Dog Breed reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 391 Reddit reviews across 25 subreddits and 62 posts to rank the best Dog Breed brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/dogs, r/AskReddit, r/homestead, r/service_dogs, r/DogAdvice. Top-rated brands include Labrador Retriever (4.8/5), Golden Retriever (4.8/5), Poodle (4.7/5).

Stats

Reviews391

Subreddits25

Posts62

Brands98

Products2

Top communities

r/dogs157 r/AskReddit54 r/homestead43 r/service_dogs19 r/DogAdvice17

391 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Labrador Retriever

4.8

(38)

"Labs 100%, from a reputable, ethical breeder labs are amazing dogs that are well suited for both an active lifestyle and service work."

"You want a working line labrador. Lots of good info in here. But seriously consider a field line labrador for the best chance of success for your needs and lifestyle."

"I know labs aren’t all too exciting and I didn’t think I wanted one either, but I am so thankful I got my girl. I can’t imagine a better dog!"

"I wasn't partial to Labradors either but I got one and couldn't be happier he is amazing. He is half english and half American."

"Lab, especially working line. They have a ton of energy and looooove to work."

"You’ll want to set yourself up for success. A lab will be better than any breed mentioned for service work and that should be priority."

"Get a working line lab then. Those dogs can go-go-go."

"Labrador retriever is a1"

"Labs are such amazing dogs, there’s a reason they were the country’s favorite for something like 20 years. They have big hearts, play like puppies until they die, and will love you unconditionally."

"If you love labs get one, you won't be disappointed."

Golden Retriever

4.8

(22)

"GOLDEN RETRIEVER 🦮"

"Golden retriever. Absolute love bunnies."

"Goldens are fantastic dogs as well, if they come from a good breeder."

"Golden Retriever very good with kids great all round family dog."

"Get a golden. There's really no other choice IMO."

"For kids I won't recommend another breed at this point."

"I think you should get a golden retriever."

"Golden retriever!"

"Those Golden's are the ultimate family dog and do well with kids."

"Golden retriever or Labrador."

Poodle

4.7

(16)

"We adopted a 13 year old toy poodle recently. She was one of almost 70 dogs pulled from an animal hoarding situation."

"Poodles are extremely smart and willing to plz their owners."

"Love our little 2 y/o toy poodle. Smart, travels well, trained easily."

"Our standards were soooo awesome. Smart, empathetic, non allergenic, easy to take care of and train."

"Standard Poodles are the best ever: Brilliant, Beautiful, Wonderful personalities."

"They’re incredibly intelligent, the second most intelligent dog breed."

"Between Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs, why would any other breeds NEED to exist?"

"Spoos are highly intelligent and want to please their owners."

"Poodle, they're adorable, very active, super smart, and doesn't shed."

"I’d recommend a poodle, they’re water dogs who are friendly, trainable, and shed very little."

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

4.6

(14)

"They are such sweet dogs, and SOOO cute."

"Best lap dog."

"Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are phenomenal companion dogs."

"Cavalier King Charles spaniel from a good breeder."

"I think Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the best."

"They will forever be my all time favorite."

"We have a Pyr and a Cavalier! They get along so well."

"A cavalier sounds good for you."

"Smallish and usually very nice dogs to deal with in most settings"

"Cavalier King Charles or Havanese"

Great Pyrenees

4.3

(14)

"If you have livestock you can’t go wrong with a Great Pyrenees."

"He is also willful, but at a little over a year he is smart and protective."

"She guarded them like LGDs do."

"Very protective of property and family."

"My Pyrenees girl lives out with the goats in my pasture."

"Ours is a gentle giant, and *extremely* low energy."

"I have a pyr and a pomchi. Both females. They are inseparable."

"Great Pyrenese, Thai Ridgeback, Border Collie, lab, golden retriever or Doberman."

"Great pyranese"

"Great Pyrenees are some of the best dogs for a farm and they are great with kids, only downside is how much they shed."

Standard Poodle

4.9

(12)

"Out of those, standard poodles are honestly the only ones worth considering. Herding dogs are one of the worst possible choices for psych dogs due to handler sensitivity."

