Puppy Love in the IG Era: Ten Favorite Dog Breeds

Despite being a *gasp* cat person, I have a great love for dogs. My Instagram and FB feed is full of canines. Here is, in no massively particular order, a list of my ten favorite dog breeds:

1. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are probably my favorite dog breed. Elegant, intelligent and versatile, you’ll often see them as police or military dogs. It’s amazing watching them on police shows-how focused and dedicated they are, and how absolutely terrified criminals are when faced to face when they’re baring their teeth. As soon as the ball comes out though, they’re all ready to play. I have a preference for long-haired shepherds but they’re all beautiful. They also look wolf-like, which is cool.

I do favour larger dogs with a purpose, and I feel shepherds fit the bill. I’m impressed with how they’re so good with their families but are also very protective. My cat would probably show the burglars the valuables.

Oh, and the head tilts are so cute, as well as when the puppies haven’t grown into their ears.

2. Golden Retriever

When there’s a video of a dog being good and kind online, there’s a good chance it’s a golden retriever. They are genuinely lovely, sweet dogs who are just so excellent with everyone. I love the video of the golden retriever who was playing with the burglar in the garage- considering the guy was caught, the dog knew what he was doing.

They’re very beautiful as well, with gorgeous coats and lovely tails. No wonder they’re so good as therapy dogs- pretty faces who just want to please you.

3. Samoyed

I’m not going to lie. My main love of Samoyeds comes from the fact that they are SO FLUFFY. They are genuinely pretty dogs too- everytime I see a video of them in public, everyone is giving them attention. They’re also called smiling dogs, as their smiles are an evolutionary trait to stop their drool from freezing. The fluff is also to keep the Samoyedic people warm in the cold winters.

They’re apparently very stubborn, but I guess that’s part of the charm- unless you’re training them. It’s said that they’re not the best for a first-time owner but it seems that everyone who has them falls in love with them.

Their head tilts are also very adorable. Did I also mention how fluffy they are?

4. Border Collie

If you want a dog that’s top of the class, you’d have to go for the Border Collie. Frighteningly intelligent, they’ve been the best friend of the farmer for centuries. One must watch how agile and quick they are when herding sheep. They can travel for miles to bring their flock home and will do anything to finish their task. Unless you’re ready to keep their minds stimulated and give
them lots of exercise, they’re probably not the dogs for you.

They’re very cute dogs in general. When you watch them, you can see the cogs turning in their heads. Honestly, they’re probably smarter than most children.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

A giant breed with a giant heart, Bernese Mountain Dogs are notorious for sitting on feet to get attention. As puppies, they’ve not quite grown into their paws, but they’re as adorable then as they are as adults. Whilst their lifespan is sadly short, it’s surely filled with love.

They’re not just family love bugs. The Bernese was founded as a farm dog that pulled carts, and that’s a role they still hold in their native Switzerland. Still, they’re amazing family pets who will keep you warm in winter.

6. Newfoundland

Another giant breed, Newfoundlands were bred to help fishermen in Canada. Their role has further evolved, as they are known for saving victims of drowning across the world. They’re massive and strong, but also incredibly beautiful with lovely eyes.

They’re known for being excellent with people, particularly children. You can see videos of them happily letting kids climb all over them- though you should of course also be careful with children and dogs. Their drool is rather famous as well, so prepare for bibs!

7. Corgi

I admit that I was never that big on Corgis until maybe last year or so. Still, I’ve developed quite a soft spot for the little dogs, particularly the Pembroke Welsh breed. They were bred as herding dogs and are particularly intelligent, though stubborn.

I love their mischievous faces and little bodies. Our late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge Corgi fan, though she had to deal with a few nips. They’re one of the few smaller breeds that I wouldn’t oppose owning.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred as lap dogs- and don’t they know it. Small but sweet, these dogs are loyal companions who want nothing more than a cuddle on the sofa. They’re also very cute- I love their ears. My uncle has one, and it’s the loveliest dog.

Whilst the KC doesn’t have the working pedigree that others do, they're still fairly athletic and like all dogs, need a good walk.

9. Springer Spaniel

If the police need someone to sniff out the drugs, they’ll turn to the lovely Springer Spaniel. These dogs are very intelligent and focused when on the job, but loveable and playful off it. Like their KC cousins, they have luxurious fur and soft ears.

Springers were originally bred as hunting dogs and still enjoy the active nature that comes with it. They’re very intelligent dogs, so easy to train, but they need that stimulation, both physically and mentally.

10. Long Haired Dachshund

The Daschund has many nicknames- sausage and wiener dogs are popular choices. Small but fierce, these long creatures were originally used to drive out game for hunters and shooters.

They’ve retained their fierce personalities to this day, even when laying on the sofa. Whilst I don’t mind the short-haired version of the breed, the long-haired one does it more for me. They’ve got such a sweet little face about them, despite their diva-like nature. Daschunds are inevitably popular at the moment, but I can only hope breeders will ensure future generations don’t have the painful backs that they do now.

What are your favourite breeds?