• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

There’s no doubt dogs make wonderful companions, but some were literally born for it. While beloved breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers were developed for specific jobs, companion dog breeds generally have no working history. They’re bred simply to provide love, comfort, and support to their families.

But what do dogs bred for companionship look like today? It might surprise you that they’re not all toy breeds and lap dogs. Companion breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even working breeds that have developed a reputation for family-friendliness.

For our purposes, a companion dog breed is one that is people-oriented. These dogs form close bonds with family, preferring to spend time with their human pack over all else. They’re friendly, eager to please, and adaptable to various lifestyles (as long as their emotional and physical needs are met).

Ready to find your new furry best friend? We’ve assembled a list of the 15 best companion breeds to help you get started on your journey.

1. Affenpinscher

Originally developed as mousers, Affenpinschers have become popular as small companion dogs. They’re known for their wild, wiry coats and affectionate personalities. Weighing no more than 10 pounds at maturity, this small breed is well-suited to apartment life. Requiring moderate daily exercise, they’ll be satisfied with indoor play sessions and a walk or two outside.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short to medium, wiry
• Height: 9-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Colors: Black, black and tan, black and silver, red, beige
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

2. Bichon Frise

An all-around friendly little dog, the Bichon Frise was developed for companionship among European nobility. Bichons get along well with children and other dogs. They also tend to respond well to positive reinforcement training and have been known to excel in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and even canine freestyle dance. While their personalities are relatively undemanding, their fluffy coats require regular grooming.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, curly, double-coated
• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds
• Colors: Usually white (sometimes with areas of apricot, buff, or cream color)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Individuals, families, people with allergies

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—affectionately known as Cavs, for short—are intelligent and eager to please. Though developed from larger sporting spaniels, they were always intended as a companion dog breed. They’re known for their gentle, loving temperaments and playful natures. While well-suited for family life, their silky coats require regular upkeep.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, wavy, and silky
• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds
• Colors: Blenheim, black and tan, black and white, ruby
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Families with children, urban dwellers, multi-pet households

4. Chihuahua

The epitome of a large dog in a small body, Chihuahuas are known for their big, sassy personalities. Originally developed in Mexico, they’re one of the oldest dog breeds native to the Americas but have adapted well to modern life, especially city life. Chihuahuas require consistent socialization and training—responding well to positive methods—but they make loyal and loving companions for many homes.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short or medium-length and smooth
• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 6 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, urban dwellers, families with older children

5. Cocker Spaniel

Bred for hunting and retrieving, Cocker Spaniels retain their athleticism, but their loving personalities make them good companion dogs. The Cocker Spaniel shines as a family pet, getting along equally well with children and other dogs. They’re affectionate, playful, and gentle by nature but do require regular grooming and plenty of exercise.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
• Colors: Black, golden, liver, red, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, multi-pet households

6. French Bulldog

Easily identifiable by their big, bat-like ears and short snouts, French Bulldogs are popular among city dwellers. With their playful temperaments and moderate exercise and mental stimulation needs, Frenchies are less demanding than some other small breeds. They’ll be happy with a daily walk, some active play, and plenty of quality time with the people they love.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: Up to 28 pounds
• Colors: Brindle, solid colors, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

7. Golden Retriever

While technically a working breed developed for hunting, the Golden Retriever consistently ranks among the most popular dog breeds in the US. Goldens are beloved for their sweet and affectionate personalities, as well as their intelligence and eagerness to please. These dogs make great family pets and adapt to a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a family companion or an adventure buddy, this breed is one to consider.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and double-coated
• Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
• Colors: Dark to light golden
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, families with children

8. Havanese

Natives of Cuba, Havanese dogs are smart, playful, and silly. Born extroverts and former circus dogs, they’re eager to make friends with anyone who crosses their path while remaining devoted to their human families. The Havanese is the quintessential companion dog breed, but they also excel in dog sports, such as obedience and trick training. Despite the length of their silky double coats, they don’t shed excessively and may be appropriate for allergy sufferers.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, people with allergies

9. Maltese

Known for their long, silky coats, the Maltese dog was bred specifically for companionship. While sometimes stubborn, they’re smart and charming and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. Maltese are incredibly affectionate with their human families and are happiest with caretakers who have plenty of time, affection, and attention to dedicate to them.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: White (sometimes with lemon or tan markings)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

10. Papillon

With their elegant appearance, you might not expect the Papillon to be as hardy and athletic as a dog twice their size. However, they make incredible agility dogs and consistently rank as top contenders in the sport. For those less ambitious, these pups can also learn all types of tricks.