"The king of duck dogs that doesn’t shed is the standard poodle."

"Southern Retrievers out of Texas breeds hunting lines of standard poodles."

"I’m going to also throw standard poodle out there, I’d look for one with working/hunting lines."

"These dogs are SO underrated, but arguably one of the most versatile breeds."

"I think a Standard Poodle might be the best dog for you."

"Standard poodles are still great dogs!"

"Standard poodle.. versatile, doesn’t shed."

"Standard poodle!"

"She loooooves it."

German Shepherd

4.7

(10)

"German shepherd and Doberman. If trained right, Lethal weapons"

"Fantastic dogs with my littles."

"A good german shepherd breeder will have the parents fully health checked."

"A well bred German shepherd would fit all of your boxes."

"My favorite breed is the German Shepherd."

"Germany Shepherd followed closely by Central Asian Shepherd."

"I am a German Shepherd person but I have trained a couple hundred."

"I will feel comfortable with German shepherd or a Malinua mix."

"German shepherd"

"I grew up with German Shepherds. My first got hit by a car, but the rest lived 18 - 22 years."

Bichon Frise

4.4

(10)

"I recommend a bochon frise. they meet your critria. people are surprised to learn that they can beat even big sporting and working dogs in their athleticism."

"What about a Bichon? Small, hypoallergenic dog known for their friendly."

"I almost went with Bichons."

"Smallish and usually very nice dogs to deal with in most settings"

"Possiblity a Bichon Frise or Maltese? It's important to remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic."

"Bichon frise is a good dog!"

"Bichons and their relatives (Havanese, Maltese, some others) are lovely little companions."

"Bichon Frise"

"How do you feel about bichon frise or a king cavalier spaniel?"

"Something like a Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese, Shih tzu, Chinese Crested."

Jack Russell Terrier

4.9

(9)

"Jack Russell! They have BIG personalities and the one I grew up with kept up to me as I rollerbladed everywhere as a teenager."

"Jack russel Parsons, fox terrier, schnauzer, maybe even a spaniel would all enjoy running."

"Terriers are big dogs in small bodies— Jack Russell and Parsons Russell especially."

"Jack Russel terrier!"

"I've known a few Jack Russell Terriers to be energetic and good family dogs."

"Terrier would be my close second. i love jacks. and parsons."

"I really love my Jack Russells and they’re great farm dogs."

"Partly their emotional range - they can be playful, boisterous, AND tender."

"Jack Russels but ONLY if they have been bred like Jack Russel intended."

#10

Miniature Poodle

4.6

(9)

"Mini poodles !!!!!!!!! Perfect size and love to play or chill"

"Mini poodle checks all the boxes"

"Miniature poodle? All of the agility and sportsmanship of a standard but sub-20 lbs."

"Mini poodles are honestly the more active of all three varieties."

"I have a mini poodle puppy and a large factor of me getting him was i wanted a dog i would be able to do creative grooms with."

"Mini or Toy Poodles and Cavachon."

"Sounds perfect for you, if you’re willing to do the grooming."

"If you like the look of poodle mixes how about a miniature poodle?"

"A mini poodle on the larger side of breed standard might be a good fit personality wise."

#11

Boston Terrier

4.5

(8)

"Boston Terrier came out on top."

"Just the sweetest, silliest, snuggliest dogs."

"They’re basically the perfect dog. Smart, eager to please."

"Cute, affectionate little goofballs."

"Boston terrier"

"Consider a Boston terrier. It’s basically a mini boxer."

"Both were excellent in guarding the kids."

"I guess you could say she meets more requirements then some akc chihuahuas."

#12

Havanese

4.4

(8)

"I just got a new puppy yesterday she a Havanese."

"They are little snuggle buddies."

"Small dogs would love to go hiking"

"A A Havanese could be a suitable option, as they are intelligent and relatively easy to train for therapy purposes."

"Cavalier King Charles or Havanese"

"Italian greyhound Havanese Coton de tulear"

"What about a havanese or just a regular poodle."

"Check out Havanese."

#13

Beagle

4.3

(7)

"I agree with the person that said beagle - they are wonderful dogs!"

