15 Best Dog Breeds For Men
Whether you’re living in the heart of the city or you’re kicking it way out in the country, owning a dog brings a sense of adventure to every man’s life. From hiking to hunting to meeting women at the dog park, it’s no coincidence that dogs have walked alongside men for thousands of years! If you’re single, you’ll never be alone. If you’ve got a family, you’ll always have the best guard dog on duty. No matter the dog breed, choosing to adopt a dog brings a more profound sense of purpose to your life. A good dog won’t just keep a watchful eye over your domain — they’ll also form a friendship with you that will last a lifetime.
If you’ve been thinking of bringing a dog into your daily routine, it’s essential to narrow down your choices to a few specific breeds. When you’re researching the best dog breeds for men, make sure you choose a dog that will quickly adapt to your lifestyle and exercise level. Some dogs make great companions in tiny spaces; other working dogs may need wild and open spaces to roam.
Training your dog to live at its best takes discipline and dedication — while a smaller breed may be easy to train, others require professional help to perform at their full potential. Whatever breed you end up choosing, you’re guaranteed to have a close companion for years to come. Here’s a list of the fifteen best dog breeds we found for guys.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the essential family dogs. Hailing from the wild north of Alaska and Russia, these gentle giants form close bonds with children, and the breed makes excellent guard dogs. They’re patient, kind, and intimidating enough to keep any predators away. Malamutes thrive in colder environments; as a large dog, these guys are well known for their high energy level as they pull sleds and run through blizzards. These dogs are powerful — an adult male can tow up to 1,100 pounds! This breed needs plenty of exercise, but they’re not loud barkers, and they’re eager to please. Size-wise, Alaskan Malamutes can reach up to 100lbs. If you’re expecting snow in the winter and love the great outdoors, these dogs are great family pets that will keep their best friend safe and protected.
American Bulldog
Living up to their name, American Bulldogs are tough, loyal, and ready to work. As a working dog, these dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are among the best all-around guard dogs. The American Kennel Club recognizes this breed as one of the original working dogs, and they started watching over the fields nearly 200 years ago. Quite different from their french bulldog cousins, these dogs are full of powerful energy yet still bring love and affection. American Bulldogs need dry land; these dogs aren’t too fond of the open water. If you’re looking for a dog to guard the house, consider adopting an American Bulldog. Something to know — these dogs are known to drool more than other breeds. While it adds to the character, this problem can be a bit of a nuisance after a while.
Pit Bull
Pit Bulls provide one of the best senses of security and complement the lifestyle of the rugged man. These guys are one of the breeds who will guard you as their life depends on it, always be looking out, and scare off anything that’s a threat to your domain. Medium-sized but full of power, the breed has a rich and detailed history; they were first known as the “Staffordshire bull terrier” in Britain almost 100 years ago. Since then, they’ve come to be known as dogs that will never give in during a fight and always have your back. While once known strictly as “fighting dogs,” the public perspective has evolved quite a bit over the last few decades. With the right training program, these dogs can live their absolute best life. Dog owners who choose to adopt pit bulls can expect to put in a reasonable amount of effort regarding training. If you’re looking for a breed that makes an excellent guard dog and strong exercise partner, consider adopting a pit bull.
Australian Cattle Dog
Sometimes known simply as “cattle dogs” or an “Australian shepherd,” this breed lives to work. Originally bred to herd cattle on Australia’s open ranges, this breed has a ton of energy and needs a lot of exercise. If you’re the type of man that can take a dog with you wherever you go, the Australian Cattle Dog makes a great candidate for your next dog. If you don’t have specific tasks to do, say on a farm or ranch, these dogs may become easily bored and show quite a bit of anxiety. This breed is brilliant, fiercely independent, and makes a great companion for any busy dog owners. Like the other breeds, these guys will still watch over you and provide excellent protection. They love to follow you wherever you go, so if you’re a man looking for a dog to ride alongside you, consider adopting an Australian Cattle Dog.
Beagle
Beagles are perfect for any man looking for a relaxed and playful best friend. Perfect for the family man, these dogs are great with kids and provide endless love to their owners. While definitely on the breeds’ softer side, beagles are still some of the most intelligent. Once they’re an adult, you can expect them to fill out into medium-sized dog. They’re comparable to the size of border collies. Beagles saw their first establishment as a breed in Britain during the turn of the 19th century. After discovering the Beagle’s ability to be a natural hunting dog, their popularity soared with property owners and outdoorsmen alike. A beagle may be an excellent addition for a man who loves to hike, explore, and hunt. They’re also one of the best breeds for men with kids. Everyone loves their playful nature, loyalty, and love. It’s important to know that these dogs need regular exercise, but they’re also perfectly content resting and watching over your home.
Bernese Mountain Dog
As one of the original best dog breeds, these mighty pups once journeyed with men across the Swiss Alps. They’re tough, confident, and ready for anything. This breed originates with the ancient Romans and has been man’s best friend since the gladiators’ days. Back in those days, the Bernese Mountain Dog was one of the first-ever farm dogs. They were later used as draft animals, pulling cargo over the mountains across Europe! If you’re looking for a large dog, definitely put the Bernese Mountain Dog at the top of your list. Like other work dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys serving their owners and staying close by their side with a vigilant eye. While this dog may seem intimidating, they’ve got a gentle and loving temperament like a golden retriever. If you’re looking for a unique dog breed that’s sure to strike up a conversation and stand by your side, look into adopting one of these dogs.