Friendly and energetic, Papillons are affectionate with family and are one of the best dog breeds for first-time pet parents. Because they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they’re best suited to active lifestyles or pet parents interested in training their pup for dog sports.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and silky
• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Colors: Various combinations of white, black, red, sable, and fawn
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, urban dwellers

11. Pomeranian

Though descended from working breeds like the German Spitz, the Pomeranian is a companion dog through and through. This tiny toy breed has a long, fluffy coat and an affectionate personality, making them the ideal cuddle buddy. Pomeranians are bright and alert but not overly energetic. They’ll appreciate a daily walk or active training session followed by a quick nap curled up in your lap.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

12. Poodle

With three sizes to choose from, the Poodle is a versatile breed. The largest of the three, the Standard Poodle, was bred for water retrieving. However, the smaller Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle are primarily kept for companionship. Poodles are smart, sweet, and low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies. If you’re up to the challenge of regular trims and consistent training, a Poodle could be your perfect pup.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Height: Up to 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
• Colors: White, gray, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, people with allergies

13. Pug

Charming, affectionate, and mellow, the Pug is well-suited to urban life. These little dogs need daily exercise, but a neighborhood walk or two should do. Afterward, they’re perfectly happy to snuggle up on the couch for a snooze. Pugs are generally good with other dogs and get along well with children, making them an excellent fit for families and multi-pet households. Just prepare yourself for some loud snoring!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Colors: Black, fawn
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

14. Shih Tzu

Another pint-sized pup known for having luxurious locks, the Shih Tzu is the ideal companion dog breed. They’re highly affectionate—particularly with children—and have only moderate requirements for exercise and mental stimulation. As long as you’re willing to maintain their coats, Shih Tzus are adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Silky and flowy double coat
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

15. Yorkshire Terrier

Affectionately known as Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin. However, their beautiful coats and affectionate personalities quickly earned them a lasting place among the best companion dog breeds. They’re small, smart, and sometimes bossy, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more loyal friend.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: Blue and gold, blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families, urban dwellers, people with allergies

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

From the tiny Dachshund to the towering Great Dane, some of today’s most popular dog breeds originated in Germany. Though they vary greatly in size and shape, German dog breeds are confident and athletic—a reflection of their working origins.

German dog breeding during the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced over 50 breeds still known and loved today. This period is when versatile working dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, were developed, along with a range of herding, hunting, and guarding breeds.

Both then and now, German dog breeds are valued for their keen intelligence, strong work ethic, and loyalty to their human caretakers. If you’re thinking of expanding your furry family, one of the German dog breeds on our list might be the perfect fit.

1. Affenpinscher

Though this German toy breed may look like it woke up on the wrong side of the bed, the Affenpinscher is very sweet-natured. Affenpinschers have short to medium-length wiry coats, most commonly seen in solid black.

Originally bred to rid German stables of mice, these dogs were eventually brought indoors for pest control in kitchens, leading to their role today as companion dogs. They’re playful, fun-loving, and very loyal little dogs.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short to medium, wiry
• Height: 9-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Colors: Black, black and tan, black and silver, red, beige
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

2. American Eskimo Dog

Fluffier than the Affenpinscher, the American Eskimo dog is easily distinguished by its plush white coat. Though the breed’s name may suggest otherwise, American Eskimo Dogs primarily have German heritage. They were bred from the German Spitz breed, which German immigrants brought to the United States to work on farms.

However, after the US entered World War I, their names were changed due to anti-German sentiment. Available in three sizes—toy, mini, and standard—this breed is best suited to active individuals and families who can handle their working dog energy.

Breed Overview: 

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (standard)
• Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard)
• Colors: Always white (sometimes with biscuit markings)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families

3. Bavarian Mountain Hound

Among the many large German dog breeds, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is known for having exceptional “cold nose” tracking abilities. Developed specifically to track wounded animals, the Bavarian Mountain Hound can follow a game trail that’s long gone cold.

