — your chihuahua will love it.
Related: 14 Types of People Who Should Never Own a Dog
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French BulldogKnown as the petite version of its larger cousin, the English bulldog, these small breed dogs have been a favorite of city dwellers because of their size and amenable nature. French bulldogs are fairly quiet and don't shed much, making them ideal for small apartments and living spaces. They also don't require much exercise, with one walk per day enough to keep them healthy and happy.
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HavaneseJust like their ancestors who roamed the Cuban capital, Havanese make for great city-dwelling pets because of their compact size and easy-going nature. Friendly and smart, they are also hypoallergenic and do not shed, making them ideal for those who suffer from pet dander allergies. However, the do require routine grooming, as their silky fur can grow quite long.
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Shih TzuLike its scruffy Havanese cousin, Shih Tzus make for popular apartment pals because they are small, affectionate, and love being lap dogs. Typically great with kids and other pets, Shih Tzus are easy to care for and do not require much exercise. However, they have been known to bark if not properly trained, and will also require routine grooming.
Related: 10 Cheapest Dog Breeds to Own
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Coton de TulearIdeal for retirees or people with mobility issues, the Coton is a friendly and adaptable breed that is happy hanging out alone or napping on your lap. Known for being exceptionally well-behaved, these shaggy-haired dogs do not bark much — and, despite having long fur, do not shed. They also don't require a lot of exercise, with one or two short daily walks sufficing.
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Bichon FriseAside from being ultra fuzzy and adorable, the bichon frise is also known for being one of the most good-natured and easy dogs to house train. While they can be high energy at times and make for excellent agility competition dogs, they're also happy to hang out at home and take lots of naps. Weighing an average of 10 to 16 pounds, they are easy to care for and don't require a lot of room to thrive.
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Pug, Coton de TulearPugs — loving, goofy, and a bit mischievous — make excellent apartment pets because they are small and don't require a lot of exercise. However, because of their sensitive skin, they do not adapt well to extreme temperatures, and may be inclined to itch and scratch in the summer. Pugs are also known for their voracious appetites, so be sure to have your pantry well stocked with treats — just don't go overboard, as they are prone to obesity if overfed.
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English BulldogDespite their stocky muscular frame, English bulldogs are known for being lazy couch loungers. A daily stroll should be enough when it comes to exercise, and you'll appreciate their affectionate and loyal demeanor. But because of their short faces, cities in hot climates typically don't make the best homes for these larger dogs, as they can sometimes suffer from breathing issues.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
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16 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle
16 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Are Bundles of LoveSkip to main content
Elizabethsalleebauer/Getty Images The most affectionate dog breeds will shower you with loveLoving and being loved by dogs is one of the great pleasures of life. When their tails wag with delight when you come home or they snuggle into you on the couch, it's hard not to feel grateful to share your home with what seems like one of the most affectionate dog breeds.
My husband and I have lucked into adopting incredibly affectionate big and small dogs from animal shelters. For instance, our 88-pound Labrador retriever mix, Rio, was so loving not just with us but with everyone he met that he trained to become a therapy dog, and we visited hospital patients together. Our 8-pound miniature poodle, Peach, saved her affection for us and wanted to spend all her time in our arms or our laps. Our Yorkshire terrier mix, Tux, loves giving and receiving affection so much that he stops in front of strangers on the street to see if they will pet him—which they almost always do.
Unsurprisingly, dog breeds known for their loving natures are often the most popular. Ahead, you'll learn more about some of the most affectionate dog breeds, but keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list (and there are outliers in any breed). As David Frei, co-host of The National Dog Show, likes to say during dog shows and made a point of repeating during an interview for this article, "the real 'Best in Show' dog is the one that's sitting next to you on the couch at home."
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About the expertsReviewed for accuracy by: Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science. She's the author of 34 books, including Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.
1. Cavalier King Charles spanielWith soulful brown eyes and a warmhearted nature, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the most affectionate dog breeds and one of the best dog breeds for kids. That's why both of Frei's Cavs—Angel and True Dat—have spread so much cheer as therapy dogs. "They live for a lap. We call them 'love sponges,'" he says. "Their tails are always wagging. They just love people and want to follow you from room to room."
Still, they shed profusely—"I think of dog hair as a condiment in my home," Frei quips—and are prone to health issues like heart disease and syringomyelia, aka "neck scratcher's disease," which is caused by skull malformation.
