Best dog breeds for…
Rankings built from the same 1–5 trait ratings you see on every breed profile, so you can check the working. Each list explains exactly how it’s scored.
37 breeds
Best apartment dogs
Breeds rated for apartment living, ranked by how quiet and calm they are, plus what to weigh up before you br…
9 breeds
Best calm dogs
Low-energy, laid-back dog breeds ranked by energy and exercise needs, with advice on keeping a calm dog fit,…
44 breeds
Best cold weather dogs
Dog breeds rated 4 or 5 for handling cold, plus winter safety advice, since small, short-coated, young and se…
26 breeds
Best dogs for first-time owners
Beginner-friendly dog breeds, ranked by how forgiving and trainable they are, plus what new owners should pla…
70 breeds
Best family dogs
Breeds rated well with kids, ranked by kid-friendliness, affection, trainability and getting along with other…
9 breeds
Best giant dogs
Giant dog breeds ranked from heaviest down, with honest notes on life span, bloat risk, space and drooling be…
52 breeds
Best guard dogs
Alert, trainable watchdog breeds ranked by watchdog instinct and trainability, plus honest advice on socializ…
4 breeds
Best hot weather dogs
Dog breeds rated 4 or 5 for handling heat, plus heatstroke warning signs and summer safety rules, because no…
15 breeds
Best hypoallergenic dogs
Low-shedding and lower-allergen dog breeds, ranked by shedding and grooming. No dog is allergen-free, so here…
10 breeds
Best independent dogs
Self-sufficient dog breeds that tolerate being alone better, ranked by time-alone tolerance and low energy, w…
28 breeds
Best large dogs
Large dog breeds ranked from heaviest down, with advice on exercise, space, bloat and joint screening, and ho…
40 breeds
Best low-maintenance dogs
Dog breeds with light grooming and moderate shedding, ranked by grooming, shedding and general health ratings…
41 breeds
Best quiet dogs
Dog breeds with low barking ratings. See which breeds tend to be quiet, why even quiet dogs speak up, and how…
47 breeds
Best running dogs
High-stamina dog breeds for runners, ranked by exercise needs and energy, plus how to build fitness safely, f…
43 breeds
Best small dogs
Toy and small dog breeds, ranked from lightest up, with honest notes on energy, barking, dental care and livi…
110 breeds
Dog breed life span chart
A sortable life span chart for every breed in our database, longest first, with typical weight and height and…
110 breeds
Dog breed weight chart
A sortable weight chart for every breed in our database, heaviest first, with typical height and life span an…
59 breeds
Easiest dogs to train
The most trainable dog breeds, ranked by trainability and first-time-owner friendliness, with advice on rewar…
24 breeds
Healthiest dog breeds
Dog breeds with the strongest general-health ratings and longer life spans, plus an honest look at what “heal…
30 breeds
Longest-living dogs
The 30 dog breeds with the longest typical life spans, with context on size, health and how to help any dog l…