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16 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle

16 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Are Bundles of Love

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Elizabethsalleebauer/Getty Images The most affectionate dog breeds will shower you with love

Loving and being loved by dogs is one of the great pleasures of life. When their tails wag with delight when you come home or they snuggle into you on the couch, it's hard not to feel grateful to share your home with what seems like one of the most affectionate dog breeds.

My husband and I have lucked into adopting incredibly affectionate big and small dogs from animal shelters. For instance, our 88-pound Labrador retriever mix, Rio, was so loving not just with us but with everyone he met that he trained to become a therapy dog, and we visited hospital patients together. Our 8-pound miniature poodle, Peach, saved her affection for us and wanted to spend all her time in our arms or our laps. Our Yorkshire terrier mix, Tux, loves giving and receiving affection so much that he stops in front of strangers on the street to see if they will pet him—which they almost always do.

Unsurprisingly, dog breeds known for their loving natures are often the most popular. Ahead, you'll learn more about some of the most affectionate dog breeds, but keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list (and there are outliers in any breed). As David Frei, co-host of The National Dog Show, likes to say during dog shows and made a point of repeating during an interview for this article, "the real 'Best in Show' dog is the one that's sitting next to you on the couch at home."

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About the experts

David Frei is a world-renowned dog breed expert who has co-hosted NBC's Thanksgiving Day broadcast of The National Dog Show since 2002. He is also co-founder and co-host of the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University. A therapy dog handler and prominent advocate for the modern therapy dog movement, he co-hosted the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the USA Network from 1990 to 2016 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Dog Writers Association of America in 2018.

Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, has more than 30 years of professional dog-training experience and serves as vice president of A Dog's Best Friend, a positive-reinforcement dog-training company in Florida. A past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, she serves as a consultant on canine training and behavior for local and national rescue groups. She is the author of numerous books, including The Dog Behavior Problem Solver and The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training.

Reviewed for accuracy by: Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science. She's the author of 34 books, including Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.

1. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

With soulful brown eyes and a warmhearted nature, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the most affectionate dog breeds and one of the best dog breeds for kids. That's why both of Frei's Cavs—Angel and True Dat—have spread so much cheer as therapy dogs. "They live for a lap. We call them 'love sponges,'" he says. "Their tails are always wagging. They just love people and want to follow you from room to room."

Still, they shed profusely—"I think of dog hair as a condiment in my home," Frei quips—and are prone to health issues like heart disease and syringomyelia, aka "neck scratcher's disease," which is caused by skull malformation.

Professional dog trainer Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, says normally affectionate Cavs might bite if they're in pain. One of her clients found that her Cavalier King Charles spaniel would try to bite her whenever she rubbed the dog's belly, which Anderson discovered hurt because of syringomyelia. "It can cause aggression because they're in pain," she says. If your affectionate dog changes its behavior, contact your veterinarian to rule out health issues.

Breed overview Height: 12 to 13 inches Weight: 13 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years Justin Paget/Getty Images 2. Labrador retriever

Labs are one of the most loved dog breeds, holding the No. 1 spot as the most registered American Kennel Club (AKC) breed for 31 years until the French bulldog broke the streak in 2022. "There's a reason why the Labrador has been so highly ranked all these years," says Anderson. They're smart, easy to groom, affectionate and eager to please. Those qualities are why they're also one of the most common types of service dogs, working as arson-detection dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, guide dogs for people who are blind, diabetes-alert dogs and mobility-assistance dogs.

Because Labs are usually food-motivated, they're easy to train with positive methods, Anderson notes. These athletic dogs typically thrive with training and exercise, as she learned when her first dog, Cody, chewed up her remote control. So when her second Lab, Logan, picked up the new remote control, she essentially trained him to retrieve it and bring it to her by rewarding him each time. "Until the day he left this earth, he would bring me that remote control whether I was in the bathroom [or] in the kitchen … he'd follow me around and give me the remote control," she says with a laugh.

Let's just say these pups put the retriever in Labrador retriever. As Frei notes, "Someone once told me, 'They steal your heart and also your shoes.'"

