15 German Dog Breeds That Make Great Family Pets
Small, medium, or large — they come in all sizes!
From little fuzzballs to giant breeds, we love our pups of all shapes and sizes. There's simply nothing like the love of a dog, no matter how big or small. While German Shepherds are one of our favorite pups due to their loyalty and beauty, there are many other German dog breeds that will also make great companions. Germany actually is where many working dog breeds originated, but the country is also responsible for other breeds such as tough, little dachshunds, feisty Pomeranians and poodles of all sizes.
Whether you're in search of your new snuggle buddy, a small dog, or a dog who will enjoy joining you on your morning runs, many German dog breeds make great pets, too. Just remember that all dogs are individuals, and although certain personality traits are common in a specific breed, it's not a given. Every dog, just like every person, has his or her own personal likes and dislikes.
When searching for a new love, make sure to read everything you can about a breed before adopting, so you'll set your family up for success. Remember that not all breeds are suited to all lifestyles, and some German dog breeds require a firm hand to encourage mannerly behavior.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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