What Kind Of Dog Would You Prefer?
Before falling in love with and taking home the first one who gives you those puppy dog eyes at your local animal shelter, have you thought about what kind of dog it is? Although the way you train and socialize your pet matters, dogs are bred for a certain purpose, and their nature is affected by their breed. Whether you're looking for a more independent but loyal companion like a German Shepherd or an affectionate but needy breed like a Cavalier, the perfect dog is out there for you. Here are the 10 least-friendly dog breeds and the 10 biggest suckers for attention.
1. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog was bred to be a protector, making it not the most friendly to newcomers. It almost never cuddles and its large and muscular appearance can make people feel standoffish.
2. American Foxhound
American Foxhounds were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and are more happy when they have a job to do. They can make great family dogs, but they aren't typically cuddly or very friendly to outsiders.
3. Dobermann
Dobermanns were originally bred as guard dogs for an unpopular German tax collector. With this purpose in mind, they can be fiercely loyal to their owner but are rarely friendly to outsiders. Not to mention, their muscular and serious demeanors give them an intimidating presence.
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4. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed originally used to hunt large game and herd livestock. It's a large dog, typically weighing 90 to 120 pounds, and has a muscular build, clearly capable of taking down a large animal. Although it's intelligent and even-tempered, the Cane Corso is reserved and rarely cuddly or friendly to outsiders.
5. Shih Tzu
Though cute as heck, the Shih Tzu is not known to play especially well with other dogs. It also isn't friendly and accepting to newcomers and isn't generally cuddly.
6. Afghan Hound
Although utterly gorgeous, the Afghan Hound is generally more reserved and independent in nature. They don't like meeting new people, and while they can be cuddly with their own family, they prefer to choose their moments.
7. Chow Chow
While Chow Chows are generally impressively well-behaved dogs, they aren't known to be cuddly. So much so that they're often compared to cats due to their independent nature.
8. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that generally air on the side of independent as opposed to cuddly and friendly. While they have been known to get cuddly with their own family, they usually prefer active play to snuggling.
9. German Shepherd
Typically used as work dogs, German Shepherds aren't known to be affectionate and friendly to just anyone, though they are loyal and affectionate to their person. Their large size and active nature make them more likely to want to play than to snuggle.
10. Basenji
The basenji is an African dog of ancient origin. It was bred to hunt great distances away from its owner, making it extremely independent but not very affectionate, rarely asking for cuddles.
Now that we've covered the least-friendly dog breeds, let's talk about the ones you can count on for cuddles.
1. Pug
The quintessential lap dog, the pug was bred to sit on the lap of Chinese emperors. Their meaning and purpose in life is to bring pleasure to their owners, making them extremely affectionate, friendly, and good-natured dogs.
2. Great Dane
Great Danes may appear intimidating to some due to their enormous size. However, they're typically gentle giants who are known for their loving, affectionate, and sociable nature.
3. Golden Retriever
Everything about the Golden Retriever's appearance, from their gentle eyes to their resting smiley faces, screams friendly. In this case, appearances don't lie. Golden Retrievers are known to be one of the most outgoing and loving dog breeds.
4. Beagle
Despite being bred for hunting, beagles are one of the friendliest dog breeds. They have a happy and sociable disposition and get along well with other dogs as well as strangers and children.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavaliers were bred to be lap dogs for British royalty. As such, they have an affectionate and gentle nature, and they thrive on human attention. They get along well with everyone from children to cats.
6. Boston Terrier
Nicknamed the "American gentleman," the Boston Terrier is known for its amiable personality. It's a socialite with people and other dogs alike who loves human attention and cuddling.
7. Border Collie
The Border Collie is known for its intelligence. It needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation, but it's also eager to please, good-natured, and affectionate.
8. Boxer
Boxers are extremely boisterous and friendly dogs with a lot of energy. They were originally used for hunting big game but now thrive on human attention.
9. Corgi
Corgis were originally bred as cattle herders and family companions. They're extremely social, eager to please, and love spending time with their people.
10. Newfoundland
Good news: this big, burly, bear-like dog loves to cuddle as much as you had hoped it would. It's nothing but a sweet, gentle, and loving giant. It's also not overly active and loves lying down for snuggles.
