These Dog Breeds Have Evolved to be the Most Elite

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These Dog Breeds Have Evolved to be the Most Elite

By Trista - August 14, 2022

49. Saint Bernard

Almost everyone alive in the 90s can recall the movie “Beethoven,” which starred the massive Saint Bernard. They’re a large dog breed and have a lot of drool and long fur. However, people originally bred Saint Bernards to be working dogs to rescue people from avalanches. They have a great sense of smell and are very social dogs who care about people, making them great family dogs and great protectors. However, because the breed comes from the Swiss Alps, they are very sensitive to heat and shouldn’t be left outside in the summer heat.

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48. Akita

Akitas have been confused for Shiba Inus recently, and that’s because they are both breeds from Japan. They also have similar face shapes and ears, but they’re still very different from each other. Akitas are pretty stocky and are much larger because they were bred to hunt bears. They do tend to roam, so you should never leave them in a yard unattended as they will run off independently. They’re also fierce protectors, so that’s not something you need to train them to do. But they’re also independent dogs, so you may have a hard time getting one to listen to you.

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47. Bichon Frise

People mistake the Bichon Frise for being nothing more than a small toy dog, but the breed is actually much more than that. They’re known to be relatively affectionate and intelligent, easy to train, and extremely playful. They only come with white fur coats, so if you keep one outside, they’re going to look dirty pretty quickly. They make great pets for those who don’t want to do much brushing since they don’t shed a lot, but they do require maintenance in order to keep their coats looking good. However, other than that, they’re pretty social animals who love people.

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46. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu has gained popularity recently due to certain Internet memes. Nowadays, everyone is looking to get a Shiba Inu in their home because of their adorable appearance. However, they are quite vocal dogs and can be stubborn if you don’t train them correctly. These dogs are relatively sturdy and muscular, which means they have much power behind their pull. However, if you don’t like much shedding, this breed is not for you. They have a thick double coat that sheds twice a year, so you have to do a lot of brushing to keep it off your furniture.

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45. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois has often been confused for a German Shepherd, but they aren’t the same breed at all. They are brilliant and obedient and can be pretty easy to train if you have a strong temperament and are confident. By instinct, these dogs are protective of their owners and are suspicious of people they don’t know. Because they’re mainly trained to be security and police dogs, they require daily exercise and activities that challenge their minds daily. Without these challenges, they can become destructive around the home and won’t hesitate to chew up anything they can sink their teeth into.

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44. Collie

Everyone knows the famous Collie Lassie, and during that time period, it led to a surge of people searching for this breed to add to their homes. For this reason, many collies were overbred at that time. In turn, it increased the health problems that continue to this day. The collie comes in both the rough and smooth coats, and they are a wide variety of colors as well, including tricolor and blue merle, just to name a few. Originally bred to be herding dogs, they make excellent dogs around children because of their gentle dispositions and the need for companionship.

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43. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is taken very seriously, probably because of their dopey appearance, but they were actually bred to be hunting dogs. People used them for hunting rabbits, and their body shape allowed them to get down into their burrows to root them out. Otherwise, they’re pretty laidback dogs when they’re not hunting. They can be pretty affectionate with people and would be more interested in sniffing new visitors into your home than barking at them. If you bring this breed home, though, it would be best not to have a lot of carpeting since they’re prone to much drooling.

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42. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a pretty large dog originally bred in Italy to hunt large animals and provide security to property. They’re incredibly athletic and require much exercise to tire them out by the end of the day. Lots of walks, playing frisbee, and providing them with puzzling toys are all ways to keep them engaged, or else they might resort to destructive behavior. Despite being a pure breed, you might be surprised to see how many of these dogs end up in shelters and have been confused with Pitbulls.

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41. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland, called the Newfie for short, is quite a large dog, so it’s not the best dog to have if you live in small spaces. They were bred as working dogs to help fishers with their nets and haul wood from the forests. They’re pretty good at swimming, so if you’re ever keen on going to the beach, you might have difficulty keeping this breed out of the water. They make a great family companion, they’re easy to train, and they are pretty friendly towards strangers too. Though not a guard dog by nature, their size would be more of a deterrent to any intruder.

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40. Maltese

The Maltese is a dog breed born from the lap of luxury. They have been around since before the Bible. They have a marvelous coat that makes them look like a work of art, but much care is required to keep them looking this good. Thankfully, they don’t shed a lot, but most people prefer to keep them with short coats so that they’re not collecting dust and dirt from every surface they walk on. They can be quite affectionate and make excellent alert watchdogs as well. Fearless by nature, they have no problems taking on the challenges of an agility course.