"Good fit, plenty of them in rescues"

"Beagle. Just make sure that you lock your gates well since they love sniffing and may accidentally escape."

"A beagle. There are two recognised sizes, smaller breed should be within your weight range."

"Excellent dogs for around little kids."

"Personally a Beagle, followed really really closely by a Parsons Jack Russell."

"They are tenacious and have a strong personality."

#14

Border Collie

4.1

(7)

"We have border collie mixes with sporting dogs."

"I love our border collie for my son."

"Smart? If not the smartest."

"A border collie might be a good choice so long as it gets plenty of exercise every day."

"I have a border collie x corgi mix and they get along great."

"I’d shy away from BC."

"They can also be a bit neurotic."

#15

Australian Shepherd

4.1

(7)

"Australian shepherds are amazing."

"Coz of their intelligence and their active lifestyle."

"They're VERY smart and easy to train"

"The Aussie is very chill but turns on when we’re doing her favorite activities."

"I love a mutt!! I have three of them, and one is a little nippy when excited (I think she is an Australian shepherd/ rough collie mix)"

"Aussies are great dogs, but they need training and plenty of exercise."

"I would NEVER own an Australian Shepard again."

#16

Shetland Sheepdog

4.5

(6)

"Highly recommend a British Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie). The North American breeds are large but the British ones are usually under 20 pounds."

"She is absolutely *fearless* around Byron."

"He’s so gentle though that I think he’d do well with any small dog that wasn’t straight-up aggressive."

"Shelties are great dogs and easy to train."

"I’d also consider a Shetland sheepdog."

"Watches out for your kids and your animals."

#17

Miniature Schnauzer

4.5

(6)

"My miniature schnauzers are the most awesome dogs I've ever had."

"I have miniature German Snauzers and they are a great breed to have."

"Easy to train. Will follow you everywhere you go."

"I love recommending mini schnauzers since they are my absolute favorite big personality small dogs"

"I think the suggestion of a mini schnauzer is a decent one."

"They have a lot of health issues and smell bad."

#18

German Shorthaired Pointer

4.3

(6)

"I’d recommend any of the breeds that test in JGHV, I.e. Kurzhaar, Langhaar, Drahthaar."

"A GSP would be hard to beat, provided you can get the dog the work they need to be happy."

"I’m a GSP fan myself."

"A gsp (german shorthaired pointer) might be a great fit."

"A German shorthaired pointer checks at least some of your boxes."

"Anything other than a GSP."

#19

English Shepherd

5.0

(5)

"You need an English Shepherd! They are a medium breed, sporty like an Aussie or BC, but with what we who love them call an "offswitch"."

"English Shepherd."

"English shepherds %100."

"We love our English shepherd."

"Great with herding livestock. Amazing with children."

#20

Boxer

4.8

(5)

"High energy always ready to go, loves to cuddle."

"You’ll never have a breed better with kids."

"Boxer!"

"The best overall in my opinion is a Boxer."

"Although I've never met a boxer I didn't like."

#21

Mixed Breed

4.6

(5)

"The naughtiest dogs I know are pure breeds."

"Their mixed genes make them far superior and healthier than me."

"Because each of them is unique and inimitable."

"Mixed breeds. Sweet and smart."

"Healthy. Smart."

#22

Boykin Spaniel

4.6

(5)

"My friend loves his Boykins."

"Boykin might be ideal."

"I love Boykin spaniel’s they are excellent retrievers in and out of water."

"I have a Boykin. Dont get a Boykin if you’re expecting a small longer haired lab."

"Female boykin spaniel. High energy, sports/bird dog, smaller size, very friendly and trainable."

#23

Greyhound

4.2

(5)

"They look like they just stepped out of a painting."

"Second a greyhound and a dog walker. They’re super sweet dogs and as they say, the fastest couch potato in the world."

"Oddly enough, Greyhounds are great apartment dogs."

"I heard greyhounds are pretty chill."

"Greyhounds are shockingly low maintenance and would rather be lap dogs."

#24

Chihuahua

4.2

(5)

"If you want a lazy dog that will cuddle and love you and only you all the time, get a Chihuahua."

