Are you looking for a loyal furry friend to share with your partner?
The most recent survey sponsored by the American Kennel Club found that 80% of individuals in romantic relationships believe that it is a deal breaker for their significant partners to dislike their dog.
This simple fact demonstrates the importance of pets in a couple’s life. Dogs are not just pets; they are your emotional companions, shared pleasures, and even a reflection of your relationship.
When choosing the best dog breed for couples, it is smart to adopt a breed that can match your lifestyle, space, and energy level. Some dog breeds are half couch potatoes, half cuddle, but some will explore the outdoor adventure together with you.
In this article, we will explore 8 breeds that offer loyalty, joy, and companionship, with unique features for each to make your decision even easier.
Top Dog Breeds For Couples
1. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the breeds that earned a reputation as awesome as its name. These are called family-friendly dogs as they have a gentle disposition and an infinite amount of love, which makes them strong companions for couples.
They are kind to kids, well-behaved with guests, and eager to please, so they would be a wonderful family pet in case you intend to expand your family or host guests.
The Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and very smart, so you can also teach them some couple-friendly activities like hiking etiquette, fetch games, and even paddleboarding.
Unique Feature
They are naturally born with a “soft mouth” instinct, which shows that they were originally bred to retrieve game without damaging it, so they often carry toys or your shoes without leaving a single scratch.
Fun Fact
They have appeared in some movies and television shows, most notably the popular “Air Bud” Film, confirming their status as “America’s sweetheart”.
Why Couples love them
They are adaptable in active and relaxed settings, making them perfect for young couples.
Eager to be involved in shared activities such as hiking or jogging.
Incredibly loyal and emotionally sensitive
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is a perfect match for you and your partner, who want an affectionate small dog, who would not dream of anything better than curling up in your lap. They will melt hearts at first sight with their soulful eyes and wig-like ears. These playful dogs will perfectly suit apartment living and can still have fun in the park.
They have a gentle nature and have strong bonds with their owners, getting along perfectly with couples who like calm, easygoing lives.
The Cavaliers are also highly social, which makes them feel comfortable in situations where they interact with friends, family, and other animals. They also need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
Unique Feature
Cavaliers are one of the few toy breeds that have a very strong instinct for companionship and a light sporting instinct. They love chasing balls, but will also happily snooze next to you.
Fun Fact
According to PetMD, this popular breed was named in honour of King Charles II of England, as he loved them so much that he even took them with him everywhere, including his parliament sessions.
Why Couples Adore Them
They are elegant and playful.
They are easy to train.
Highly affectionate
3. Boxer
Do you have a vision of your dream dog that is active, loving, and has a little bit of goofiness? Your perfect pet may be a Boxer! They are an athletic breed with expressive faces, and their presence adds playfulness to a home. Couples who like spending time outside will like their endurance and chill spirit.
The Boxer has a well-known reputation for being gentle towards its family and loving disposition, despite its muscular frame. They are loyal, devoted, and protective, which makes them desirable companions and reliable guard dogs. They also have a very short coat, which has fewer grooming needs.
Unique Feature
As noted by Purina, Boxers also have a trademark dance, which is called the “kidney beans” dance and is a wiggling, circular motion they do when they are glad to see you.
Fun Fact
Boxers were used as messenger dogs, pack carriers, and even as ambulance dogs during World War I, due to their intelligence levels and devotion.
Why Couples Love Them
A lively personality that keeps the couple busy together.
Instinctively defensive and not overly aggressive
Comic figures who make everyone laugh
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is among the beloved breeds that are adopted by families and couples alike, and with good reason. Labs are social, smart, and adaptable, thus makes them well-suited in both urban and rural environments.
They are good at activities like swimming, hiking, and agility training, which could motivate couples to spend time together exploring the outdoors. Labrador Retrievers are also known for their friendly demeanor, which shows that they will be willing to welcome your friends, neighbors, and even strangers when you are on a long walk.
