10 Best Dog Breeds for Teens (with Pictures)
By Hanh Duong
Updated on
For families with teenage children, a new furry friend can bring so much joy and positivity into their lives. Not only can a pet dog help them unwind and cope with stress, but it can also provide a fantastic opportunity for exercise and companionship.
When choosing the perfect pup for your teen, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors. Look for a breed that is friendly, welcoming of new faces, and a good fit for your home’s size. It’s also wise to choose a breed that doesn’t require constant exercise while your teen is at school and can be easily trained to avoid frustrating behavioral issues. Here are some of the best dog breeds that are perfect for families with teenagers.
The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Teens
1. Labrador Retriever
| Height: | 5–24.5 inches |
| Weight: | 55–80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
The first name on this list is the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their friendly and trainable nature, these pups make a great addition to any household, regardless of age.
Labradors are full of energy and love spending time outside, which means you’ll have a great reason to stay active. Whether you’re playing fetch or running around in the park, this breed is sure to keep you entertained. If your teen enjoys getting adventurous, you’ll find a trustworthy partner in a Labrador Retriever.
In addition to their playful nature, Labs are highly trainable and often used as therapy or assistant animals. Their kind and obedient personalities make them a positive influence on anyone’s life. Whether you’re seeking a loyal friend or a helpful companion, the Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice.
2. Pug
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Weight: | 14–18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The history of Pugs is shrouded in mystery, with their exact origin being largely unknown due to the destruction of all official records of the breed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. However, one thing that is undeniable is the charm and sweetness of these adorable canines.
Pugs are known for their love of companionship and relaxation, but they need to get enough exercise to avoid weight gain. When it comes to climate, they prefer moderate temperatures rather than overly hot or humid ones due to their short muzzle. With their friendly and easy-going nature, they make excellent pets for new or young owners.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
| Height: | 12–15 inches |
| Weight: | 13–17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Do you remember the TV show Wishbone? This show starred a spunky Jack Russell Terrier and his teenage companion, Joe Talbot, going on all sorts of daring adventures. This TV show did a good job of capturing the personality of this breed.
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their affectionate and friendly nature towards people of all ages, including teens, kids, adults, and even other canines! They’re highly intelligent, fearless, and athletic, making them perfect for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
These pups have a ton of energy and require plenty of exercise, but they also love to learn new tricks and show off their impressive skills. These little guys are also very good-looking with their well-proportioned medium-length body and short hair!
4. Collie
| Height: | 22–26 inches |
| Weight: | 50–75 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
Looking for an adventure-loving furry friend? Look no further than the Collie! These pups can be found all over the world for good reason. Collies are super friendly, affectionate, and playful companions that fit right in with families and kiddos. With moderate energy levels, they’re happy in a variety of settings. Plus, they make excellent watchdogs who always look out for their peeps.
With proper training, Collies can make fantastic therapy and assist animals like Labs. There are many different breeds of Collies out there, each with their own unique personalities and traits. But whether you’re hanging with a Rough Collie or a Smooth Collie, one thing is sure: these pups are energetic, loving, and fiercely loyal. Just remember that they’re not the kind of dogs who like to stay still for long. But if you can keep up, you’re in for a world of excitement and fun with a Collie by your side!
5. German Shepherd
| Height: | 22–26 inches |
| Weight: | 50–90 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
The German Shepherd is also known as the Alsatian or GSD. These canines are super popular in the US, coming in behind the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog.
If you’re thinking of getting one, just know that they’re really active and love spending time with their humans. They’re also intelligent and easy to train. Plus, they make great listeners—always there to lend an ear when you need to confide.
However, they’re not for everyone. You should be ready to give them lots of exercise and attention. If you’re up for the challenge, though, you’ll be rewarded with an awesome friend who will always support you. If you have a dog-loving teen looking for a loyal companion, consider the German Shepherd.
6. Welsh Corgi
| Height: | 10–12 inches |
| Weight: | 25–30 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
Are you on the lookout for a furry companion to cuddle with? Welsh Corgis are famous for their joyful faces and adorable short legs. But that’s not all—they’re perfect for new or young owners and adapt well to small living spaces. Plus, they’re intelligent, playful, and easy to train. Welsh Corgis love socializing with other dogs and are not prone to barking, making them easy to manage.
Just keep in mind that there are two kinds of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. The Pembroke is slightly bigger with a more compact tail. Regardless of which breed you choose, you’re bound to fall head over heels for these delightful little pups!
7. Newfoundland
| Height: | 25–29 inches |
| Weight: | 100–150 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
If you’re a big fan of a furry companion that’s as massive as they’re lovable, you may want to consider the Newfoundland. These gentle giants can weigh up to 150 pounds, but don’t let their size fool you; they’re an excellent fit for teenagers thanks to their chill and relaxed nature.
Newfoundlands are fiercely loyal to their humans and get along with kids, adults, and other pets. They’re not overly energetic but still enjoy a good romp occasionally. Just ensure you have plenty of space for them to stretch their legs and a cool environment for all that fur! One thing to remember: these big guys need regular grooming to keep their coats in tip-top shape.
8. Saint Bernard
| Height: | 26–30 inches |
| Weight: | 120–200 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
The Saint Bernard can weigh anywhere from 120 to 200 pounds, and they first made their way to the United States back in the 19th century. Since then, they’ve become a beloved breed for families and kids alike.
Although they can be a bit slobbery, Saint Bernards are incredibly loyal and protective companions that fit perfectly with family life. They’re gentle giants with reasonable energy levels, but they don’t like being alone, so make sure they have plenty of space to roam around in. They prefer cooler climates, so they’ll be happy on snowy days.
9. Papillon
| Height: | 8–11 inches |
| Weight: | 7–9 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
The pint-sized Papillon may be small, but they’re big on energy and affection. Whether you’re out playing fetch in the park or snuggling up on the couch, these little guys are always down for quality time with their humans.
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, the Papillon’s compact size makes them the perfect travel companion. Just pop them in your carry bag or carry them in your arms, and you’re good to go!
And if you’re looking for a pup for the whole family, the Papillon is an excellent choice. With the right training and socialization, these canines can get along great with kids and other pets. They might be a little wary of strangers, but when it comes to their families, they’ve got nothing but love to give.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Height: | 12–13 inches |
| Weight: | 13–18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–14 years |
These adorable pups are renowned for their gentle and relaxed personalities, making them ideal lap dogs. Whether unwinding at home or taking a stroll in the park, your Cavalier will be right by your side, ready to please and always up for a game of fetch.
In addition to being great companions, these intelligent little canines are also very trainable. They learn new tricks quickly and enjoy showing off their skills. However, it’s important to remember that Cavaliers are sensitive creatures who thrive on love and affection. So, treating them with kindness and patience during training and all interactions is crucial.
Overall, if you’re seeking a furry friend who will snuggle up close and keep you company, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may just be the perfect addition to your family.
Conclusion
If you’re considering getting a dog for your teenager, you must consider your teenager’s personality. If your teenager enjoys quiet time with a good book or values privacy, a dog that likes to lounge around might be the perfect match. Alternatively, if your teenager is always on the go and loves outdoor activities, a high-energy dog might be a better fit.
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Featured Image Credit: PH888, Shutterstock
