When you think of someone as being “cool,” you likely think of their attitude and approach to life. With cool dog breeds, it’s not just their personalities, which is very important in a cool dog, but also their appearance. Some have gorgeous coats, and some have the most unique markings that you just can’t help but stare at.
In terms of personality, the coolest dog breeds vary — what makes you think a pup is cool? Is it a stoic, aloof manner outside with strangers and a total lovebug at home? Is it a pup that’s so friendly and outgoing that everyone loves him?
The truth is what defines cool dogs isn’t necessarily what everyone else thinks, but what YOU think.
Cool Dog Breeds
There are hundreds of dog breeds out there, so finding the coolest was a bit tough, but we were up for the challenge! Here are just a few of our suggestions.
1. French Bulldog
Looking for a pup that has a smile for everyone? That would be the French Bulldog! The French Bulldog is proof that good things come in small packages. French Bulldogs are not only cute, but they’re super playful.
Originally bred in England, French Bulldogs were designed to be companion dogs, and they take that responsibility very seriously. These cool little dogs have an affectionate nature, and they do very well with children who know to respect their size.
The French Bulldog is a small dog that stands 11″ to 13″ tall and weighs under 28 pounds. They have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including cream, fawn, white, and brindle. Some may be a combination of those colors. The French Bulldog has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
2. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a gorgeous dog that’s well-known for its racing glory. Despite its fast nature, however, it can be a very cuddly, loving dog when it acclimates to everyday life.
Greyhounds have sweet temperaments, are affectionate, and enjoy spending time with their families. They’re also easy to care for in terms of grooming needs.
Greyhounds are medium- to large-sized dogs, standing 27″ to 30″ tall and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds. They have a lean stature, with smooth, short coats that come in a variety of colors, including white, blue, black, red, brindle, and a combination thereof. You can expect this cool dog breed to live between 10 and 13 years.
3. Doberman Pinscher
My first impression of a Doberman Pinscher is that it’s too cool for school. These dogs have such a regal stature that it almost makes you want to bow to them, well, almost! While they can look quite intimidating — it’s what makes them great guard dogs — the Doberman is fiercely loyal and devoted to its family.
They’re called velcro dogs because want to follow you everywhere. Be warned, though. This is a breed that needs physical and mental stimulation and consistent training from puppyhood.
The Doberman Pinscher is a large dog, standing 24″ to 28″ tall and weighing from 60 to 100 pounds. They have short, smooth coats that come in a few color patterns: black and rust, blue and rust, fawn and rust, and red and rust. When you adopt this breed, expect them to live between 10 and 12 years.
4. Great Dane
If you’re looking for a great pet, look for one with the title already in its name. The Great Dane is a gentle giant that often intimidates with its size and deep bark. But around its people? What a softy!
These dogs are cool in that they are giant couch potatoes and will try to be a lap dog. They absolutely love their family members and only need a moderate amount of exercise, which you can satisfy with a daily walk or two.
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds at 28″ to 32″ inches tall and 110 to 175 pounds. The Great Dane has a short, smooth coat, which is easy to groom, and standard colors include black, blue, brindle, fawn, mantle, merle, white, black and white, and harlequin. Because of their size, they often live shorter lives. The typical lifespan is 7 to 10 years.
5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small, spunky dog that loves to entertain its owners. It’s got a lot of energy but doesn’t need a ton of exercise outside the home. Because of its small stature, it can easily exhaust itself while playing inside.
Chihuahuas are also loving companion dogs to their people. They will happily sit on your lap and cuddle. And, did you know there are different types of Chihuahuas?
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds. It only stands between 5″ to 8″ tall and its weight should not exceed six pounds. They do come in short and long-haired versions, with the long-haired variety needing more grooming.
Common colors include black, cream, red, fawn, chocolate, black and tan, blue and tan, and fawn and white. The average lifespan is 14 to 16 years.
6. Dogo Argentino
Originally bred as a hunting dog to chase down puma and wild boar, the Dogo Argentino is quite the athlete. It’s very unique in that it comes in one color: white. These pups, however, make great family pets and do well with other dogs and children.
Because they’re athletic dogs, the Dogo Argentino needs a moderate amount of exercise. They also make great guard dogs as they are watchful over their people, but they love to play, too.
The Dogo Argentino is very muscular, standing 24″ to 26.5″ with a weight that ranges from 80 to 100 pounds. They have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimal grooming. The Dogo Argentino typically lives between 9 and 15 years.
7. Pekingese
The Pekingese was originally bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty, and today, they’re still the pampered lap dogs they were then. These pups are very playful and affectionate with family. The Pekingese is good with children, but you should make sure to teach your kids not to be too rough.