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39. Chihuahua

When people look at a chihuahua, they likely think about a small dog that is always angry. Nevertheless, there is more to this breed than people give them credit for. They’re incredibly loyal, so you have a friend for life, and they tend to love anyone they meet. Unfortunately, most people carry them around because of their size, which can give these dogs a complex. They simply love the attention to the point that they’ll do absolutely anything to get it, including tricks or simply pushing their way into your lap. They can live a long time, but they’re prone to many health ailments, such as eye infections and bronchitis.

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38. Pug

Pugs recently gained much attention in the 2000s, making them one of the more popular breeds in recent years. Despite having short hair, they’re actually pretty heavy shedders, so they need to be groomed regularly to keep this hair off your floors. Although their smooshed faces can appear adorable, this characteristic is also attached to many health problems, like overheating and breathing problems that can shorten the breed’s lifespan. Because of their size and how easy it is to train them, they make great apartment dogs who revel in the attention.

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37. Vizsla

Not many people have heard of the Vizsla breed, and they’re easily mistaken for other breeds out there, but it really stands out on its own. Originally bred in Hungary back in the 9th Century, people used them as hunting dogs. They require a lot of exercises, but once they’ve found their human, they’re attached to them for life. Their loyalty knows no bounds to the point that they’ll be stuck to your side like Velcro forever. However, this loyalty can also lead to extreme separation anxiety unless they’re properly socialized. Their hunting dog nature requires many exercises, so be prepared for many walks and activities throughout the week.

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36. Cocker Spaniel

If you’re looking for a dog breed that is both adorable and cuddly, then the cocker spaniel might just be the breed for you. Cocker spaniels are a great-looking breed with a personality that would win over anyone’s heart with how playful they are. They’re eager to please too, so they’re likely to listen to any commands you teach them. However, be sure you have several brushes because they require a lot of grooming to keep their coat looking its best. They are avid barkers, but with a bit of discipline, you could keep this to a minimum.

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35. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff can look intimidating, and for excellent reasons. They’re not afraid of anything and will get in the middle of danger to ensure that their family is safe. When they’re not guarding their home they’re pretty happy to be lapdogs, lounging on the couch with you while watching television. Because of this gentle side of their nature, they also make relatively good therapy dogs for those who need a little more help throughout their days. Unfortunately, the Bullmastiff is not a fan of other dogs and prefers to be the only dog in the home.

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34. Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel makes an excellent retriever, so if you’re an avid hunter, this is the breed for you. They also make a pretty good watchdog for the home but are still a gentle companion for the younger members of your family. He’s the perfect size not to crush small children but also big enough that they won’t get pushed around by older ones. The spaniels get along with most other pets, so they work well in a home with other animals. They do tend to have a stubborn streak. So consistent training is critical.

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33. Brittany

Brittanys have nothing to do with the girl’s name; instead, they came from a region of France called Bretagne. People bred them as hunting dogs and pointers so that hunters could find the animals that they shot. This means that this breed tends to have a high prey drive, so it’s best not to get one if you have smaller animals in your home. They also have a lot of energy, so exercise is crucial. Despite being medium-sized dogs, they’re not great at apartment living because they need a lot of space to run around. An all-around easy dog to get along with, there’s no reason not to add one to your household.

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32. Shetland Sheepdog

People believe that the Shetland Sheepdog is a miniature version of a collie, but they’re actually two different breeds. They have a lot more energy and were bred in a separate area of the United Kingdom, specifically Scotland. Although Shelties descended from collies, they are their own breed. People bred them to be herding dogs as well, so they do need much exercise, or else they’ll start putting on a lot of weight that can be bad on their small joints. Grooming is a must, as well as taking care of their teeth since they’re prone to dental disease.

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31. Havanese

The Havanese have sometimes been confused with the Maltese at times since they’re both white dogs with long white hair. However, while the Maltese originated in Malta, the Havanese is the only dog breed to originate from Cuba. Another feature that makes them stand out from the Maltese is their curled-over tail. Grooming is required, but keeping their coat trimmed to reduce maintenance is an easy fix. They’re brilliant and are big extroverts, making them very social animals. However, they also make excellent watchdogs when someone is at the door.

