With all of the different dog breeds out there it can be difficult to narrow it down to just 5. Working in dog daycare for 7+ years you get to know the good majority of the breeds out there, even some of the ones you don’t normally see. Here are both my husband and I’s top 5 picks for our favorite dog breeds.
My Top 5 Favorite Breeds
German Shepherd: I was always naturally drawn to German Shepherds as a child even though I had never met one. My aunt who’s a veterinary assistant tried to dissuade me from them, saying that they were aggressive and unpredictable. Once I started working in dog daycare, that passion came back alive when I saw their loyalty and willingness to please, not to mention they are gorgeous looking dogs. I became known as “The Shepherd Girl”, befriending every shepherd I could that came in for daycare or boarding, and taking care of clients who owned them. Some I keep in touch with to this very day.
Australian Shepherd: Another very attractive breed, I fell in love with these guys goony and friendly personalities. I’m particularly fond of the blue merle ones and have had the pleasure of fostering a couple of them. As a companion, I love their athletic ability, their lightness on their feet, their loyalty, and they make great trail dogs.
Belgian Groenendael: I’ve only really known one of these in all my years working with dogs. She could be a stinker but also had the potential to be so much more. I love their shepherd like appearance, sleek black coat, and it’s a joy to watch them move with such poise and grace. I would love to be able to own one someday.
Doberman: I love Dobermans for their powerful yet elegant look, not too blocky like rotties. The ones I’ve met have had excellent personalities acting as total goof balls, and have been joys to be around. I almost had the opportunity to adopt one that I used to babysit, from someone who could no longer give him the proper care he needed. Unfortunately, I was not in a position to do so at the time.
Shelties: I see these guys as being similar to Australian Shepherds. I love the cute pointy face and comical personalities. They can definitely be yappy though if not kept in check. I knew one that I bonded with so well in doggy daycare that when it came time for the parents to pick her up, she looked at them and then looked back at me and came back to me instead of going to her own parents.
My Husbands Top 5 Favorite Breeds
Old English Sheepdog: My husband has fond memories of growing up with Old English Sheepdogs. They were friendly, intelligent, and clean. They lived in the hills so theirs would actually leave property to go up the hillside and go to the bathroom. They’d play tag, jokes, and were just a good part of the family.
St. Bernard: Another breed my husband grew up with. He loved St. Bernard’s for their friendly, even tempered personalities. Though slobbery, they’re good family dogs and as small kids they would ride him around like a horse.
Australian Shepherd: With the aussies he’s met, he’s loved them for their loyalty, friendliness, drive, intelligence and herding ability.
Bernese Mountain: Though he’s never had the opportunity to experience this breed, he’s had a desire to own one someday based off of my experience and intel of what kind of dogs they are. Most of the ones I’ve known have been very friendly, loyal dogs that love attention from people. It also doesn’t hurt that my husband tends to go for the large furry breeds.
Heeler: Heelers can be unpredictable if not trained correctly but my husband likes this breed for their loyalty, short easy coat, activity level, and that they make good ball dogs.
Honorable Mentions
Greyhounds: I didn’t really like Greyhounds initially, I though they looked really odd. Then I met some retired racing hounds and I loved how they just wanted to be couch potatoes and to be loved. I’ve wanted to adopt a retired racer myself but probably won’t due to their incredibly high prey drive. That wouldn’t quite work out on a farm with chickens running around.
Pomeranian: I’ve known a lot of small dogs that I’ve liked throughout the years but there’s not too many that I would think to own as a breed. I tend to worry about small dogs getting hurt because of their size. But I do like Pomeranians, they can be yappy, but I’ve known a few that I’ve really liked and could see myself owning. They have bright personalities and seem to bond pretty well with those they love.
Brussels Griffon: Another breed that I wouldn’t typically like, I’ve had the opportunity to know a couple of these guys and they have the bests personalities . . . playful, yet mischievous. The short-coated ones are definitely better looking in my opinion, I don’t really go for any breeds with wiry hair.
Border Collie: My husband pretty much likes these guys for the same reason as Heelers and Aussies, but probably wouldn’t consider owning one due to their extra drivy nature and energy.
Golden Retriever: My husband likes these guys for their overly friendly nature and neediness to be with their people.
Mutts: Mixed breed dogs are unique looking, cheaper to buy, and generally have better health than the pure-bred dogs. It can also mellow out certain breed characteristic, like too much drive, making for a more well-rounded and suitable family dog.
