The top dog breeds in Germany – which four-legged friend is right for you?

If you are looking for a loyal four-legged friend that is a perfect match for you, you have come to the right place. Whether you are interested in a small terrier, a German shepherd or a spirited retriever, you will find basic information about popular dog breeds in our list. Find your perfect companion and get to know the variety of dog breeds.

Popular dog breeds in Germany

In Germany, there are a variety of different dog breeds, each with their own unique characteristics and personality traits. Anyone looking for a new four-legged family member is often faced with the question of which dog breed is best suited to them.

The most popular dog breeds
The most popular dog breeds – © otsphoto / Adobe Stock

We present popular dog breeds in Germany to help you make your decision. When choosing a new family member, it is important to consider your own needs and living circumstances in order to find the perfect dog breed. We do not claim to be complete, but here you will find a very detailed list of dog breeds with further information on keeping them. And as for a list of the most popular dog breeds, this list changes every year and outside of Germany, other dog breeds may be more popular. 

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever - a loyal companion with a friendly nature. The Labrador Retriever is undoubtedly one of the most popular dog breeds in Germany. This is not surprising, as its loyal nature and friendly nature make it an ideal companion for the whole family. Labradors are not only extremely intelligent, but also very playful and good-natured. They are known for their patience and tolerance, especially when dealing with children.

Labradors are not only popular as family dogs, but also as assistance and therapy dogs. Their willingness to learn and their ability to adapt well make them great working partners. Whether as a guide dog for people with visual impairments or as a helper when working with children with special needs, the Labrador Retriever proves time and again its versatility and sensitive nature. Another plus point of this breed is its high level of compatibility with other dogs and animals.

Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, which makes them great social partners. They are generally good-natured, patient, and can handle different situations and environments well. Although Labradors are one of the larger dogs, they are usually very gentle and even-tempered. However, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Walks, toys, and performing tasks are therefore important parts of Labrador training. The Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice if you are looking for a loyal companion with a friendly nature. 

German shepherd dog 

The German Shepherd - A strong and intelligent breed. The German Shepherd occupies a special place in the world of dog breeds. With its strong and intelligent personality, it has established itself as one of the most popular dog breeds in Germany. As a member of the group of German dog breeds, the German Shepherd is known for its versatility and high training potential. Originally developed as a working dog for sheep farmers, the German Shepherd has developed over the years into a versatile companion.

Thanks to its outstanding intelligence, it can be used in many different areas, such as police work, the military, as a rescue dog or even as a therapy dog. Its strong appearance and high physical performance make it an ideal partner for sporting activities such as agility or dog sports. In addition to its impressive skills, the German Shepherd is also characterized by its friendly nature.

He is loyal, attentive and has a strong bond with his family. With the right training and socialization, he is a loving and loyal family dog ​​that gets along well with children and other pets. For prospective dog owners looking for a loyal and intelligent companion, the German Shepherd is an excellent choice.

However, it is important to remember that this breed requires consistent training and plenty of exercise due to its strength and energy levels. For active people who enjoy spending time outdoors and exercising, the German Shepherd is the perfect match. Overall, the German Shepherd is a strong and intelligent breed that excels as both a working dog and a family companion. With its suitability for various tasks and its friendly personality, it has earned its place among the top 10 dog breeds in Germany.


Coloring pages dog breeds


French bulldog

The French Bulldog - A playful, lazy and lovable family dog. With its playful and lovable nature, it is an ideal family dog. Despite its small stature, it is a great fun-lover and brings a lot of joy to every household with its energy and zest for life. The French Bulldog may be more lazy than other dog breeds, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't like to romp around and play. It loves to spend time outdoors and is always up for an adventure.

However, their laid-back nature also makes them a relaxed companion for quiet moments at home. The French Bulldog is known for their family bonding and loves spending time with their owners. They are fond of children and get along well with other pets. However, due to their short nose, caution should be exercised when it comes to extreme heat or physical exertion. The French Bulldog is a unique dog breed that comes in many different colors and patterns. They are a wonderful companion for families of all ages and bring a lot of joy to everyday life with their cheerful nature. If you are looking for a playful, lazy and lovable family dog, the French Bulldog is the perfect choice for you.