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30. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are a member of the Spitz family, which all have thick coats with a particular appearance. Despite his tiny size, he has a huge personality that speaks volumes. Furthermore, he will get loud with his barking too. The Pomeranian is not well-suited to families with small children because they don’t handle rough play very well. They’re more suitable for quiet households with adults, where the Pomeranian can be the center of attention. But don’t let this attitude run too rampant; without discipline, the pom can become very bossy and unruly, even with his owners. They do make good watchdogs, though, and will bark when someone is at the door.

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29. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small but sturdy dog with a double-haired coat that requires some maintenance. Although this breed is very playful, they’re also known for being quite courageous and taking on anything it doesn’t like, no matter how big it is. This makes them an excellent watchdog in the home. People originally bred it for Chinese noble families, so they have a long history of being pampered. They’re available in a wide range of colors and have a low amount of shedding, making them a perfect dog to keep inside. They’re pretty easy to train, and it’s essential to keep their attitude in check.

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28. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another old breed with a history of nobility. They have an air about them that exudes authority and being an attention-getter… and they would be right. They’re affectionate and easy-going, making them a great pet to have around children. This need for attention causes them to have extrema separation anxiety, so steps need to be taken to curtail this. They can also be a little difficult to house train, so you’ll have to exercise patience in this area… as well as protect your floors.

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27. Miniature Schnauzer

Although the miniature Schnauzer looks like an older adult from Britain, this breed actually originated in Germany. It’s a hardy and feisty dog that is always eager to be involved in whatever you’re doing. They’re incredibly affectionate with people they know and are also really great with children. They were initially bred to exterminate vermin, giving them a high prey drive, so they should not be left outside unattended if you have small animals or birds in your yard often. This isn’t a couch potato dog, though; they prefer to be relatively active and require an owner who will keep up with them.

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26. Australian Shepherd

Despite the name, Australian Shepherds did not come from Australia. They’re actually an American dog breed, and people bred them to be herding dogs. These dogs are highly intelligent, and you should put their smarts to good use with engaging activities in their daily life. They’re also very active, so a decent amount of exercise is required to keep this dog happy. They pretty much excel in agility training since it engages both the mind and the body at the same time. This isn’t a lazy dog by any means, which means you can’t be either.

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25. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher was initially created in Germany as a protection dog, especially for tax collectors. The media has portrayed this breed as a protector of any kind of property, including junkyards and private homes. Despite this portrayal, they make very loving family pets and are loyal to their owners. Dobermans are quite adaptable too, so if you change your living experiences, they’re willing to go along with it, too, as long as they get to be with their people. Keep in mind that they’re relatively tall and muscular, so you will have to exercise some muscle when training this breed to walk on a leash.

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24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a British breed and is one of the favorite breeds of the Queen of England. Small, stocky dogs, people bred these corgis to be bull baiters because of how small they are. This means that they require a lot of exercise to stop them from becoming overweight. They work well in apartments as well as farm living, as long as you keep them comfortable and active. Some grooming is required to keep their coats from blowing out inside your home since they can be heavy shedders. Their cheerful appearance definitely puts them up there as one of the more adorable breeds, but it has a working dog attitude behind those eyes.

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23. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds out there. However, it is actually quite gentle and affectionate with its humans despite its size. Due to its size, it lives a much shorter lifespan than most other breeds. There are a wide variety of coat colors for this breed, and they have a gait that gives them all the grace and poise of a ballerina. Gentle nature aside, intruders may look at the size of a Great Dane and think twice about trying to get inside. They make friends easily and are always looking to make their owners happy.

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22. Dachshund

Dachshunds may look cute with their stumpy legs and long bodies, but they were actually bred this way for a perfect reason. They look like this in order to get into holes in the ground belonging to badgers, rabbits, or foxes and chase them out. Their powerful feet are good at digging holes so that they can make the hole bigger to get the hunted animals out. Because of their short coat, they’re not very good in cold weather, so you may have to live somewhere warmer or be invested in getting them some doggy jackets when you take them outside.

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21. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are mostly known for living quite well in freezing climates. They’re built to be sled dogs, but that’s not the only thing they’re good at. They’re adaptable as working dogs in any situation, such as helping the native people of Siberia with their hunting tasks. Their thick double coat helps to protect them in cold climates, but this coat sheds twice a year… a lot. You could keep brushing for hours and still pull out more undercoats. Huskies are vocal dogs too, and with their high emotional intelligence, they have no problems telling you when they don’t like something.