"I have a chi mix- bonus is that they’re Velcro dogs. Lots of snuggles, some walks."

"We had a Chihuahua, she was very active, not barky at all, and being so small we were able to play and keep her active in the house."

"Our Chihuahua mix that seems to have more Dachshund in her though absolutely loves playing with our Pyrs."

"She has become very active and has lost all of her tubbiness."

#25

Rat Terrier

5.0

(4)

"Rat Terrier, big dog attitude, smart, athletic, they have an on/off switch and they adjust to your energy."

"Rat terrier! Super lovely and fun little dogs"

"Our rat terrier was selected for being low on the terrier intensity scale, and high in the super buddy column."

"RAT TERRIER …caps because sweet, sensitive, cuddly blanket burrower who is also Fast, Smart, mildly feisty, and just a joy to be around."

#26

Papillon

5.0

(4)

"Papillons have lots of energy for running around and do great at agility. They are way spunkier than they look!"

"They are a lot of dog for their size, in terms of energy, intelligence, trainability, and personality."

"Papillons are one of very few breeds that has always been bred to be a companion."

"I would also recommend a papillon."

#27

Collie

3.6

(5)

"Definitely considering a collie or lab."

"A collie? Super intelligent and bred for herding so can easily be taught care around horses and not make the horses skittish."

"They’re known for being great with kids."

"I’m concerned about heat and them overheating & the herding capability. I’ve met some lovely collies but also some nightmare ones."

"Decent choice if you’re into that look"

#28

Shih Tzu

4.5

(4)

"Shi tzu’s are OP, don’t shed , great with kids, reasonable size and live a good healthy 12+ years."

"Smallish and usually very nice dogs to deal with in most settings"

"If you live in a small space I'd suggest a Shihtzu."

"Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, King Charles Spaniel, Maltese."

#29

Maltese

4.3

(4)

"I suggest maltese, or something similar."

"Maltese! They're apartment sized and very sweet."

"Possiblity a Bichon Frise or Maltese? It's important to remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic."

"I live in a small apartment with a Maltese and she adapted to it very well."

#30

Cocker Spaniel

4.3

(4)

"A cocker spaniel would be great."

"I’ve met some super awesome field bred cockers. They do well in the sports you’re interested in."

"A touch heavy but sweet little dogs."

"A well-bred Cocker Spaniel sounds like it would be a good fit!"

#31

Border Terrier

4.3

(4)

"They absolutely love them. the breed was originally created to be a small dog that could get in spaces foxhounds couldn't on hunts"

"Border Terriers fit the bill well."

"What about a Cairn Terrier or Border Terrier? Both were bred for hunting so they should have more energy than other little dogs."

"Border Terrier, if you can find one. They're chill, smart, brave, tough, and as active as you want them to be."

#32

Doberman

4.3

4.0

(3)

"I’d recommend going to a local shelter and just seeing what they have."

"Adding another check your shelters comment. Shelters are overflowing with pandemic dogs right now."

"Your best bet might be contacting a shelter and letting them know you're looking for a chill dog."

#45

Pit Bull

5.0

(2)

"Get an adult Pitbull; they are ubiquitous at shelters."

"My Pitbull even though she’s technically a medium sized dog has been an amazing big sister."

#46

Italian Greyhound

5.0

(2)

"Italian Greyhounds. Couch potatoes."

"Italian greyhound Havanese Coton de tulear"

#47

Yorkshire Terrier

5.0

(2)

"I think yorkies seem up your alley."

"My suggestion is a male yorkie."

#48

West Highland White Terrier

5.0

(2)

"They are fiercely loyal. It's like having a secret service agent with you when you're at home."

"She is technically long haired but I just keep her coat cut short."

#49

3.0

(3)

"If you want to keep a dog as protection in case of an attack then rottweiler, dobermann or Belgian Mallanois."

"Rottweiler!!"

"Rottweiler"

#53

Corgi

3.0

1.6

(5)

"She should try fostering first, see how it goes before adopting/buying."

3.0

Pitbull

1.0

(1)

"Pitbull"

#98

Gsd

1.0

(1)

"GSD"

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