////////
It’s incredible to think that all of the world’s most stunning and charming dogs trace their lineage back to a single source—the majestic wolf. Since humans first domesticated wolves over 14,000 years ago, an astonishing variety of dog breeds has evolved. While they still share the wolf’s 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth, today’s dogs come in a dazzling range of shapes, sizes, and appearances.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most striking dog breeds on the planet. First up is a top 10 list of the most beautiful canines, followed by 15 more breeds that are equally majestic, adorable, or simply eye-catching.
If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your life, keep in mind that whether your future companion is big or small, sleek or shaggy, energetic or laid-back, every dog has the potential to be a loving and loyal friend. Cherish their company, and always provide them with the care, attention, and affection they need to thrive.
1. Siberian Husky: Sled Dog
Siberian Husky owners choose this special breed for its temperament—a unique mixture of laid-back and sporty. These dogs are playful, happy-go-lucky, loving, and fond of their families. They have a keen, docile, relaxed, and casual way about them, and they tend to howl rather than bark.
Huskies will be friends with almost anyone, and, therefore, are not good watchdogs. They are happiest when around family members and part of the group. Their gentle demeanors and group mentality make them very popular family dogs.
Huskies do much better in cooler climates due to their under and outer coats. These dogs were developed to run and need this daily exercise—otherwise, they will become bored. Their love of running also means you need to be careful when taking their leash off—they can run for miles before realizing they are lost.
If a Husky does not receive enough mental and physical stimulation, it can become very destructive. They can run great distances with very little water and food. This toughness makes them ideal sled dogs.
I own a Husky because, in my opinion, Siberians are the most beautiful breed on Earth. If you are thinking about getting one, please research what you need to know before getting a Siberian Husky.
2. Golden Retriever: Miss Congeniality
Golden Retrievers get along with all people, be they children, strangers, or seniors. They’re also fantastic with other dogs, cats, and pets. They’ll happily dismiss all the mistakes you’re bound to make.
Whether you come home two hours late, forget their dinner, or accidentally step on their tails, they’ll forget it ever happened as soon as you show them some love. A Golden’s ability to bounce back and keep on loving and trusting people is legendary.
3. German Shepherd: K9 Police Dog
German Shepherds are the world’s leading police, guard, and military dogs. However, contrary to their appearance, they are not hostile. Instead, they are confident, self-assured, and ever-so-slightly aloof.
These fearless dogs are very affectionate toward those they consider family members but may not seem personable to strangers. However, when approached by a stranger they find acceptable, they will respond with affection.
The temperament of a German Shepherd is one of quiet confidence and maturity. They are very loyal, forming strong bonds with family members. They have been known to defend owners against large animals such as bears. However, be sure to socialize your German so that it does not become overprotective.
German Shepherds were bred for their intelligence. They are very easy to train, and it is said that they pick up simple tasks very quickly. These qualities, along with their strength, make them perfectly suited for police duties, guarding, and search-and-rescue operations. They also fit very well into the roles of companions, guide dogs, and herding dogs.
4. Labrador Retriever: Original Water Dog
The Labrador Retriever is the original water dog, with a weather-resistant and waterproof coat and an “otter” tail it uses to steer like a boat’s rudder when swimming. Its heavyset body and strong legs enable the dog to swim and run powerfully. Frequent exercise is needed to keep them healthy and occupied.
Chewing and mouthing are common problems among Labradors. You will need to keep lots of chew toys and bones on hand in order to save your furniture and shoes. A Lab’s favorite greeting is to trot up with a trophy in its mouth, so keep an eye on anything within its reach that is not tacked down.
But you needn’t worry about getting bitten—if they take your hand, they will do so very gently. If you don’t want to come home and find couches destroyed, however, you need to be prepared to exercise your Lab before you leave the house and provide him with lots of bones.
Labradors do not normally make good watchdogs. Although they will bark at strange noises, they are far too easygoing and trusting with strangers—they can make friends within seconds. Amicable and sociable, the Labrador Retriever is a playful companion and a calm housedog.