Professional dog trainer Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, says normally affectionate Cavs might bite if they're in pain. One of her clients found that her Cavalier King Charles spaniel would try to bite her whenever she rubbed the dog's belly, which Anderson discovered hurt because of syringomyelia. "It can cause aggression because they're in pain," she says. If your affectionate dog changes its behavior, contact your veterinarian to rule out health issues.
Breed overview Height: 12 to 13 inches Weight: 13 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years Justin Paget/Getty Images 2. Labrador retrieverLabs are one of the most loved dog breeds, holding the No. 1 spot as the most registered American Kennel Club (AKC) breed for 31 years until the French bulldog broke the streak in 2022. "There's a reason why the Labrador has been so highly ranked all these years," says Anderson. They're smart, easy to groom, affectionate and eager to please. Those qualities are why they're also one of the most common types of service dogs, working as arson-detection dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, guide dogs for people who are blind, diabetes-alert dogs and mobility-assistance dogs.
Because Labs are usually food-motivated, they're easy to train with positive methods, Anderson notes. These athletic dogs typically thrive with training and exercise, as she learned when her first dog, Cody, chewed up her remote control. So when her second Lab, Logan, picked up the new remote control, she essentially trained him to retrieve it and bring it to her by rewarding him each time. "Until the day he left this earth, he would bring me that remote control whether I was in the bathroom [or] in the kitchen … he'd follow me around and give me the remote control," she says with a laugh.
Let's just say these pups put the retriever in Labrador retriever. As Frei notes, "Someone once told me, 'They steal your heart and also your shoes.'"
Breed overview Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches Weight: 55 to 80 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years simonapilolla/Getty Images 3. PugIt's possible that pugs love their owners more than any other dog does. After all, they were bred to be companions as far back as 400 B.C. In China. One way or another, these distinctive short-haired dogs are beloved sidekicks who adore their families right back.
"The great expressive faces that they have make them, in my mind, the best candidate for costumes in the dog world," Frei says. "They're a cocky little dog that loves people. They're wonderful family dogs."
Anderson says that because the flat-faced dogs are food-motivated and comical, they're a lot of fun to train. The key is to watch their weight. "They can turn into little pug coffee tables if you're not careful: They can get very large," she cautions. "They do have significant health issues with their eyes and their brachycephalic [snub-nosed] faces. You also have to make sure that you clean the wrinkle folds regularly or they can grow bacteria and have skin issues."
Breed overview Height: 10 to 13 inches Weight: 14 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years 4. Shih Tzu"The Shih Tzu is descended from royalty, and they've not forgotten this," Anderson quips. "They love to be the center of attention and follow you everywhere. The pug is going to solicit attention, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel will solicit attention. The Shih Tzu will expect it."
She feels it's a myth that small dog breeds like the Shih Tzu don't need training or can't be trained. "Little dogs can absolutely learn just as easily as their larger counterparts," she notes. "They need to be trained in family manners and appropriate behavior in public."
The "little lions" have intimidating grooming needs, but Frei says it's not just about the hair and the glitz with these little guys. "They're athletic, fun dogs," he says. "They're really happy little people-pleasers." They're also one of the cutest dog breeds you'll meet.
Breed overview Height: 9 to 10.5 inches Weight: 9 to 16 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years Tetra Images/Getty Images 5. Golden retrieverLike Labs, golden retrievers are extremely popular because of their versatility and typically affectionate temperaments. "They've got this great devotion and charisma," Frei says. "And the Golden Retriever Club of America is one of the best parent clubs. They have a foundation that does health studies research for the breed … and gets dogs prepared to be great family dogs."
Anderson says goldens want to be part of everything, wag with their whole bodies and are very happy to see you—whether you're a complete stranger or their lifetime person. So if you're looking for one of the top guard dog breeds, look elsewhere. "The golden retriever is going to be the worst watchdog you ever had," Anderson says of the famously affectionate dog breed.
Breed overview Height: 21.5 to 24 inches Weight: 55 to 75 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Jose Gonzalez Buenaposada/Getty Images 6. Yorkshire terrierThe Yorkshire terrier may be a toy dog breed, but don't let its size fool you. These pups have major big-dog energy. "The show Yorkies are often in that long, beautiful coat, so they look like little cover models, but they will go after a bird or a lizard or a squirrel with the conviction of a Rottweiler," Anderson says. It's something she's learned firsthand from her own "scrappy" Yorkie, Rosie.