Golden Retriever 

The Golden Retriever – An adaptable, active and gentle friend for every household. This breed is characterized by its adaptability, activity and gentle nature, making it an ideal friend for every household.

Dog Breeds - Golden Retriever
Dog breeds – Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever dogs are known for their friendly and loving nature. They are very family-oriented and have a high tolerance for children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families looking for a loyal companion.

This breed is also extremely active and loves to play and romp outside. Golden Retrievers are known for their devotion to their owners and have high energy levels that allow them to keep up with their humans. Whether it's long walks in the park or playing in the yard, there's never a dull moment with a Golden Retriever. Another advantage of the Golden Retriever is its adaptability. These dogs easily adapt to different lifestyles and feel comfortable in both an apartment and a house with a large yard.

However, they do need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reach their full potential. So if you are looking for a loyal and loving friend that is both active and well-adjusted, then the Golden Retriever could be the right choice for you. With their friendly and gentle nature and adaptability, they are perfect companions for any household. Whether you are an experienced dog owner or a newbie in the field, the Golden Retriever is sure to bring you lots of joy. 

dachshund

The dachshund - small but mighty! When it comes to robust characters, this dog breed is right at the top of the list. With their unique personality and unwavering courage, the dachshund has secured a permanent place in many German families. Despite their small size, they have incredible charm and a large portion of energy, making them ideal companions for the whole family. Dachshunds are one of the smallest dog breeds, but don't be fooled - their character is huge!

They have impressive stamina and are extremely intelligent and alert. Their original purpose as hunting dogs is still evident in their nature today. Dachshunds are independent and have a strong protective instinct, which makes them loyal companions and great watchdogs. But it is not just their robustness and character that make the dachshund a fantastic choice for families. Their friendly and playful nature also makes them great playmates for children. Dachshunds are extremely patient and love to get involved in wild adventures. They never forget their protective instinct - they are always alert and watchful. There are different types of dachshunds, such as the wire-haired, the short-haired and the long-haired.

Each variety has its own special features, but they all share the same robust character and love of family. No matter which variety you choose, you can be sure that the dachshund will be a loyal and loving companion. Overall, the dachshund is characterized by its versatility and strong character. Whether as an active walker, playful family dog ​​or attentive guard dog - the dachshund is always ready to go through thick and thin. If you are looking for a small but powerful companion that will bring lots of love and joy to your family, the dachshund is the perfect choice.

Pudel

Poodle - intelligent, athletic and incredibly friendly to people: the perfect companion for all situations. Poodles are one of the most versatile dog breeds and therefore an excellent choice for every household. They are among the most intelligent dogs and are particularly athletic. Their strong urge to move makes them ideal companions for active people who like to be outdoors. Whether jogging, hiking or cycling - poodles are always there and ready for any physical challenge. They are not only physically fit, but also very mentally active. They learn quickly and like to be challenged with tasks and tricks.

In addition to their athletic side, poodles are also known for their incredible friendliness towards people. They are extremely playful and love spending time with their family. Whether with children or adults, poodles are patient and friendly to every family member. They know how to build a close bond with their people and are always keen to make their owners happy. Poodles also show their friendly nature in social situations. They get along well with other dogs and animals and are generally very sociable. This makes them well suited as second dogs.

Another advantage of poodles is that they are not very allergenic. They shed very little hair, which makes them an ideal family dog ​​for allergy sufferers. They are also available in different sizes, from small toy poodles to large standard poodles. This means that there is a size to suit everyone. Overall, poodles are intelligent, athletic and incredibly people-friendly dogs. They adapt excellently to all situations and are therefore the perfect companion for all activities. Whether as a jogging partner, playmate for the whole family or as a loyal companion for life - poodles are convincing in every respect.

Beagle

Beagle - His intelligence and carefree nature make the Beagle a great playmate for both children and adults. The Beagle has found its way into many households. His intelligence and carefree nature make him a great playmate for both children and adults.