These large, muscular dogs have short, smooth fur and long, floppy ears. Though they’re happiest when hunting, this breed is loyal to family and prefers the company of people to other dogs.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 17-20.5 inches
• Weight: 37-66 pounds
• Colors: Red, fawn, tan, brown, brindle
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Hunters, active singles, and families

4. Biewer Terrier

Pronounced “beaver” like the dam-building animal, the Biewer Terrier is a fun-loving, loyal breed. Smart and energetic, these little dogs have a puppy-like enthusiasm that carries over into adulthood. Bred by two German breeders, these charming little dogs were created to be a tricolored version of the Yorkshire Terrier.

They began making their way to the U.S. in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity. Most recently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this breed in 2021.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-11 inches
• Weight: 4-8 pounds
• Colors: Tricolored (chocolate, tan, white, black, blue)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

5. Boxer

Where the Biewer Terrier is small and feisty, the Boxer is large and dignified. Initially bred as a German hunting dog from various mastiff breeds, Boxers are born to work. These dogs have strong protective instincts, which makes them popular as guard dogs, but they’re playful at heart and good with children. Plus, their short, smooth coats don’t require more than weekly brushing.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
• Colors: Brindle or fawn with white markings
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families with children

6. Dachshund

Another German hunting breed, Dachshunds were bred to flush badgers out of their burrows. With their short legs and long bodies, Dachshunds are well-suited to the task and have also been used to hunt rabbits and other small prey. Fans of the breed affectionately call them Doxies—a cute name that sometimes clashes with the breed’s tendency toward stubbornness. As such, early socialization and consistent training are crucial for this breed.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Smooth and short to medium-length
• Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
• Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), up to 11 pounds (miniature)
• Colors: Black & tan, chocolate & tan, cream, wheaten, red, black, cream
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles, families with older children, urban dwellers

7. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher was developed in the early 20th century by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Germany, who sought a dog to accompany him on his payment-collecting rounds. Though sometimes mistakenly labeled an aggressive breed, the Doberman Pinscher is very affectionate with family members. Their sharp intelligence and strong problem-solving ability make them very trainable, but their high need for exercise and mental stimulation may not be a good fit for inexperienced pet parents.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
• Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
• Colors: Usually black with rust markings
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Experienced dog owners, active individuals, and families

8. Eurasier

What do you get when you crossbreed a European and an Asian Spitz? The Eurasier! This popular companion dog in Germany is beloved for their fluffy double coats, bear-like resemblance, and even temperaments. Because they were bred specifically for companionship, Eurasiers are very people-oriented. They’re best suited to families or single pet parents who have plenty of time to devote to their pup.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Height: 19-24 inches
• Weight: 40-70 pounds
• Colors: Black, red, wolfgray, white, liver, cream, black & tan
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children

9. German Pinscher

One of the oldest German dog breeds, the German Pinscher’s exact origins are unknown. They exhibit similar black-and-tan coloring to the larger Doberman Pinscher, though they can also be solid red. Originally kept as carriage dogs, German Pinschers almost disappeared completely after the Second World War. They’re still considered an endangered breed, so finding one may prove challenging.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 25-45 pounds
• Colors: Black & tan, red, blue, fawn
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles, families with older children

10. German Shepherd

Perhaps the most well-known of all the German dog breeds, the German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog. However, over time, they earned dual reputations as a versatile working dog and beloved family companion.

Like the American Eskimo Dog, the German Shepherd had a name change due to anti-German sentiment after World War I. In Britain, they were called “Alsatians,” referring to the region of France that borders Germany. Dog lovers still use this name throughout the UK.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium to long, double
• Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
• Colors: Usually red or tan with black markings
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families

11. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer descended from early German hunting breeds like the German Bird Dog. As their name suggests, they’re pointing dogs—a type of gun dog trained to find and “point” to game. German Shorthaired Pointers have short, dense coats that range from solid brown or liver to white with flecks or patches of color. This high-energy breed needs plenty of exercise but tends to do well with children and other dogs.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
• Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
• Colors: Solid liver or brown with white or colored flecks and patches
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Hunters, active singles, and families

12. German Spaniel

Also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund, the German Spaniel was developed from the Stober, a versatile breed with a long German history dating back to at least 1719. Like the Stober, the German Spaniel has strong scent-tracking abilities, similar to a Bloodhound.