Unique Feature
The outer double coat of the Lab is water-resistant and has a unique “otter tail” that can serve as a rudder during swimming.
Fun Fact
The American Kennel Club has mentioned that they are the most popular dog breed in the United States, with over 30 consecutive years in the top spot.
Why Couples Love Them
They are full of high energy.
Perfect with kids, in case you intend to have a family
They are adaptable to change because of their gentle temperament.
5. Poodle
Not only beautiful, intelligent, and surprisingly athletic, the Poodle is more than just a pretty face. They can be your good family dogs because of their sweet and calm nature. They are available in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, Toy, so couples can decide the size that is most suited to their living spaces.
This loving breed is hypoallergenic too, thus making it an ideal canine companion for couples with allergies. They do very well with proper training and enjoy learning tricks, so you can easily involve them in couples activities such as dog sports, or themed photoshoots.
Unique Feature
Poodles also possess distinctive curly hair that repels water as well as dirt, and were originally bred with the purpose of retrieving game in the water.
Fun Fact
According to WebMD, in France, Poodles are lovingly referred to as the “Caniche,” which means the “duck dog,” as they were originally water retrievers.
Why Couples Love Them
Hypoallergenic
Intelligent and loyal
Suitable for urban living and outdoor activities
6. French Bulldog
The French Bulldogs are the ideal family dogs for couples who prefer an adorable, low-maintenance dog, but with a big personality. These little dogs are famous due to their bat-like ears and cute snorts, spreading endless joy and humour into households.
These furry companions do not need too much exercise, and thus, are perfect even among busy and young couples or those living in small spaces. These dogs enjoy making new friends and get along well with other dogs, even with other pets too.
Unique Feature
French Bulldog is known as the champions of the “bulldog waddle” due to their short muzzles and miniature appearance.
Fun Fact
Bred in England to be miniature versions of Bulldogs, they subsequently became fashionable companions to lace makers in France.
Why couples love them
They have low exercise requirements.
They are loving and faithful.
Ideal Apartment Partners
7. Havanese
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. These dogs are best known for their silky coats and friendly personalities, which help to develop a bond with their owners. They are versatile for different lifestyles, whether in urban or rural settings.
Havanese are smart and eager to please, which makes training easier for the dog owners. They are playful, and life as a couple can never be dull; their loving nature will ensure that you cannot move without them.
Unique Feature
Their coat may reach floor length, and unlike most breeds, it sheds minimally, which makes them ideal pets in households with allergies.
Fun Fact
The Havanese dog used to be the lapdog of the Cuban aristocracy that travelled the world accompanied by their pets.
Why couples love them
Small in size, but big heart
Low shedding and high charm factor
Cheerful and relaxed within a social setting
8. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a charming, intelligent, and versatile breed commonly nicknamed the American Gentleman due to the tuxedo-type pattern of their coat. They are small, cheerful, and fast to connect with both partners in a couple.
These dogs are also highly recommended for young couples or first-time owners as they are easy to maintain and suit well to either an apartment or suburban setting. Their cheerful characters make the day a little sunnier.
Unique Feature
The Boston Terriers are historically very expressive with their large, round eyes that appear to say exactly what is on their mind.
Fun Fact
They are the original non-sporting dog developed in the United States, developed in Boston towards the end of the 1800s, as noted by Wikipedia.
Why couples love them
Laid-back and flexible to various lifestyles
Fun and not too challenging
Compact to fit the big city lifestyle
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog as a couple is not only about appearance; it involves finding a friend that will improve your life together. The amount of energy, grooming needs, and personality are some of the factors that may be considered.
These eight best dog breeds for couples have everything, as they provide a variety of options, whether it is a snuggly Cavalier or an athletic up-and-away dog like the Boxer. Regardless of how you live your life, you have an attentive friend who can support you.
Ask yourself, do you want a snuggle champion or an energetic companion? Relaxed floor heater or a comedian? The right furry fit is waiting for you.