The Pekingese is a smaller dog that is only 6″ to 9″ tall and weighs up to 14 pounds. They have a long, double coat that needs a moderate amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and mats and come in a variety of colors, including red, gray, biscuit, black, black and tan, and fawn. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
8. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard dog is one cool-looking pup! They’re well known for their spots, and each one is very unique. Catahoulas are affectionate dogs that make great pets, though they do have a protective nature and tend to be slightly wary of strangers.
Catahoula Leopard dogs are very high-energy, so you’ll need to make sure you exercise them often and engage in mental stimulation.
The Catahoula Leopard dog is medium-sized, standing at a height of 22″ to 24″ and weighing 50 to 95 pounds. They have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including a gorgeous blue or red merle that is seriously eye-catching. They live 10 to 14 years.
9. English Bulldog
If you want a cute little goober who is going to draw attention everywhere you go, you have to get an English Bulldog. These pups are seriously adorable with their underbite and stocky bodies. Plus, they ride skateboards! How much cooler can you get?
The English Bulldog gets along with nearly everyone, and they’re an extremely playful breed. Plus, they’re affectionate with their family and good with other dogs and children.
The English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog that stands 14″ to 15″ tall and weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. They shed a lot but have smooth, short coats that come in several colors, including red, fawn, brindle, fallow, white, and a mix thereof.
Sadly, these pups have a shorter lifespan, typically between 8 to 10 years, likely from the various afflictions they suffer due to their smushed-in faces.
10. Boerboel
This pup, also referred to as the South African Mastiff, is a monster (in size only). It’s a great guard dog that absolutely loves and looks after children. Like most big dogs, these pups are gentle giants who love nothing more than to spend time with their families. However, consistent training is necessary, and it’s only recommended for experienced dog owners.
The Boerboel is massive. It’s around 22″ to 27″ inches tall but can weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. They live on average 9 to 11 years and have a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors, including brown, cream, brindle, tawny, reddish brown, and red.
11. Bull Terrier
Want a pup that’s so cool that everyone in town wants to be him? That’s the Bull Terrier. These unique-looking dogs have triangular-shaped head with a sloped snout. These pups are eager and love to play with their people.
The Bull Terrier lives an active lifestyle, so be prepared to exercise or give him the outlet he needs. Because they have a prey drive and they typically aren’t good with other dogs (unless you socialize them early), it’s best that they be the only pet in the home.
The Bull Terrier is around 21″ to 22″ tall and weighs 50 to 70 pounds. These pups have a smooth, short coat that comes in several colors, including red, white, black, brindle, or a combination of any of those mentioned. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years.
12. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound has a really unique look. It’s tall, lean, with wiry hair. These pups are very easily mannered with gentle temperaments. Plus, they really love their humans. They definitely need early socialization and training, but tend to be awesome dogs when they have those tools. This cool dog breed was originally bred to hunt down wolves and protect Monks.
Irish Wolfhounds stand 30 to 32 inches at a minimum and weigh between 105 and 120 pounds. Their coats are medium length, with wiry fur that doesn’t need a ton of grooming, although they shed. You can find them in several colors, including red, cream, black, gray, brindle, and silver. A large breed, they only live on average 6 to 8 years.
13. Vizsla
If you’re looking for an all-around cool dog, the Vizsla is happy to step up to the plate. Children, families, other dogs, you name it, and the Vizsla loves it. It’s a very playful pup that is receptive to strangers and is moderately protective. However, Vizslas make loving companions for all dog lovers and can easily adapt to any environment.
They stand 21 to 24 inches tall and fall between 44 and 60 pounds. The most common color for the Vizsla, which has a short, smooth coat, is golden rust, though it can be slightly yellower or golden. Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
14. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the Mastiff dog breeds, and as such, it’s a giant. A giant bear? Depends on who you ask. These fluffy beasts are a sight to behold. Only skilled dog owners should adopt a Tibetan Mastiff, however, because they can be willful. One thing about Tibetan Mastiffs: if you own one, invest in a great vacuum. You’ll need it.
As a giant beast, the Tibetan Mastiff stands 24 to 26 inches tall at the minimum and weighs anywhere between 70 and 150 pounds. They have fluffy coats that need a lot of grooming and come in several colors, including brown, black, cream, and red gold sable. This dog breed can live 10 to 12 years.
15. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is an all-around family dog that you won’t have to hesitate to bring home to a house full of small children. They’re great with other dogs and have a playful yet affectionate nature. The Weimaraner is also a protective dog that looks after its people and adapts well to new situations.