Breed overview Height: 21.5  to 24.5 inches Weight: 55 to 80 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years simonapilolla/Getty Images 3. Pug

It's possible that pugs love their owners more than any other dog does. After all, they were bred to be companions as far back as 400 B.C. In China. One way or another, these distinctive short-haired dogs are beloved sidekicks who adore their families right back.

"The great expressive faces that they have make them, in my mind, the best candidate for costumes in the dog world," Frei says. "They're a cocky little dog that loves people. They're wonderful family dogs."

Anderson says that because the flat-faced dogs are food-motivated and comical, they're a lot of fun to train. The key is to watch their weight. "They can turn into little pug coffee tables if you're not careful: They can get very large," she cautions. "They do have significant health issues with their eyes and their brachycephalic [snub-nosed] faces. You also have to make sure that you clean the wrinkle folds regularly or they can grow bacteria and have skin issues."

Breed overview Height: 10 to 13 inches Weight: 14 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years 4. Shih Tzu

"The Shih Tzu is descended from royalty, and they've not forgotten this," Anderson quips. "They love to be the center of attention and follow you everywhere. The pug is going to solicit attention, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel will solicit attention. The Shih Tzu will expect it."

She feels it's a myth that small dog breeds like the Shih Tzu don't need training or can't be trained. "Little dogs can absolutely learn just as easily as their larger counterparts," she notes. "They need to be trained in family manners and appropriate behavior in public."

The "little lions" have intimidating grooming needs, but Frei says it's not just about the hair and the glitz with these little guys. "They're athletic, fun dogs," he says. "They're really happy little people-pleasers." They're also one of the cutest dog breeds you'll meet.

Breed overview Height: 9 to 10.5 inches Weight: 9 to 16 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years Tetra Images/Getty Images 5. Golden retriever

Like Labs, golden retrievers are extremely popular because of their versatility and typically affectionate temperaments. "They've got this great devotion and charisma," Frei says. "And the Golden Retriever Club of America is one of the best parent clubs. They have a foundation that does health studies research for the breed … and gets dogs prepared to be great family dogs."

Anderson says goldens want to be part of everything, wag with their whole bodies and are very happy to see you—whether you're a complete stranger or their lifetime person. So if you're looking for one of the top guard dog breeds, look elsewhere. "The golden retriever is going to be the worst watchdog you ever had," Anderson says of the famously affectionate dog breed.

Breed overview Height: 21.5 to 24 inches Weight: 55 to 75 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Jose Gonzalez Buenaposada/Getty Images 6. Yorkshire terrier

The Yorkshire terrier may be a toy dog breed, but don't let its size fool you. These pups have major big-dog energy. "The show Yorkies are often in that long, beautiful coat, so they look like little cover models, but they will go after a bird or a lizard or a squirrel with the conviction of a Rottweiler," Anderson says. It's something she's learned firsthand from her own "scrappy" Yorkie, Rosie.

Yorkshire terriers love a good lap and "protecting" their people. Frei notes that Yorkies were bred to be working-class toy dogs. "They were supposed to be the color of coal, in fact, so that the coal miners could take them with them to work, and the blue color didn't show the coal dust on them when they came home," he says. "They would dig out rats, and they were the guardians of the lunch bags."

Breed overview Height: 7 to 8 inches Weight: 7 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years 7. Poodle

Despite the fancy haircuts they sport in dog shows, poodles weren't bred to be posh lapdogs. Their hair protected their organs for their original job: retrieving waterfowl for hunters. "Here's a little trivia for you: Poodle comes from the German word pudel, which means 'to splash,'" Frei notes.

While these dogs may not be in the fowl-retrieval business anymore, they're still active and engaged animals. All three sizes of poodle—toy, miniature and standard—are among the smartest and most affectionate dog breeds. "Living with an intelligent dog is a wonderful thing and a scary thing because you have to be smarter than the dog," Anderson says. "The poodle is going to figure out how to get past the baby gate. The poodle is going to figure out how to get those muffins on top of the counter. They're loads of fun to train because they're engaged in the game of training." Translation: You need to engage your poodle's mind so it doesn't get bored.

Breed overview Height: Under 10 inches to over 15 inches Weight: 4 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years 8. Newfoundland

"The Newf is not a dog for neat freaks," says Frei. "They're a lot of dog, and they'll put that loving, drooling, water-covered face in your lap or on your shirt."