Beagle
Beagle

The Beagle belongs to the group of small dog breeds and is represented in both the German and international FCI lists. Beagles are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They have a balanced character and are therefore good-natured and patient when dealing with children. They have a natural playful behavior and love to interact with their humans. Whether it is playing ball or romping around in the garden, the Beagle is always there with full enthusiasm. The intelligence of the Beagle makes it an easy dog ​​to train. It learns quickly and is able to complete various tasks. This makes it not only a great playmate, but also a reliable companion for dog sports such as agility or trick training.

The Beagle is a wonderful choice, especially for families. His friendly nature and unwavering patience make him a perfect family dog. Children can benefit from his playful nature and at the same time learn to take responsibility for the dog. Adults also find the Beagle a loyal companion. Whether on long walks in nature or cozy hours on the sofa, the Beagle always brings life and joy into everyday life. With his adaptable and cheerful nature, he is a perfect companion for people of all ages. Overall, the Beagle is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for an intelligent, playful and child-loving dog. His carefree nature and adaptability make him an ideal playmate for the whole family. Whether you have children or not, the Beagle will enrich your life with his loving nature and stand by your side faithfully.

Boxer

The Boxer - powerful, spirited but still fond of children: the ideal companion. The Boxer is a breed of dog that combines strength and temperament, but is still extremely fond of children. With its muscular stature and energetic nature, the Boxer quickly attracts attention. Nevertheless, thanks to its friendly and playful character, it is an ideal companion for families with children. As one of the most popular German dog breeds, the Boxer meets many of the requirements that families have for their four-legged companions. Its robust nature allows it to be active outdoors and take part in exciting adventures. At the same time, however, it is also able to behave calmly and calmly in the house.

The Boxer's compatibility with children is groundbreaking. His instinctive protectiveness makes him a wonderful playmate for young people. He has a gentle nature and is patient, so he is often seen as a patient bodyguard around children. The Boxer's positive qualities make him an ideal companion for families. His intelligence, loyalty and willingness to cooperate make him a dog that is easy to train and enjoys learning new things. Even though he is considered an active dog, the Boxer is extremely adaptable and will adjust to the needs of his family. The Boxer is an asset to any home and a loyal friend for life.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler - gentle with people but still alert and protective. The Rottweiler is one of the most popular German dog breeds and is characterized by its gentle nature with people. Nevertheless, it is alert and protective at the same time, which makes it an ideal companion. This breed has a long history and was previously known as a working dog. Today, however, the Rottweiler is also a popular family dog. Its friendly nature and loyal character make it a perfect playmate for children and a reliable partner for adults.

But the Rottweiler is not only a loyal companion, but also a vigilant protector. It is often territorial and defends its home and family with great commitment. However, it always shows respect and sensitivity when dealing with people. Overall, there are many different dog breeds in Germany, with the Rottweiler being one of the most popular.

Jack russell terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively and intelligent dog breed known for its energy, stamina and hunting skills. These small but sturdy dogs are often brave, curious and loyal. They were originally bred to work in fox hunting and are specialized in tracking and catching their prey.

Jack Russell Terriers are generally active, playful and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They love to take on challenges and enjoy being kept busy playing fetch, agility or other activities. They have a strong climbing and digging behavior, so it is important to provide them with a safe environment.

Despite their small size, Jack Russell Terriers are hardy and have few health problems. However, they do require regular exercise and a balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. Early socialization and training are also important, as they can often be stubborn and need clear leadership. Overall, Jack Russell Terriers are loving and entertaining companions who can bring their owners a lot of joy and fun. They make excellent family dogs, provided they are kept properly occupied and receive enough attention and affection.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a charming dog breed known for its friendly personality and luxurious, silky coat. Originally bred as companions for Chinese nobles, these dogs have been popular as loving and loyal companions ever since.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are typically calm, even-tempered and have a loving nature. They love being close to their owners and are often very affectionate. They are known to get along well with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs.