Yorkshire terriers love a good lap and "protecting" their people. Frei notes that Yorkies were bred to be working-class toy dogs. "They were supposed to be the color of coal, in fact, so that the coal miners could take them with them to work, and the blue color didn't show the coal dust on them when they came home," he says. "They would dig out rats, and they were the guardians of the lunch bags."
Breed overview Height: 7 to 8 inches Weight: 7 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years 7. PoodleDespite the fancy haircuts they sport in dog shows, poodles weren't bred to be posh lapdogs. Their hair protected their organs for their original job: retrieving waterfowl for hunters. "Here's a little trivia for you: Poodle comes from the German word pudel, which means 'to splash,'" Frei notes.
While these dogs may not be in the fowl-retrieval business anymore, they're still active and engaged animals. All three sizes of poodle—toy, miniature and standard—are among the smartest and most affectionate dog breeds. "Living with an intelligent dog is a wonderful thing and a scary thing because you have to be smarter than the dog," Anderson says. "The poodle is going to figure out how to get past the baby gate. The poodle is going to figure out how to get those muffins on top of the counter. They're loads of fun to train because they're engaged in the game of training." Translation: You need to engage your poodle's mind so it doesn't get bored.
Breed overview Height: Under 10 inches to over 15 inches Weight: 4 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 8. Newfoundland"The Newf is not a dog for neat freaks," says Frei. "They're a lot of dog, and they'll put that loving, drooling, water-covered face in your lap or on your shirt."
Affectionate Newfs are so attuned to people that in Italy, they serve as water-rescue dogs trained to jump out of boats (and even helicopters) to save people from drowning. Because they grow to be big, strong dogs, Anderson says it's critical to start training them with positive methods as early as possible. "Don't let them get into bad habits as adults, because it's harder to deal with, for example, if you allow a Newfoundland to pull you on a leash," she says. "It's a lot better to train a 10-week-old puppy than a 10-month-old dog that's coming up on a hundred pounds."
Breed overview Height: 26 to 28 inches Weight: 100 to 150 pounds Life expectancy: 9 to 10 years 9. French bulldogPossibly because it's one of the most affectionate dog breeds, the French bulldog is one of the most loved breeds, even vaulting to the No. 1 spot as the most registered AKC breed in the United States in 2022. The comical face and cute bat ears don't hurt either.
After a Frenchie named Winston won Best in Show at the National Dog Show in 2022, Frei spent a lot of time traveling with the winner for television appearances. Winston greets fans and seems to enjoy posing for selfies. "He loves everybody," Frei says. "They're little clowns, and they're fun to be around."
Anderson agrees. She's currently training a cute Frenchie to become a therapy dog. "She's just the sweetest little thing—she loves people," she says. "And when people look at French bulldogs, it just makes them smile."
Like all bulldog breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing issues and other serious health concerns because they're brachycephalic (aka flat-faced dogs). Buyer beware: They also often snore.
Breed overview Height: 11 to 13 inches Weight: Under 28 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years 10. DachshundThe beloved dachshund comes in two sizes—miniature and standard—and three coats: smooth, wire-haired and long-haired. These dogs with big ears and hot dog–shaped bodies are irresistible to their fans, though they can have "strong personalities" because of what they were bred to do, according to Anderson.
"The reason why the dachshund is short and long is because the dog was bred to go into the badger hole, get the badger and bring it out," she says. "Badgers are not friendly. So the dog had to be very tough and very motivated and very persistent."
Today, this translates to the "wiener dogs" wanting to dig in the backyard or through the pillows to bury their bones. Since dachshunds often want to join their people on the couch, Anderson says it's important to get them a ramp or doggy stairs so they don't injure their long backs jumping on and off the furniture. "They are loving, wonderful family dogs," Frei adds. "They love and respect their people. And all the people I talk to about their dachshunds say [their dogs] love their cats."