Affectionate Newfs are so attuned to people that in Italy, they serve as water-rescue dogs trained to jump out of boats (and even helicopters) to save people from drowning. Because they grow to be big, strong dogs, Anderson says it's critical to start training them with positive methods as early as possible. "Don't let them get into bad habits as adults, because it's harder to deal with, for example, if you allow a Newfoundland to pull you on a leash," she says. "It's a lot better to train a 10-week-old puppy than a 10-month-old dog that's coming up on a hundred pounds."

Breed overview Height: 26 to 28 inches Weight: 100 to 150 pounds Life expectancy: 9 to 10 years 9. French bulldog

Possibly because it's one of the most affectionate dog breeds, the French bulldog is one of the most loved breeds, even vaulting to the No. 1 spot as the most registered AKC breed in the United States in 2022. The comical face and cute bat ears don't hurt either.

After a Frenchie named Winston won Best in Show at the National Dog Show in 2022, Frei spent a lot of time traveling with the winner for television appearances. Winston greets fans and seems to enjoy posing for selfies. "He loves everybody," Frei says. "They're little clowns, and they're fun to be around."

Anderson agrees. She's currently training a cute Frenchie to become a therapy dog. "She's just the sweetest little thing—she loves people," she says. "And when people look at French bulldogs, it just makes them smile."

Like all bulldog breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing issues and other serious health concerns because they're brachycephalic (aka flat-faced dogs). Buyer beware: They also often snore.

Breed overview Height: 11 to 13 inches Weight: Under 28 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years 10. Dachshund

The beloved dachshund comes in two sizes—miniature and standard—and three coats: smooth, wire-haired and long-haired. These dogs with big ears and hot dog–shaped bodies are irresistible to their fans, though they can have "strong personalities" because of what they were bred to do, according to Anderson.

"The reason why the dachshund is short and long is because the dog was bred to go into the badger hole, get the badger and bring it out," she says. "Badgers are not friendly. So the dog had to be very tough and very motivated and very persistent."

Today, this translates to the "wiener dogs" wanting to dig in the backyard or through the pillows to bury their bones. Since dachshunds often want to join their people on the couch, Anderson says it's important to get them a ramp or doggy stairs so they don't injure their long backs jumping on and off the furniture. "They are loving, wonderful family dogs," Frei adds. "They love and respect their people. And all the people I talk to about their dachshunds say [their dogs] love their cats."

Breed overview Height: 5 to 9 inches Weight: Under 11 pounds to 32 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years 11. Bernese mountain dog

As its name suggests, the Bernese mountain dog is massive, but it can be a wonderful family pet if you train your puppy properly. As with any large dog breed, early socialization and positive training are vitally important, according to Anderson. "Bernese mountain dogs are big mountains of dogs. They can get absolutely huge," she says. "They are extremely affectionate with their people and incredibly loyal to their people, and they can be a little reserved with strangers."

Frei notes that Berners are strong farm dogs that enjoy cuddling by the fire after a day's work, and they're known for giving a "Burner bump" to get your attention. "They come up and plow that head into you if you're not giving them enough love," he says. "They do need their people." So only bring this mountain dog into your family if you can give it the attention it deserves.

Breed overview Height: 23 to 27.5 inches Weight: 70 to 115 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 9 years Ирина Мещерякова/getty images 12. Cardigan Welsh corgi

To the untrained eye, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is simply a corgi with a tail, but it's a distinct breed from the Pembroke Welsh corgi, Frei notes. "Cardigans have longer bodies, a longer head and straighter legs," he says. "They have a sense of humor and love to play—and can be mischievous."

While the "Cardi" can be sweet and loving with its people, as a herding breed for livestock, it also likes to chase, according to Anderson. "If you don't have sheep, the children are going to have to do," she jokes. "So you need to teach them appropriate outlets for that chasing behavior that don't involve chasing the children and nipping at their heels."

Corgis often excel at agility sports, for instance. And that's a far better activity than chasing the cat!