5. Saint Bernard: Gentle Giant
The Saint Bernard, known as the “gentle giant,” is enormous, powerful, and well-muscled—all necessary characteristics for walking through deep snow. These dogs are very intelligent and seem to be able to predict when an avalanche will occur.
This slow-moving, gentle canine makes a great family pet. Although not particularly playful, it is good with children. Because of the dog’s large size, care should be taken to prevent accidents, especially around small children. They can be stubborn, but Saint Bernards are loyal to their families and willing to please.
6. Great Dane: The Sensitive
The Great Dane is a very sensitive animal. Some people might find it comical to know that the Great Dane, despite its size, can very easily have its feelings hurt. This speaks volumes about the Great Dane’s temperament. They are so sensitive that yelling or using the wrong tone of voice can leave them feeling upset, hurt, or uneasy. More than anything, your Dane just wants to please and protect you.
While Great Danes are very loving and gentle, they are extremely large, sometimes weighing in at over 150 pounds. This can be very intimidating for strangers, especially those with small children, no matter how friendly the dog is. Fortunately, Great Danes are just as gentle and friendly with children as they are with adults.
Always remember that your Great Dane’s temperament is a reflection of your own. If you greet another person warmly, your Dane is likely to do the same; if you are apprehensive or nervous, this will show in the reaction of your dog.
7. Doberman Pinscher: The Bodyguard
Doberman Pinschers like to be physically close to family members. Devoted and watchful, they are a very people-oriented breed.
The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and able to display a natural authority. They need to discipline the dog without being afraid of it. All family members must be firm, confident, and consistent, setting rules and sticking to them. Learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to have their way. It must be thoroughly trained to be a good pet.
The Doberman is naturally protective and does not need additional protection training to be a fine guard dog. It should be thoroughly socialized with both children and adults when young, however. To raise a well-adjusted and happy Doberman, you will need to provide plenty of mental stimulation and a lot of daily exercise.
8. Bulldog: Stubborn but Sweet
This dog always wants to be close to its owner, and very often, it is impossible to stop it from sleeping on the bed—next to you. Anyone who has ever owned a Bulldog cannot deny its stubbornness. They are very assertive and like everything around them to be calm and quiet. They themselves are almost silent, barking only when necessary. It’s very possible that you will go days without hearing your pet.
While the Bulldog is a very sweet, adorable clown, the breed does tend to have a mind of its own and can be very willful. You have to have a firm voice when it comes to training—persistence and patience are key. Never be tempted to hit or jerk your Bulldog around if it doesn’t do as you want; they will not respond to this and will, more often than not, rebel against it.
While Bulldogs generally get along with anyone and everybody, they do tend to choose one person to stick to. The dog will develop a strong bond with its main caregiver, thriving on attention and love. They do not do well when left alone for long periods. The Bulldog is a companion dog, and it needs lots of attention from its owner.
9. Kuvasz: The Prolific Shedder
The Kuvasz is a very heavy shedder. You’ll find hair all over your home, stuck to everything—you’ll probably even find it in the butter!
If a Kuvasz is raised with children, it will be very protective of them. The dog may even extend that protection to visiting children. However, when the kids have friends over, do not leave your Kuvasz unsupervised. It’s likely to intervene in a misguided attempt to protect the children.
If a Kuvasz is not raised with children, it will need time to get used to their quick movements and shrill voices—these dogs are not automatically good with kids. Teach children never to tease or mistreat the dog.
10. Bullmastiff: Friendly Guardian
This relatively little-known dog breed may be the best choice for those who want dependable protection for their family members and home. Bullmastiffs often do not gain their full confidence until they are about two years old, so the owner should not expect them to really come into their own until then. After they mature, they are one of the best—if not the best—watchdogs available.
Many people who see a Bullmastiff playing with children cannot believe they can be anything but friendly. However, if the need arises, the Bullmastiff’s personality can quickly do a 180, changing from a friendly goofball into the most determined attack dog imaginable. Bullmastiffs are tough even in the face of pain and will fight through any injury to protect their masters.
11. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs. They are incredibly hardworking and energetic—they’ll herd just about anything, making them quite the handful for an inexperienced owner. Their beautiful mottled coats and often striking light-colored eyes make them one of the prettiest dog breeds to look at.
12. Samoyed
Despite looking like fluffy white clouds, Samoyeds come from the tough, inhospitable landscape of Siberia, where they worked closely with their owners as hunting and sledding dogs. These dogs crave companionship and attention, and with their pillowy yet wolf-like good looks, who could deny them?
13. Irish Setter
These affectionate gundogs are both hardworking and sweet-natured, making them a favored breed among hunters and families alike for over 200 years. Irish Setters‘ incredible red coats (also officially termed chestnut or mahogany) and velvety ears place them on many lists of the world’s most handsome dog breeds.
14. Dalmatian
One of just a few spotted dog breeds, and certainly the most iconic, the beautiful Dalmatian has a coat to envy. These attractive, muscular dogs were originally bred to guard horses and carriages, making them somewhat reserved with strangers. Affectionate with their families, they appreciate an owner who likes to burn off energy with them.
15. Rough Collie
Thanks to the fictional hero dog Lassie, Rough Collies are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. The interesting colors and markings on their long, shiny coats make these intelligent, loyal, good-natured, and athletic herding dogs also some of the best-looking canines out there.
16. Border Collie
Considered by many to be the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie is also one of the prettiest. Coming in a wide variety of coat colors and eye colors, these smart dogs need a job to do, so make sure you keep them stimulated, and you’ll have an incredibly loyal and beautiful friend for life.
17. Poodle
Unfairly written off by many who are unfamiliar with the breed, the Poodle is actually a very intelligent and athletic breed, originally bred to be duck hunters. It’s hard to deny, however, that their curly coats, often cut into various different styles, make them quite flamboyant—but even Poodles with quieter appearances can be striking dogs.
18. Rottweiler
These muscular, intimidating, handsome dogs, fittingly, had their ancestors bred by the Roman legions to defend their herds while on the move. Today, Rottweilers are still known to be protective and territorial, but in the hands of the right owner, they are also calm, playful, and affectionate, despite not being the most open to strangers.
19. Akita
Akitas, though graceful in appearance, are also quite burly and muscular—some reaching over 130 pounds—and they make excellent family protectors. These beautiful, calm dogs are loyal companions, but they need to be well-socialized to ensure positive interactions with those outside the family.
20. Saluki
Also called the Persian Greyhound, the Saluki is a lesser-known dog breed, but it’s also one of the oldest dogs—perhaps the oldest—going back thousands of years as the hunting dogs of Egyptian pharaohs. Long, sleek, and elegant, Salukis are intelligent and loyal pets who need lots of mental and physical stimulation.
21. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner‘s unique gray coloring, in addition to earning it the nickname “Gray Ghost,” also earns it a spot on many best-looking dog breed lists. These cool dogs are incredibly loyal, playful, and smart, but they need an owner who will take the time to train them and give them plenty of mental stimulation.
22. Tibetan Mastiff
There’s no doubt that the Tibetan Mastiff is a truly majestic dog breed. Topping out at 150 pounds, these massive, protective, ancient dogs used to guard the Himalayas and may have been the originators of all mastiff-type breeds. Their beautiful, heavy coats do shed a lot, so be prepared for lots of fur.
23. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sweet canines with beautiful white, rust, and black tricolored coats. These hardworking Swiss farm dogs are friendly with nearly everyone and especially love their families. Their good-natured, affectionate temperaments make them great for families with children.
24. Chow Chow
A companion to ancient Chinese nobles, the fluffy and dignified Chow Chow resembles a mix between a bear and a lion. These powerful, blue-tongued dogs are loyal to a fault, but care must be taken to socialize and train them properly as puppies, as the Chow Chow is not known for being friendly with other dogs or strangers.
25. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is a lesser-known breed, but their mottled coats and unique coloring give them a striking enough appearance to place them on the list of the world’s most beautiful dogs. With the dingo as an ancestor, ACDs have a lot of energy to burn. Give these intelligent livestock dogs something to do, or they may find their own fun.