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20. Boxer

Boxers are some of the most beloved family dogs you’ll ever be able to find. They do have high energy and require a lot of exercises, but you can get that done a few hours a day with some Frisbee in the yard or a good long walk. Despite their “mean” look, this breed is actually a goofball at heart and knows how to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Because of their face shape and short coat, they don’t work very well in extreme climates, so leaving them outside for long periods of time is not an option.

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19. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the prized toy dogs that melts people’s hearts. Their cheerful disposition and cute looks make it easy to fall in love with this dog. They started out as rat hunters in mines and texture mills, and that trait has continued throughout the years, giving them a high prey drive. They have quite a big personality in that tiny body and aren’t afraid to be vocal about it. They’re loyal to their owners and make great alert dogs when a stranger is on your property. They’re not big shedders, but you should brush them on a regular basis to keep their coats looking nice.

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18. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a German breed that was bred to drive cattle to the market. This explains why they have such big heads and large chests. They have a deep rough bark, and people use them to protect their property. They can become giant goofballs with people they’re familiar with, willing to roll over for a tummy rub whenever the chance presents itself. You need a firm hand due to their size and strength, and they can be a little stubborn at times, so they’re not the best breed for someone who is getting their first dog.

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17. Toy Poodle

The toy version of the Poodle is the smallest variant of the breed. However, that doesn’t mean that any of its original instincts aren’t there anymore. Although quite cute, poodles were originally bred to be hunting dogs, especially waterfowl. Their coats will keep them warm against the frigid temperatures in France so that they wouldn’t suffer from shock. This means that this breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy. You can choose to keep this dog trimmed, or you can live with the responsibility of brushing this dog every day to keep their coat tangle-free.

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16. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are not actually from France; the breed actually originated in England, but the creators of the species moved to France. They’re relatively affectionate dogs who care about their owners, and since they don’t require many exercises, they make great dogs to have in apartments. Don’t take them to the beach, though; the size of their head makes them terrible swimmers. This feature also makes it difficult for mothers to give birth, so they often have C-sections. Otherwise, they’re pretty friendly and talkative dogs who won’t hesitate to tell you how they’re feeling.

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15. Golden Retriever

Many people consider the Golden Retriever to be the “All-American Dog,” but this breed actually originated in Scotland. They bred this animal to be a gundog, but its responsibilities have expanded to encompass helping the blind and being a therapy dog. That’s because this dog is straightforward to train and has an easy disposition that anyone can work with. They take well to water and are pretty good swimmers. They have a very laid-back approach when it comes to life and basically go with the flow with whatever is going on around them.

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14. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is another popular dog breed in almost every home across North America. They’re always eager to show their affection, are extremely intelligent, and are always happy doing activities with their family. They’re gentle dogs to have around children, and people initially bred them as hunting dogs, so they require some exercise. Their coats aren’t exactly short, but they do shed, so they require some maintenance. People use the Labrador as a seeing-eye dog and a therapy dog because they’re always eager to please their owners.

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13. Dalmatian

A mascot for the fire department, the Dalmatian, was initially bred to be a hunting dog as well as a carriage dog to keep robbers away. They have quite a graceful silhouette, and the spotted pattern on the fur definitely makes them striking to behold. You may not know that the puppies are actually born without the spots and that their markings start showing up when they’re about two weeks old. They are frequent shedders and do well in active homes that know how to keep them mentally stimulated.

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12. Samoyed

The Samoyed is described as a white puffball of a dog, but they look this way for a specific reason. Their thick coats will keep them warm in cold climates, and even their perpetual smile serves a function: it prevents icicles from forming in the corners of their mouths and faces. They are intelligent and social animals but can be pretty mischievous if left unattended for long periods of time. Their thick coats require regular grooming, or you could end up with a very matted dog.

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11. French Pointer

The French Pointing Dog has a hunting dog that originated, you guessed it, from France. People bred them to be game and bird hunters, rooting out the tall grasses and pointing where they fell after the owners shot them. They’re very affectionate dogs and relatively playful, being relatively submissive and gentle with those they live with. These dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and eager to make friends with strangers at your door than guarding your house against them. They’re not very independent, which means they’re more likely to stick by your side than to go off and do their own thing.