Breed overview Height: 10.5 to 12.5 inches Weight: 25 to 38 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Aleksandr Zotov/getty images 13. Great Dane

Great Danes are gentle giants; the tallest dog ever was a Great Dane from Michigan named Zeus, according to Guinness World Records. "They're giant, but they're really elegant," says Frei. "They have moderate energy, and they're very affectionate. The consideration with them is they take up a lot of space when they lay down on your floor or in your bed."

These giant dogs also like to lean into people to show their affection, so Anderson suggests bracing yourself and bending your knees around them to avoid being accidentally knocked over. "Great Danes crack me up because they always like to sit on your lap, but all four feet are still on the ground," she says. "They're still on the ground like they're sitting in a chair, but your lap is the chair."

Breed overview Height: 28 to 32 inches Weight: 110 to 175 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years 14. Irish wolfhound

Though Irish wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves, today they're typically gentle, sociable dogs. In the novel Sight Hound by Pam Houston, a sage Irish wolfhound even quotes the Buddha.

Anderson says Irish wolfhounds can relax while you binge-watch your favorite TV show, but their hound instinct can quickly kick in. They might not be one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, but they're still quite fleet. "They will spend all afternoon on your couch, but if they see something that interests them, they will give chase, and they are gone in a skinny minute," she cautions. "So teaching them to come when called, no matter what is going on, is critical. Start early."

Breed overview Height: 30 to 32 inches Weight: 105 to 120 pounds Life expectancy: 6 to 8 years Nisian Hughes/Getty Images 15. Old English sheepdog

This lovey-dovey furball is an easily recognizable breed, what with the shaggy fur covering its eyes and the fluffy body practically screaming, "Pet me!"

"The hair is a haystack," says Frei about the Old English sheepdog. "It takes a lot of grooming because it's tough. They're a working dog, but they're a loving, happy dog. They're smart dogs and affectionate with their people." To wit: the Beatles' song "Martha My Dear" is named after Paul McCartney's Old English sheepdog, Martha.

Breed overview Height: 21 inches and up Weight: 60 to 100 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Donna Robertson/Getty Images 16. Border terrier

With a distinctive "otter head," this breed delights as cute and relatively calm dogs. "Border terriers are really loving, cuddly, friendly dogs," Frei says.

Anderson considers border terriers "great all-around dogs" that perform well in agility and barn-hunt competitions. "They're sturdy enough to work well with families with younger children, and work well in smaller homes," she says. "But they do need the exercise of perhaps a larger dog. They're active dogs, so if someone is wanting to take a hike with their dog or go camping with their dog, a border terrier is ready to take on those tasks."

It's worth noting that these dogs were bred for fox hunting and still have the characteristic prey drive—so, as Frei cautions, don't leave the door open!

Breed overview Height: 12 to 15 inches Weight: 11.5 to 15.5 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Why trust us

At Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Jen Reeder tapped her experience as a longtime pet journalist and former president of the Dog Writers Association of America, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

David Frei, dog breed expert, co-host of The National Dog Show, co-founder of the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University and co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show from 1990 to 2016; phone interview, March 4, 2024

Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, dog trainer, past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, vice president of A Dog's Best Friend and author of The Dog Behavior Problem Solver and Ultimate Guide to Dog Training; phone interview, March 6, 2024

NC State University: "Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Research"

Guinness World Records: "World's tallest dog confirmed as Zeus the Great Dane"

Originally Published: March 18, 2024

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River Journeys, Wooden Spoons And One Giant Blueberry – Take The Thursday Quiz

Life is short, they say. Not when you are facing a deadline, a blank page, and have to come up with 15 exciting and topical questions. Then time feels like wading through treacle, each moment an agony of pondering just how to keep people amused and entertained while stretching their knowledge. Still, all that is a problem for someone else, as the Thursday quiz simply flies haphazardly on to the page, as you are probably able to judge from its erratic quality. It is just for fun. There are no prizes. Let us know how you got on in the comments.

The Thursday quiz, No 152

1.Who is the first minister in Wales?

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2.What was floated down the Hudson River in New York last week after months of refurbishment?

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3.This is Willow, the official dog of the Guardian Thursday quiz. She knows that bear attacks are no laughing matter. Which European country just declared a state of emergency in a northern town after five people were injured in a second bear attack in three days?