The Weimaraner is a larger dog that has a height of 23 to 27 inches and can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds. This dog breed lives an average of 10 to 13 years, and its smooth, short coats come in three colors: gray, blue, and silver gray.
16. Basenji
Want a dog that doesn’t bark? That’s the Basenji! However, it does have a squeaky, whiny pitch, and sometimes you’ll swear you hear it yodeling (fun fact: it does!). The Basenji is a somewhat aloof dog that likes to do its own thing and is often compared to a cat — and we all know cats are cool, too, just not as cool as dogs.
The Basenji is typically uniform in height, standing 16 to 17 inches tall and weighing only 22 to 24 pounds. It has a short, smooth coat with a red, black, or brindle coloring with white feet and legs, tail, and chest. It lives 13 to 14 years.
17. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog will keep you on your toes, and be warned if you live a sedentary lifestyle, this pup will be bored and destructive. However, it’s a very loyal pup and extremely intelligent, having been originally bred to herd sheep and livestock. They’re very high-energy, and mental stimulation is a must.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized pup that stands 17 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. They have short, smooth double coats that you’ll find in blue or red and can be speckled or mottled. This pup lives 12 to 16 years.
18. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the types of Huskies, and it’s a gorgeous dog that commands attention the moment you lay eyes on it. Alaskan Malamutes are a hardworking, energetic breed known for commanding sleds. But they’re also loyal dogs who love their owners and are both playful and affectionate. This breed is recommended for experienced dog owners.
The Alaskan Malamute is on the larger side, standing 23 to 25 inches tall and weighing 75 to 85 pounds. They have medium-length double coats that come in white and one of the following colors: black, gray, red, seal, silver, sable, blue, and agouti. They are hardy dogs living 10 to 14 years.
19. Afghan Hound
Want a regal-looking pup? The Afghan Hound’s appearance will blow you away. These babies are sweet and independent, and though they tend to be aloof with strangers, Afghan Hounds absolutely love being silly with their owners. The Afghan Hound is very loyal and majestic.
The Afghan Hound stands tall at 25″ to 27″ and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. Their long, silky coats tend to be black, black and tan, blue, cream, red, silver, white, or a combination thereof. They live between 12 and 18 years, on average.
20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is among the cutest of the coolest dog breeds you’ll ever see. They literally have hearts in their eyes. They’re affectionate and graceful, originally bred to be companion dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is excellent with other dogs, small children, and their families, and they’re also very social.
This dog breed is on the smaller side, standing just 12 to 13 inches tall and weighing only 13 to 18 pounds. These pups have silky, wavy, medium-length coats that you’ll find in ruby, black and white, black and tan, or Blenheim. They live 12 to 15 years.
21. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog looks like a giant teddy bear, and it is more than happy to cuddle with you to show you just how much it loves you. These smart, gentle dogs are highly adaptable, and boy, do they love to play. They’re great with children and other dogs, and they are very watchful and are known for having a loud bark, so you’ll feel safe with one in your home.
Old English Sheepdogs stand at a minimum of 21 to 22 inches tall and can weigh up to 100 pounds. They have long double coats that tend to be grizzle and white, blue merle and white, blue gray and white, or blue and white. On average, this pup lives 10 to 12 years.
22. Bedlington Terrier
If you’re a terrier fan like me, you’ll appreciate the Bedlington Terrier, a charming pup that has a very unique look. They have an arched back and a pear-shaped head that sets them apart. The Bedlington Terrier is very energetic and hails from England.
If you’re looking for a smaller dog, this is it. This cool dog breed stands 15 to 17.5 inches tall and weighs an average of 17 to 23 pounds. It has a medium-length, curly coat that can be solid liver, sandy, blue, or combined with tan. They live between 11 and 16 years.
23. Shar-Pei
When it comes to unique looks, how can you ignore the Shar Pei? This pup has wrinkles upon wrinkles and looks like someone took a dog and squished it up. It’s an independent breed but affectionate with its family. The Shar Pei makes for a great watchdog because it’s loyal to its family members but standoffish with strangers.
The Shar Pei is between 18 to 20 inches tall and weighs 45 to 60 pounds. Its short, smooth coat comes in several colors, such as red, brown, black, cream, and a variety of others. They live an average of 8 to 12 years.
24. Saint Bernard
Who doesn’t love the “Beethoven” dog? This giant beast is one of the best family dogs you could ever ask for. If you can overlook the drooling — and there’s a lot, you’ll be amazed at how you ever lived life without a Saint Bernard. This breed is charming, playful, and very inquisitive, so you can expect a lot of mischief if you don’t adequately train it.