Compared to other small dog breeds, Shih Tzus are not particularly active and therefore do not require too much exercise. Short walks and playtime in the house are usually enough to meet their needs. However, their long coats require regular grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting.
Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to learn, although they can sometimes have a mind of their own. Positive and consistent training is important to make them obedient and well-behaved dogs. Early socialization is also important to ensure they are comfortable in different environments and in the company of other dogs.

Overall, Shih Tzus are loving and playful companions that bring a lot of joy to their owners. Their sweet demeanor and friendly nature make them a popular choice for people looking for a loving and family-friendly dog.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny breed of dog known for its small size and lively temperament. Originally from Mexico, these dogs have long been known as popular companions and lap dogs. Chihuahuas are typically bold, curious, and full of energy. Although small, they often have great confidence and enjoy showing off their unique character. They are loving dogs that bond closely with their owners and often form a strong bond with a single person.

Due to their small size, Chihuahuas do not require a lot of space and are therefore well suited to city life. Despite this, they are active and enjoy walks and playtimes indoors. However, they are also vulnerable to cold due to their thin coat and should be protected accordingly in cold weather.

Chihuahuas are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are crucial to having well-behaved dogs. They should also be socialized early to ensure they are comfortable in different situations and around other dogs.
Although Chihuahuas are small dogs, they often have a big personality. They are playful, affectionate and can delight their owners with their charm and liveliness.

Their small size also makes them easy to transport and practical as travel companions. Overall, Chihuahuas are loyal and loving companions that can bring their owners a lot of joy and fun. They are ideal for people who are looking for an active, yet small breed dog that will happily participate in their activities while also being a great lap dog.

Dobermann

The Doberman is an imposing and elegant breed of dog known for its strength, intelligence and protective instincts. Originally bred in Germany to serve as guard and protection dogs, these dogs are large and powerful dogs with an athletic build.
Dobermans are typically loyal, alert and full of energy. They have strong protective instincts and are often very territorial, making them excellent watchdogs. They are intelligent and eager to learn, meaning they respond well to training and obedience.

These dogs require a lot of physical and mental activity to stay happy and healthy. Regular walks, playtime, and mental challenges are necessary to meet their needs. They are not dogs that like to be left alone for long periods of time, and they need the close bond and attention of their owners.

Dobermans are known for their adaptability and tolerance for their family. They can make good family dogs as long as they are well socialized and used to children and other pets. However, their natural protective instincts can sometimes lead to dominance issues that require a competent owner.
It is important to note that Dobermans can have a certain sensitivity and liveliness. Loving but consistent training is important to keep them well behaved and balanced. Early socialization is also essential to ensure they are comfortable in different situations and around other people and dogs.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent and hardworking breed of dog, known for their ability to herd livestock. Originally bred in the border region between England and Scotland, these dogs are famous for being the most effective herding dogs in the world. Border Collies are active and energetic dogs that need a task or activity to keep them balanced and happy. They have a remarkable willingness to work and are extremely obedient and docile.

These dogs are often very sensitive and attached to their owners. They have a natural inclination to cooperate and are able to recognize and interpret subtle signs and instructions. However, Border Collies are also known for a strong herding instinct and can tend to herd their humans, other pets, or even bikes and cars.

Due to Border Collies' high intelligence and work ethic, adequate mental and physical exercise is of utmost importance. Regular physical activities such as long walks or playing fetch games are important to channel their energy. In addition, they should be mentally stimulated through training, brain games and challenges.


Dogs are known for being faithful and reliable friends. They are loyal, unconditionally loving and always stand by their owners' side. Whether you are sad, stressed or happy, dogs are always there to comfort, encourage and play with us. They have the amazing ability to love us unconditionally and manage to bring joy into our lives every day. The bond we build with our dogs is often strong and deep and they become an important part of our family. Dogs are more than just pets - they are true and loyal friends that we cherish and love in our lives.

Which breed suits you best ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. It is important that the dog suits its owner and his life situation so that a harmonious relationship can develop.

WordPress Cookie Plugin from Real Cookie Banner