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4.Definitely a laughing matter, however, was the woman who went viral on TikTok after she was filmed being hoisted up by an automatic shutter. The moment has now been immortalised in a mural. Where?

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5.The Thursday quiz has established that they give world records out for anything these days, which doesn't deter it from asking you about them. This week: the world's largest blueberry (not pictured). How much more than a regular blueberry did it weigh?

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6.The Thursday quiz knows you love the royal family, and will have closely followed Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, launching a new lifestyle brand on Instagram. What has she called it?

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7.Nora Ephron wrote When Harry Met Sally, which was a huge hit in the late 80s. But she made her directorial debut in 1992 with which movie that included Julie Kavner, Carrie Fisher and Dan Aykroyd in its cast?

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8.Every fan of Sapphire & Steel (not pictured, that's just two blokes with some hot stuff) knows "all irregularities will be handled by the forces controlling each dimension. Transuranic heavy elements may not be used where there is life." Steel can be assigned, and frequently was. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but to make stainless steel, more than 10.5% of it needs to be which element?

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9.You've always wanted to pass GCSE media studies, right? Try this one. Which of these is a definition of "iconography"?

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10.It is time for jazz club. Nice. What instrument is John Coltrane best known for playing?

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11.One question about every country taking part in the Euro 2024 finals this summer. This week: Portugal. And it is a football one to boot. In which city are club side Benfica based?

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12.Two sporting questions in one Thursday quiz? Lucky you. Who "won" the wooden spoon in the men's Rugby Union Six Nations championship by coming last?

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13.It is the anniversary of the former archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer being burned at the stake (not pictured). Sorry to remind you of that Thomas. Who was on the English throne at the time?

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14.The Cambodian prime minister, Hun Manet, has ordered a ban on what vehicle feature?

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15.The regulator Ofcom has concluded that the GB News channel broke impartiality rules on five separate occasions when sitting Tory MPs served as news presenters. What punishment has it handed the channel?

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16.BONUS OMD QUESTION: OMD and promoters AEG have made a donation to food banks in Wirral and Liverpool after the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool gave them a partial refund on their concert booking for what reason?

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If you really do think there has been an egregious error in one of the questions or answers – and can show your working – feel free to email martin.Belam@theguardian.Com, but remember the quiz master's word is final and you haven't lived until you've listened to Magic Onion by The Lovely Eggs.

13 Of The Fastest Dog Breeds In The World

What are the fastest dog breeds?

It may seem that many dogs have some advantages over us two-legged humans when it comes to natural athleticism. They can jump high fences in a single bound, detect thousands of smells, and hear things we can't. But figuring out which are the fastest dog breeds isn't as simple as it appears. Some of the biggest dog breeds can reach incredible speeds (30 mph Great Dane, anyone?), and some of the best runners are also the most lazy dog breeds around. As we all know, running is great exercise for both humans and dogs, and going running with your dog can be a great way to bond together. Many people stay away from a high-energy dog when they're looking for a pet, but if you're committed to giving them (and you!) the exercise they need to be happy and healthy, dogs that love to run can be a fantastic addition to your family. Some dogs are definitely better suited to be running buddies than others, though, and it isn't necessarily the fastest dogs that make the best jogging companions but the dogs with the best endurance.

How fast can a dog run?

In general, most dogs can run about 15 to 20 miles per hour for a short distance. Lean, long-legged dogs with deep chests (meaning big lungs) tend to be able to run the fastest, from 25 to 45 miles per hour. For dogs like sighthounds and collies, long strides and small mass keep them moving forward quickly. But small dog breeds with short legs like Shih Tzus or huge breeds like St. Bernards tend to be slower because of the former's short gait and the latter's mass. Other dogs have trouble running fast because they simply can't breathe well enough to be that athletic. Those are brachycephalic, or flat-faced dogs with a short snout, like pugs, bulldogs, and Basset Hounds. If you love these squishy-faced pooches, getting an adorable pug mix can help even out their genetic issues. The dogs that can run the longest are the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. Both bred as sled dogs, they are strong, with plenty of stamina, and can maintain a good running pace of 10 to 15 mph for hours and hours.

Every dog benefits from exercise, of course, but it's best to look at the shape and age of your dog (as well as the weather) to determine what sort of exercise they'll enjoy and what will be right for them. Hiking, playing games, and romping with other dogs are all healthy ways for your dog to use up their energy!