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10. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow was made famous by Martha Stewart, who had a number of them as her dogs. It was initially bred to be an independent dog so that they could take care of themselves, so don’t expect this dog to be a big cuddler. Their suspicion of strangers makes them excellent watchdogs, as long as they’re trained to do so. They require patience and consistency, or they’ll learn very quickly that you’re a pushover and won’t listen to anything you have to say. They don’t enjoy being left at home for long periods of time and require a lot of grooming to keep that excellent coat in check.

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9. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a very affectionate breed, despite being originally bred to help out fishers with their work. Its tightly-curled coat helps to keep their body warm when they’re in the water, so taking them swimming is a good form of exercise. They’re eager to please and easy to train and work well with both children and other dogs. They’re adaptable to any situation they’re brought into, so they won’t suffer if you move around to different settings. Not very prone to barking, they’re more of a companion animal than a watchdog.

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8. English Setter

The English Setter is a beautiful British breed bred for pointing when hunting. They are known for their excellent memory, so anything you do will be committed to memory forever. They thrive in human companionship, preferring to be inside the house than outside with nothing to do. This usually amounts to the English Setter having separation anxiety sometimes, so care should be taken to reduce this as much as possible. When it comes to exercise, a long walk or teaching agility training will work wonders at tiring them out.

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7. Keeshond

The Keeshond is a dog breed from the Netherlands bred to watch over barges traveling along rivers and canals. They’re small enough to make them portable but have a solid bark to deter those with bad intentions. This breed has three coat layers: a thick double topcoat, a wooly undercoat, and a long outer coat, all designed to keep them warm. Despite these three layers, they don’t require an extensive amount of grooming in order to maintain the look of their coat. They make excellent watchdogs but are also quite personable, eager to make friends with anyone they meet.

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6. Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is a fun little breed initially bred to chase rats. They’re fearless and will take on anything they see as a threat. They are not the same as the Norfolk Terrier, which is an entirely separate breed: the Norwich terrier has upright ears while the Norfolk terrier has drop ears. They do require companionship, so having another terrier in the home or having someone who is home all the time can help curtail separation anxiety. They’re effortless to train, especially with treats, so they make excellent dogs use in agility training.

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5. Greyhound

The Greyhound was originally bred as a hunting dog but has more recently been used for racing. Thankfully, this practice is being weaned out of society. They’re gentle dogs that run really fast, which means they need many exercises. Their short coats make them not fit for cold climates, so clothing and blankets should be provided during winter. They’re pretty friendly to people and have a very mild nature that other dogs can get along with. They’re very sensitive to people’s emotions, so they’ll openly react to any tension in the home.

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4. Chinese Shar-Pei

“Wrinkly” is one way to describe the Shar-Pei, but they are more than that. Because of their wrinkles, they require some careful cleaning between them, or they could end up with skin infections. They’re quiet dogs and aren’t prone to barking, are very protective of their family, and are relatively easy to train. At times, they can be independent and strong-willed, so you have to be firm when it comes to discipline. They’re not eager to greet strangers, preferring to ignore them altogether. In fact, you might find that the Shar-Pei isn’t as affectionate as other dogs you may have had in the past.

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3. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is known for being one of the most energetic dog breeds out there, and that’s because they were originally bred to hunt foxes. They’re used to running long distances and following foxes down into the holes. For this reason, you cannot be a couch potato with this breed. They require constant stimulation, both physical and mental, in order to be happy. Their size makes them perfect for apartment living, but you have to work to provide them with exercise every day. They’re friendly to children and strangers alike but have a high prey drive, so you should not put them outside unattended.

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2. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is also part of the Spitz family, the same as the Pomeranian. They are affectionate and loyal and can withstand frigid temperatures with their thick coat. These dogs are often confused with huskies at times since they’re both sled dogs, but their body structures are relatively different from each other. They have a deep chest and heavy bones for work, but you must demand respect from them, or else they won’t listen to your commands. You also need to groom these dogs regularly to avoid tangles in their coat; failure to do this can lead to hot spots and itching.

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1. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd, by far, is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. In society, people primarily use them for police work, but they were initially bred to take care of livestock. They’re easy to train and are always eager to please their owners, no matter what tasks are given to them. They shed twice a year, so regular brushing is required to minimize the hairballs rolling around on your floor. No matter what you train them to do, they’ll catch on quickly, as long as you are consistent in your training methods. Regular exercise is also a must to keep them happy since they are a working breed.

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