Bloodhound
Here’s a dog that never loses a scent on the trail. Bloodhounds are well known among the list of the smartest dog breeds. These trackers were first bred for deer hunting and tracking. Did you know that Bloodhounds have been tracking dogs since the Middle Ages? Known for their floppy ears and happy demeanor, this is among the best dog breeds for men with kids. If you’re looking to add a search and rescue dog like a Bloodhound to your life, make sure that they’re American Kennel Club certified. These dogs are easy to train, but you’ve got to do your research first. Bloodhounds are the most dedicated out of all the dog breeds; if a Bloodhound finds a scent, they won’t quit until the job is done.
Border Collie
Everyone loves a Border Collie. These happy-go-lucky dogs are known for being among the most loyal of dog breeds. Perfect for families with small children, these dogs are great if you like spending social time at the dog park or on the trail. They’re known as some of the smartest of all of the medium-size breeds. Renowned for herding and sports — like the Australian Cattle Dog — this is another prime choice out of the best dog breeds for the working man. These dogs love being around livestock and will make a perfect companion on any property or farm. The name Border Collie comes from the British Isles — the word “collie” comes from the Celtic word for useful. Living up to their name, this is a dog breed that won’t ever let you down.
Bull Mastiff
Often compared to the Staffordshire bull terrier (or Pit Bull), the Bullmastiff is another dog that means business. Large in size and personality, the bullmastiff as a dog at the top of the list detailing the most special breeds. These dogs stand up tall and act as loving protectors; you can expect the average Bullmastiff to reach at least 110 pounds. These dogs were deemed to be pure by the English Kennel Club back in 1924. From that year on, they’ve found their place as family dogs, guardians, and friends. Bullmastiffs need adequate supervision and a decent level of training to thrive as a family pet. They’re quite strong, but also very sensible when it comes to listening. If you train the Bullmastiff to listen and follow directions, you’ll be rewarded with a great dog.
German Shepherd
If you want to live with a bit more security, consider taking home a German Shepherd. Known as the quintessential guard dog, this breed is brilliant, supremely loyal, and commands an intimidating presence. German Shepherds are at their best when they’ve got a family or property to watch over. With their large ears and a keen sense of smell, they’re very focused and always attentive. Depending on your training skills, you may need to enlist a professional’s help to get the most out of owning a German Shepherd. This is one of the dog breeds which require a fair amount of attention. If you’re prepared to put the work in, you’ll be rewarded with a happy and healthy dog.
Great Dane
Hailing from Germany’s forests, this monster of a dog tops the list of the largest breeds ever to exist. As an original hunting dog, these animals hunted alongside European royalty and fought in some of the most challenging battles ever recorded. Originally known as the “German Mastiff,” the name was officially changed to Great Dane in 1755. Make no mistake — these dogs are giant. If you’re living in a tiny space or don’t have much room for the dog to run, this isn’t the dog for you. Great Danes are excellent guard dogs, and they’re great with children. A word of advice: Great Danes have a faster metabolism than smaller dogs, leading to health issues not seen as quickly in other breeds. Large, in charge, and always attentive, Great Danes make a great choice for modern men.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the absolute best dog for men with young children. The lovable, cuddly, and playful buddies catch the eye of everyone, no matter where they go. Known as “labs,” these dogs do more than attract the girls. They’re excellent at hunting and beat out other dog breeds when it comes to obedience and training ease. When they’re not watching over families, these dogs can be found securing airports, searching for lost hikers, or bringing back ducks on a hunt. They’re closely related to other friendly breeds such as the Newfoundland and the Golden Retriever. These happy dogs will bring lots of love and happiness to any home. If that’s what you’re looking for, get a Labrador Retriever, and you’ll always have a friend.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally from southern Africa’s wilds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s roots can be traced back to their days as hunting dogs. First bred in 1922, this breed has been watching over men and their families for almost 100 years. Just as the name suggests, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has two “crowns” on its back, right behind the shoulders. Like the other dog breeds such as the Great Dane and Bloodhound, this dog is quite large when they reach their adult stage. They’re muscular, mean, and always loyal to their owners. Intelligent yet obedient, these athletic dogs love to run and play; they make a great addition to any home.
Saint Bernard
Out of the dog breeds known for their undying loyalty, the Saint Bernard is a well-known favorite. From search-and-rescue missions to climbing the mountain tops, this is a breed with a need for fresh air and a lot of exercise. With their long hair and gigantic size, they’re brilliant and happy to anything for their owners. Noble and always on guard, this is a dog that will keep you safe and be ready for any challenge.
Boxer
Sometimes confused with the English Bulldog, the Boxer is among the most loved dog breeds. The best dog for single guys, these playful and somewhat crazy pups love to be the center of attention. They’re happy running up and down the beach or digging holes in the backyard. Choose a boxer, and you’re guaranteed to laugh every single day!