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Ralf Bitzer/EyeEm/Getty Images

Fastest dog in the world: Greyhound

Top speed: 45 mph

Standing up to 30 inches high at the shoulder, Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed in the world, and among the fastest sprinters on the planet. Like cheetahs, they run in a double suspension gallop, meaning that their bodies contract and extend as they run, with all four feet leaving the ground in each movement. In fact, when a Greyhound runs, its feet are touching the ground only 25% of the time! And how fast can a Greyhound run? The fastest dog in the world can reach top speed within six strides, up to a whopping 45 mph. However, owners of Greys know that their day-to-day speed is more snoozer than sprinter: They're known as 45 mph couch potatoes who sleep as much as cats—about 18 hours a day! Weirdly, despite their size and speed, Greyhounds are ideal apartment dogs because of this massive capacity to just chill out. Just take the fastest dog in the world out on a daily walk and let them tear around the park a couple of times a week, and they should be good!

RELATED: Black Dog Breeds

Jackie Bale/Getty Images

Second fastest dog: Saluki

Top speed: 42 mph

Hailing from the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East, Salukis are an ancient breed of hunting dog. They were used by kings to hunt down speedy game like antelope, and they've retained their sprinting skills today. Roughly the same shape as a Greyhound, with the recognizable small waist and deep chest, Salukis are very beautiful dogs with long, feathered, floppy ears and gentle dispositions. Like Greyhounds, Salukis are sighthounds—dogs that hunt primarily by sight rather than smell. As such, they have high prey drive. Salukis have more endurance than Greyhounds and may make better running companions among the fastest dog breeds.

Mint Images/Getty Images

Third-equal fastest dog: Vizsla

Top speed: 40 mph

Instantly recognizable by their bright, reddish-gold coats, Vizslas (pronounced "Veeshla," and also known as Hungarian Pointers) are all-around athletes that also make the list of fastest dog breeds, able to reach speeds of 40 mph. Equally proficient in hunting, retrieving, swimming, and agility sports, Vizslas are super smart and energetic. They tend to bond closely and affectionately to their owners, and with their graceful gait and immense stamina, they'd be perfect running, hiking, or cycling companions. Vizslas' tails are quite brittle, and are therefore often docked a third of the way down to prevent injury, although the necessity of this operation is contested. Either way, the Vizsla makes a wonderful companion for an outdoorsy type.

THEGIFT777/Getty Images

Third-equal fastest dog: Afghan Hound

Top speed: 40 mph

Sensing a theme among these fastest dog breeds? These long-legged hounds sure can run! Although Afghans look more like supermodels than sprinters, they're another old breed whose thick, silky coats and large paws allow them to keep up and keep warm on the rocky hunting grounds of their Central Asian homeland. If you can commit to a grooming regimen to take care of that coat, an Afghan can be a wonderful, sensitive companion. They also make a great running partner! Having been bred for all-day hunts, these hounds have tons of stamina and can definitely keep up on the miles.

Sergii Petruk/Getty Images

Third-equal fastest dog: Ibizan Hound

Top speed: 40 mph

These bat-eared sweeties have the long, slim legs and bodies we've seen on the other fastest dog breeds, which explains their top speed of 40 mph. Hailing from the Catalan region of Spain and France, Ibizan Hounds, or "Beezers," as they're known by their owners, were bred to hunt smaller game like rabbits. The smooth- or wire-coated red and white hounds are smart and playful, making good family dogs as long as they are properly socialized.

RELATED: Smartest Dog Breeds

IanG/Getty Images

Fourth fastest dog: Whippet

Top speed: 34 mph

If you think the sleek Whippet resembles a smaller Greyhound, you're right! These medium-sized dogs are descended from Greys; they're both racing dog breeds, which is why Whippets are the fastest dog of their size, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. Also like the Greyhound, Whippets are gentle dogs who love to lounge and cuddle for all the hours when they're not sprinting. They're great apartment dogs, especially given their aversion to barking. With regular exercise and a few sprints a week, Whippets make sweet family dogs.

