10 Dog Breeds That Give You Instant Street Cred

If your family is active and loves being together in the great outdoors, an Afghan Hound is worth considering. These dogs love to run and exercise, and require a lot of it. Afghans are affectionate, loyal, and good around kids of all ages. They aren’t big barkers and have a gentle nature, making them great companion dogs. 

And can we talk about their gorgeous coats? All that hair might look like it would be a pain to maintain, but with regular brushing and combing, it’s not as bad as you might think. Not a fan of all that hair? You can keep their coat trimmed short so you don’t have to deal with excessive grooming.

Beagles love to play and are full of energy! They are great around kids and other animals and love to stay active. Beagles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and want nothing more than to be around their families. Due to their gentle demeanor, they are considered a top dog breed for families with children. Grooming is a breeze and shedding is minimal as long as they are brushed regularly. Beagles do bark a lot and are very vocal but with training, they can learn when it is and isn’t okay to bark.

Fans lovingly refer to them as ‘Berners’ – the big, cuddly, soft Bernese Mountain Dogs. These pups are often described as gentle giants with wonderfully playful personalities. When I say big, I mean BIG! Bernese Mountain Dogs can grow to be over 27 inches tall and weigh more than 100 pounds.

Despite their massive size, Berners are known for their patient, calm demeanors around small children and get along famously with other dogs. They are quintessential laid-back companions and rank among the least aggressive breeds out there. Their easygoing natures combined with their loving, affectionate personalities make Bernese Mountain Dogs ideal family pets.

Talk about a versatile dog with the sweetest face you can imagine! Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and known for their incredibly chill personalities. They get along wonderfully with children and other dogs. Cavaliers love to cuddle and spend quality time with their families. These affectionate pups are the best of both worlds – happy to keep up with active owners but also perfectly content as loyal couch companions for homebodies.

If you’re looking for the ultimate couch potato who loves nothing more than another nap, an English Bulldog is the perfect dog for you. Bulldogs are extremely laid-back pups who don’t require much exercise or activity. They have friendly, big personalities…if you can get them to wake up from their frequent snoozes! Bulldogs rarely bark, and they don’t mind being around other pets – even cats! Their relaxed, low-key nature makes them ideal apartment or low-energy household companions.

Frenchies are the most popular dog breeds out there right now, and for good reason. They are entertaining, bossy little bundles of energy who love to be the center of attention. French Bulldogs are also incredibly versatile – whether you want a lazy day napping on the couch or an active day out exploring, Frenchies are up for anything (or nothing!) They get along great with other pets and make wonderful family dogs who are always looking to make new friends.

A list of the coolest dogs out there wouldn’t be complete without including Golden Retrievers! They are one of the most popular breeds out there because of their friendly demeanor, outgoing personality, and playful energy… just look at that smile! When people think of friendly dogs, Goldens come to mind first. They are one of the top picks for family dogs and for first time dog owners. They like to be active but are not a breed that requires constant exercise throughout the day. They get along with everybody including kids, other dogs, and even the family cat. Because of their gentle and loving nature, they often work as therapy and service dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are very similar to Golden Retrievers and share the same widespread popularity. They are one of the most popular family dog breeds around because of their sweet demeanors, laid-back temperaments, and ability to get along with everyone. Labs are high-energy dogs, and because they are retrievers, they’ll never turn down playing fetch. Despite their energetic natures, Labs are also known for being affectionate, relaxed companions at home. Their friendly dispositions and versatility make them ideal family pets that can match both active and more laidback lifestyles.

I may be biased since I have one, but mixed breed dogs make excellent pets! With mutts, you rarely have to worry about the health issues that can plague many purebred breeds. For the most part, mixed breeds tend to have more even-keeled temperaments and are game for any type of activity. They are extremely loyal, loving companions that adapt well to different environments and lifestyles because they weren’t bred for a single specific purpose. 

Mixed breed dogs are also very affordable, and by adopting one you could be saving a life. One of their biggest pluses? They LOVE their families! Mixed breeds are the ultimate velcro dogs in the best way possible – constantly wanting to stick by your side. Their affectionate, easygoing natures make them wonderful family companions. If you’re looking for a fun-loving, healthy pup without the baggage of purebred issues, check out the mutts at your local shelter. You may just find your perfect four-legged friend.