Breed overview Height: 5 to 9 inches Weight: Under 11 pounds to 32 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years 11. Bernese mountain dogAs its name suggests, the Bernese mountain dog is massive, but it can be a wonderful family pet if you train your puppy properly. As with any large dog breed, early socialization and positive training are vitally important, according to Anderson. "Bernese mountain dogs are big mountains of dogs. They can get absolutely huge," she says. "They are extremely affectionate with their people and incredibly loyal to their people, and they can be a little reserved with strangers."
Frei notes that Berners are strong farm dogs that enjoy cuddling by the fire after a day's work, and they're known for giving a "Burner bump" to get your attention. "They come up and plow that head into you if you're not giving them enough love," he says. "They do need their people." So only bring this mountain dog into your family if you can give it the attention it deserves.
Breed overview Height: 23 to 27.5 inches Weight: 70 to 115 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 9 years Ирина Мещерякова/getty images 12. Cardigan Welsh corgiTo the untrained eye, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is simply a corgi with a tail, but it's a distinct breed from the Pembroke Welsh corgi, Frei notes. "Cardigans have longer bodies, a longer head and straighter legs," he says. "They have a sense of humor and love to play—and can be mischievous."
While the "Cardi" can be sweet and loving with its people, as a herding breed for livestock, it also likes to chase, according to Anderson. "If you don't have sheep, the children are going to have to do," she jokes. "So you need to teach them appropriate outlets for that chasing behavior that don't involve chasing the children and nipping at their heels."
Corgis often excel at agility sports, for instance. And that's a far better activity than chasing the cat!
Breed overview Height: 10.5 to 12.5 inches Weight: 25 to 38 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Aleksandr Zotov/getty images 13. Great DaneGreat Danes are gentle giants; the tallest dog ever was a Great Dane from Michigan named Zeus, according to Guinness World Records. "They're giant, but they're really elegant," says Frei. "They have moderate energy, and they're very affectionate. The consideration with them is they take up a lot of space when they lay down on your floor or in your bed."
These giant dogs also like to lean into people to show their affection, so Anderson suggests bracing yourself and bending your knees around them to avoid being accidentally knocked over. "Great Danes crack me up because they always like to sit on your lap, but all four feet are still on the ground," she says. "They're still on the ground like they're sitting in a chair, but your lap is the chair."
Breed overview Height: 28 to 32 inches Weight: 110 to 175 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years 14. Irish wolfhoundThough Irish wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves, today they're typically gentle, sociable dogs. In the novel Sight Hound by Pam Houston, a sage Irish wolfhound even quotes the Buddha.
Anderson says Irish wolfhounds can relax while you binge-watch your favorite TV show, but their hound instinct can quickly kick in. They might not be one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, but they're still quite fleet. "They will spend all afternoon on your couch, but if they see something that interests them, they will give chase, and they are gone in a skinny minute," she cautions. "So teaching them to come when called, no matter what is going on, is critical. Start early."
Breed overview Height: 30 to 32 inches Weight: 105 to 120 pounds Life expectancy: 6 to 8 years Nisian Hughes/Getty Images 15. Old English sheepdogThis lovey-dovey furball is an easily recognizable breed, what with the shaggy fur covering its eyes and the fluffy body practically screaming, "Pet me!"
"The hair is a haystack," says Frei about the Old English sheepdog. "It takes a lot of grooming because it's tough. They're a working dog, but they're a loving, happy dog. They're smart dogs and affectionate with their people." To wit: the Beatles' song "Martha My Dear" is named after Paul McCartney's Old English sheepdog, Martha.
Breed overview Height: 21 inches and up Weight: 60 to 100 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Donna Robertson/Getty Images 16. Border terrierWith a distinctive "otter head," this breed delights as cute and relatively calm dogs. "Border terriers are really loving, cuddly, friendly dogs," Frei says.
Anderson considers border terriers "great all-around dogs" that perform well in agility and barn-hunt competitions. "They're sturdy enough to work well with families with younger children, and work well in smaller homes," she says. "But they do need the exercise of perhaps a larger dog. They're active dogs, so if someone is wanting to take a hike with their dog or go camping with their dog, a border terrier is ready to take on those tasks."
It's worth noting that these dogs were bred for fox hunting and still have the characteristic prey drive—so, as Frei cautions, don't leave the door open!
Breed overview Height: 12 to 15 inches Weight: 11.5 to 15.5 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Why trust usAt Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Jen Reeder tapped her experience as a longtime pet journalist and former president of the Dog Writers Association of America, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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