The Saint Bernard is a big dog that can stand between 26 and 30 inches tall and weigh a whopping 120 to 180 pounds. They don’t require a lot of grooming, but they do have short, rough double coats. The common colors include brown and white, orange and white, red and white, and others. Like many large breeds, these cool dogs only live 8 to 10 years.
25. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Get ready for one of the most unique pups you’ll ever see: the Xoloitzcuintli Dog. This pup is commonly hairless but known to have fur at times, depending on the variety. These are extremely affectionate dogs that are good with children but have a high energy level and love barking. You will also need to provide this Mexican hairless dog with mental stimulation.
There are three sizes of Xoloitzcuintli dogs: toy, miniature, and standard. They can range from 10 to 23 inches tall and weigh 10 to 55 pounds. The hairless version has a really thick coat (think armor) that’s black in color.
The variety with fur will be black, gray, bronze, dark brown, liver, fawn, or slate to name a few. The Xoloitzcuintli is a long-living dog with a life expectancy between 13 and 18 years.
26. Alaskan Klee Kai
It’s like, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” all over again. The Alaskan Klee Kai looks like a miniature Siberian Husky and exhibits the same intelligence level. They’re social pups who love other dogs and can be an affectionate dog when they bond with their families and small children, though they are very aloof with strangers.
The Alaskan Klee Kai stands only 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs between 6 and 25 pounds. They have a double medium-length coat that comes in black and white, gray and white, and red and white. They tend to live 13 to 16 years.
27. Pug
Who doesn’t love the smushed-in face of a Pug and the happy smile it exhibits when you come near? This breed is so funny that you’ll be constantly entertained. They also wear themselves out easily, so you won’t have to worry much about exercise. This social dog breed is great with other dogs and children and is often very affectionate with anyone it encounters.
Pugs are small, with a height of just 10 to 13 inches and a weight of 14 to 18 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in fawn or black. Pugs tend to live 13 to 15 years on average.
28. Rottweiler
Like the Doberman, the Rottweiler Dog is intimidating at first until you realize what sensitive souls they are. Rottweilers are very good watchdogs, and often, their appearance alone is a deterrent. If not, their barking level will certainly scare off strangers.
The Rottweiler loves its family and is very playful. It adapts well to new situations, though it will remain wary of strangers to an extent.
The Rottweiler is a large breed with a muscular stature, standing 22 to 27 inches tall. Its weight ranges from 80 to 135 pounds. Their short, smooth coat comes in three color varieties: black and rust, black and tan, and black and mahogany. These cool dogs live around 9 to 10 years.
29. Cocker Spaniel
With long, floppy ears and soulful eyes, it’s easy to see why the Cocker Spaniel is such a cool dog. This breed is so sweet and affectionate with family members, but it particularly loves children and other dogs.
The Cocker is playful and adaptable and is welcome to meeting strangers. The American Cocker Spaniel is shorter and more elegant, while the English Cocker Spaniel is lengthier and has a parti-colored coat.
This pup is on the smaller side, with a height that ranges between 13.5″ to 15.5″ and a weight of only 20 to 30 pounds. They come in numerous colors, with a long, double, silky coat that needs a lot of grooming. Red, buff, silver, and black are just a few colors you’ll find them in. Cocker Spaniels live between 10 and 14 years.
FAQs
What Is the Most Expensive Dog?
The Tibetan Mastiff is billed as the most expensive dog in the world, with the price tag for buying one in the thousands of dollars. It’s also the breed that sold for the most money ever — over $1.5 million. Big Splash was a red Tibetan Mastiff that a Chinese businessman laid out some serious cash for.
Which Dog Breed Is the Happiest?
There are many happy dogs on this planet, courtesy of their owners, who give them the love, affection, and care they need. However, if you’re looking for a breed that’s synonymous with happy, the Labrador Retriever is your best bet.
What Is the Most Unique and Cute Dog?
Many pups fall into the unique and cute categories. However, one of the cutest and most unique dogs on this planet is the Welsh Pembroke Corgi. These pups are adorable, love everybody, and just exhibit a sense of being cool.
What is the prettiest mixed-breed dog?
This is a very subjective question because any mixed-breed dog can be pretty. However, those that are bred with poodles tend to have the prettiest fur.
Final Thoughts
Don’t see your pup on this list? Don’t fret; there were so many to choose from, and we really wanted to list them all but couldn’t. As always, the coolest dog breed is the one that makes you the happiest, and it’s very subjective.
When you are shopping for a pup, we definitely recommend any on this list, as long as they fit into your lifestyle. Remember to do your research, determine how much activity your pup will need, and whether you can realistically provide that.