This breed is relatively rare outside of Germany and hasn’t yet been recognized by the American Kennel Club. With their long, wavy coats and floppy ears, they resemble other spaniel breeds like the Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and wavy or curly
• Height: 19-21 inches (male), 18-20 inches (female)
• Weight: 40-55 pounds
• Colors: Brown or roan with white markings or ticking
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Hunters, active singles, and families

13. German Spitz

The exact origins of the German Spitz are unknown, but the earliest mentions date back to the 15th century. The modern German Spitz is considered a single breed divided into five variants classified by color and size: the Pomeranian, Miniature Spitz (Kleinspitz), Medium Spitz (Mittelspitz), Giant Spitz (Großspitz), and Keeshond.

German Spitzes are long-haired and double-coated, exhibiting an array of colors including black, tan, brown, cream, orange, red, white, and gray.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long-haired and double-coated
• Height: 8-12 inches (toy), 12-16 inches (medium), 16-20 inches (large)
• Weight: 10-11 pounds (toy), 15-25 pounds (medium), 30-50 pounds (large)
• Colors: Black, tan, brown, cream, orange, red, white, gray
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families with older children

14. German Wirehaired Pointer

This German dog breed may look familiar, given its similarities to the German Shorthaired Pointer. In fact, the German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in the 19th century through crossbreeding German Shorthaired Pointers with other roughhaired and wirehaired hunting breeds.

German Wirehaired Pointers are versatile gun dogs, always eager to work. At home with family, however, they’re gentle and affectionate.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, wiry, and double-coated
• Height: 24-26 inches (male), over 22 inches (female)
• Weight: 50-70 pounds
• Colors: Liver, white, or black with ticking or patches of solid liver or white
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Hunters, active singles, and families with older children

15. Great Dane

Though their name suggests they originate from Denmark, Great Danes are also a German breed. Weighing over 100 pounds at maturity, these giant dogs were developed for hunting large game like wild boars. These days, however, they’re more commonly found lounging on the couch.

Great Danes have long legs, big heads, and short, smooth coats. They come in an array of striking colors, but what stands out most about these dogs is their friendly demeanor.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
• Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
• Colors: Blue, brindle, fawn, white, silver
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Individuals and families with older children

16. Hovawart

Bred to guard livestock, this large German dog breed has a heavy build and even temperament. The Hovawart is happiest when given a job to do, making them a good fit for rescue work, service dog training, and dog sports.

Affectionately known as the Hovie for short, Hovawarts take about two years to mature. Early socialization and ongoing training are essential for this breed, so they may be best suited to experienced dog owners.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Height: 23-28 inches
• Weight: 65-90 pounds
• Colors: Black, black and gold, blonde
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Experienced dog owners, single pet parents, families with children

17. Jagdterrier

Though the breed’s name may be tricky to pronounce, the Jagdterrier is well worth getting to know. These courageous, hardworking dogs were developed to hunt quarry both above ground and below. Jagdterriers are intelligent and trainable, but potential adopters should be mindful of their high prey drive and consistent need for mental stimulation.

They’re best suited to active singles or families and are likely to enjoy dog sports like agility, flyball, and lure coursing.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth, rough, or wiry
• Height: 13-16 inches
• Weight: 17-22 pounds
• Colors: Black, black & gray, dark brown
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families with older children

18. Kromfohrländer

Another German dog breed with a unique name, the Kromfohrländer is a companion breed. These medium-sized dogs are smart, loyal, and good with children. They have white, smooth, or wiry coats covered in either brown or tan markings. Despite being developed from terriers, the Kromfohrländer has little in the way of hunting instincts. This breed prefers to play, having a great talent for dog sports like agility and trick training.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth or wiry
• Height: 15-18 inches
• Weight: 20-25 pounds
• Colors: White & brown, white & tan
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active pet parents, families with children

19. Leonberger

With their floppy ears and fluffy coats, Leonbergers look like giant teddy bears, a fitting resemblance since the breed’s primary role was to be a companion. In the 19th century, Heinrich Essig developed these gentle giants specifically for royalty, finding homes with nobility like the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and Napoleon III.

Other Leonbergers, however, found their place as working dogs on farms and docks and were known for being especially skilled at pulling carts. These days, this breed makes a good watchdog and tends to do well in families with children.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Height: 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female)
• Colors: Sandy, yellow, red, reddish brown
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children

20. Miniature Pinscher

Standing in stark contrast to the impressive Leonberger, the Miniature Pinscher is a toy breed dog of German origin. Affectionately nicknamed the Min Pin, this breed’s ancestry includes the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound.