Lubo Ivanko/Getty Images

Fifth fastest dog: Jack Russell Terrier

Top speed: 38 mph

First bred in England for fox hunting, Jack Russell Terriers are (like all terriers) stubborn, energetic, and lots of fun. These sweet little guys may look like bouncing teddy bears, but they're surprisingly quick, sprinting onto the list of fastest dog breeds with a top speed of 38 mph. If you're looking for a small dog that makes a good running partner, the Jack Russell is a great option: They have a lot of stamina and can run about ten miles per day! Just start small, and increase the distance once you know your pooch can handle it.

Alexandru Gabriel Luca/EyeEm/Getty Images

Sixth fastest dog: Dalmatian

Top speed: 37 mph

One of the most distinctive-looking dogs, the gorgeous spotted Dalmatian is also one of the fastest dog breeds, clocking in at 37 mph. You may picture them on the back of a fire truck or carriage, but Dalmatians have the kind of athleticism stamina that makes them perfect for hikers, joggers, and outdoors enthusiasts. Originally bred as guard dogs, high-energy Dalmatians can be aloof with strangers and are protective of their humans. With regular exercise and lots of love, Dals make wonderful companions.

Ryhor Bruyeu/Getty Images

Seventh fastest dog: Borzoi

Top speed: 36 mph

Also known as Russian Wolfhounds, the Borzoi is a gorgeous, goofy, leggy hound with a love of both sprinting and lounging. Like Greyhounds, they're great apartment dogs despite their large size. With gentle and happy-go-lucky personalities, Borzois show little sign of what they were bred for: hunting wolves. Their long coats need regular grooming, but Borzoi owners will find themselves with a graceful and rewarding dog companion.

RELATED: How to Groom Your Dog

Brighton Dog Photography/Getty Images

Eighth fastest dog: Weimaraner

Top speed: 35 mph

Originating in Germany (hence the proper pronunciation of "Vy-ma-rah-na"), a Weimaraner is instantly recognizable by its silvery-gray coat, floppy ears, and blue or amber eyes. A medium-sized, retriever-esque dog, the Weimaraner is extremely intelligent and needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. These athletic pooches were bred to be all-round hunting dogs, when the Duke of Weimar crossed Bloodhounds with French and German hunting dogs. The result is a wonderful family dog that is eager to join in with any adventure.

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Ninth fastest dog: German Pinscher

Top speed: 33 mph

Those classically pointy Pinscher ears top the head of these smooth, sleek dogs. Intelligent and confident, German Pinschers are both one of Germany's oldest breeds and one of the fastest dog breeds. Bred as ratters, German Pinschers make excellent working and guard dogs and loving family dogs. They need plenty of stimulation and exercise to maintain good physical and mental health and would love to be involved in sports like agility or tracking.

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Tenth fastest dog: Border Collie

Top speed: 30 mph

Intelligent, energetic, and speedy, the Border Collie is a beloved dog that also happens to be one of the fastest dog breeds. And did we mention energetic? If you're not a farmer already, this breed is particularly suited to the time-rich and active, who can dedicate the sort of time the Border Collie needs to fulfilling its exercise and mental stimulation needs. They were originally bred as herders, and their skills translate into the sport of agility in non-farm dogs. Border Collies are extremely smart and trainable and would make perfect running companions, especially if you're training for a marathon! Their endurance means they can run all day, and you may be the one trying to keep up.

RELATED: Best Dog Breeds for Kids

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Eleventh fastest dog: Siberian Husky

Top speed: 28 mph

Although they're definitely one of the fastest dog breeds (that can reach speeds of up to 28 mph), where the Siberian Husky really shines is in its endurance. This ancient breed's ancestors were originally bred in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people and were kept as family dogs, as well as sled dogs. Huskies can maintain a speed of 10 to 12 mph all. Day. Long. That's what makes them ideal running companions (as long as you don't take them out in the heat!). Huskies are known to be smart, friendly, and reasonably trainable, and as a plus, they're pretty clean, with little doggy odor. They do need a lot of exercise and engagement to be happy, otherwise they may pull a Houdini and escape from your yard in search of fun. Huskies' wolf-like faces and pretty blue eyes have earned them fans all over the world.

NEXT: Adorable Husky Pictures That Will Make You Want One

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