Sturdy and fearless despite their small size, the Min Pin was initially bred to hunt vermin and often displays an independent streak that’s best managed with consistent training from an experienced dog parent. Still, these dogs are wildly popular in the U.S. and remain at the top of the list of Europe’s favorite dogs.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 10-12.5 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds
• Colors: Red, black & rust, black & tan, chocolate & tan, chocolate & rust
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Experienced dog owners, active singles, and families with older children

21. Münsterländer

The Münsterländer breed is a German gun dog that comes in two sizes: small and large. Both have a vast array of hunting capabilities, including searching, pointing, tracking, and retrieving waterfowl and game.

Bred to be a reliable hunting partner in the field, these dogs also make for an affectionate, eager-to-please family companion. While Münsterländers do well with children, they thrive with active families who can meet their high exercise requirements.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Height: 20.5-21 inches (small), 23-26.5 inches (large)
• Weight: 40-60 pounds (small), 50-70 pounds (large)
• Colors: Black & white or brown & white, often with areas of ticking or roan
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families, hunting

22. Pomeranian

With their fluffy fur and perky personalities, Pomeranians are smaller descendants of the bigger, burlier Spitz sled dogs of the Arctic. Their name derives from Pomerania, a northeastern region of Europe that’s now Poland and Western Germany. Bred for companionship, Pomeranians still retain the spunky spirit and grit of their larger cousins, making them an entertaining and lively addition to households.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

23. Poodle

Contrary to common belief, the Poodle did not originate in France, but rather in Germany, as a breed for retrieving waterfowl. In fact, the Poodle’s name derives from the German word “pudelin,” meaning “to splash in water,” so it’s no surprise these dogs are excellent swimmers!

Their curly, waterproof coats not only protect them from the elements, but they also rarely shed, making Poodles a popular pick among allergy sufferers. Easy to train and highly intelligent, they’re excellent family dogs, but do require plenty of mental and physical enrichment.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Height: Up to 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
• Colors: White, gray, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, people with allergies

24. Rottweiler

Don’t let this big breed’s imposing stature fool you! Rottweilers are friendly and dependable, with a long history of working in Germany. Getting their name from the town of Rottweil, where they first became useful, this breed’s tasks have included driving cattle, pulling carts, and guarding property.

These days, Rottweilers continue to excel in various working roles, including as police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and service dogs. They also make loyal family pets, especially with early socialization and proper training.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
• Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
• Colors: Black only with rust, mahogany, or tan markings
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Experienced dog owners, families with older children

25. Schnauzer

One of the quintessential German dog breeds, the Schnauzer comes in three sizes: miniature, standard, and giant. Known for their wiry coats and whiskered snouts, early Schnauzers were originally referred to as Wirehaired Pinschers. All three modern variants are working breeds, ranging from rat catchers to guard dogs, depending on their size.

Smart and obedient, Schnauzers make affectionate family pets that require only moderate exercise.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Wiry, medium-length, and double-coated
• Height: 12-14 inches (miniature), 17.5-19.5 inches (standard), 23.5-27.5 inches (giant)
• Weight: 11-20 pounds (miniature), 30-50 pounds (standard), 55-95 pounds (giant)
• Colors: Black, salt and pepper, black & tan, fawn, wheaten
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families with older children

26. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is easily recognizable by its sleek silver coat and long, velvety ears, but the exact origins of this friendly breed are a matter of debate. For a short period, Weimaraners were registered as a blue variant of the German Shorthaired Pointer. By the end of the 19th century, however, they gained recognition as a distinct breed. In Germany, Weimaraners are primarily hunting dogs, but elsewhere, they are equally valued as family companions.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
• Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
• Colors: Blue, gray, silver gray
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families, hunters

27. Westphalian Dachsbracke

Developed in the Westphalia region of Germany, this short-legged hunting breed has droopy ears and a long tail. The name Dachsbracke translates directly to “badger hound,” but also sheds light on the breed’s history. Established by crossbreeding larger Deutsche Bracke with Dachshunds, the Westphalian Dachsbracke is a talented scent hound.

Though relatively rare even in Germany, breeders used the Westphalian Dachsbracke to develop one of the most popular Swedish dogs, the Drever.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 12-15 inches
• Weight: 30-35 pounds
• Colors: Usually red or yellow with a black saddle and white Bracken marks
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Hunting, active singles