Dog breeds have their own unique characteristics and needs, and Scenthound takes care of them all. From Pomeranians to Poodles, Goldendoodles to German Shepherds, all dogs require basic hygiene to look and feel their best, and that’s where we come in. Whether you’re adding a new family member or learning more about the dog you already have, keep reading to learn about the 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S., highlighting what makes them different, and their hygiene needs.

#10: Hunters and Lovers

German Shorthaired Pointer

• Physical Attributes: This medium-sized breed features a lean, athletic build with a short coat that comes in liver or liver and white patterns.

• Disposition: Intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature.

• Strengths: Excellent hunting and retrieving abilities, high energy levels, and strong loyalty to their families.

• Weaknesses: May become bored or destructive if not given enough mental and physical exercise.

• Activity Level: High. Regular exercise, including long walks or runs, is crucial to keep them happy and well-behaved.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Minimal. Occasional brushing to maintain a healthy coat and regular ear cleaning are recommended. German Shorthaired Pointers have short coats that shed moderately year-round. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.

#9: Hot Dogs

Dachshund

• Physical Attributes: Dachshunds are small, long-bodied dogs with short legs and a variety of coat types, including smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired.

• Disposition: They are brave, curious, and sometimes stubborn. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature.

• Strengths: Great companions, good watchdogs, and adaptable to various living situations.

• Weaknesses: Prone to back problems due to their elongated bodies. Proper handling and weight management are crucial.

• Activity Level: Moderate. Regular walks and playtime are sufficient to meet their exercise needs.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Depends on the coat type. Smooth-coated Dachshunds require minimal grooming, while longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds need regular brushing to prevent matting. Longhaired Dachshunds may experience matting. Their long, silky coats require regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Professional grooming or trimming may be needed to maintain their coat's health.

#8: Hound Dogs

Beagle

• Physical Attributes: Beagles are medium-sized dogs with short, dense coats that come in various colors.

• Disposition: They are friendly, curious, and known for their excellent scenting abilities. Beagles are generally good-natured and sociable.

• Strengths: Great family dogs, good with children, and make excellent tracking and hunting dogs.

• Weaknesses: Can be stubborn and prone to obesity if overfed.

• Activity Level: Moderate to high. Regular exercise, including brisk walks and play sessions, is important to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Minimal. Regular brushing to control shedding and occasional ear cleaning are recommended. Beagles are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. Regular ear cleaning and drying are important to prevent moisture buildup and infection.

#7: Affectionate and Obedient 

Rottweiler

• Physical Attributes: Rottweilers are large, robust dogs with a distinctive black coat and rust-colored markings.

• Disposition: They are loyal, confident, and protective. Rottweilers are known for their intelligence and willingness to work.

• Strengths: Excellent guard dogs, versatile working dogs, and loyal family companions.

• Weaknesses: Requires consistent training and socialization from an early age. Can be prone to certain health issues, like hip dysplasia.

• Activity Level: Moderate to high. Regular exercise, including long walks and mental stimulation, is important to keep them physically and mentally balanced.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Moderate. Regular brushing, occasional bathing, and routine nail trims are recommended. Rottweilers have a short, dense double coat that sheds moderately. Regular brushing helps control shedding, and occasional bathing keeps their coat clean and healthy.

#6: Winks and Wrinkles 

Bulldog

• Physical Attributes: Bulldogs have a distinctive muscular build, a wrinkled face, and a short, smooth coat. They come in various colors, including brindle, white, and fawn.

• Disposition: Bulldogs are known for their friendly, docile, and courageous nature. They make great family dogs and are generally good with children.

• Strengths: Calm and gentle demeanor, low exercise requirements, and adaptability to apartment living.

• Weaknesses: Prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups are important.

• Activity Level: Low. Bulldogs do not require intense exercise but should still be given short walks and mental stimulation to keep a healthy weight.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Moderate. Regular brushing to control shedding, cleaning of facial wrinkles, and routine ear cleaning are recommended. Bulldogs have adorable facial wrinkles that require special attention. Regular cleaning and drying of facial wrinkles help prevent infections and skin irritations.

#5: Water Dog

Poodle

• Physical Attributes: Poodles come in three size varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. They have a dense, curly or corded coat that comes in various solid colors.

• Disposition: Intelligent, active, and trainable. Poodles are known for their elegance and friendly nature. 

• Strengths: Highly trainable, hypoallergenic coat, versatile in various activities like agility and obedience.

• Weaknesses: Requires regular grooming to maintain their coat's health and prevent matting.

• Activity Level: Moderate to high. Poodles need daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: High. Regular professional grooming, brushing, and frequent coat maintenance are necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Poodles coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. Professional grooming, including trimming and regular brushing, is necessary to maintain their coat's health.

• #4: Landsharks

German Shepherd

• Physical Attributes: German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs with a dense double coat that comes in various colors, though typically black and tan.

• Disposition: Intelligent, loyal, and versatile. They are often used as working dogs, including in search and rescue, police, and military roles.

• Strengths: Excellent working abilities, highly trainable, and protective of their families.

• Weaknesses: Can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Regular exercise and weight management are crucial.

• Activity Level: High. German Shepherds require daily exercise, including long walks, mental stimulation, and activities that challenge their intelligence.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Moderate. Regular brushing to control shedding and maintain a healthy coat, as well as routine ear cleaning, are recommended. German Shepherds have a dense double coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.

#3: You’re So Golden 

Golden Retriever

• Physical Attributes: Golden Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs with a dense, water-repellent coat that comes in shades of gold.

• Disposition: Friendly, intelligent, and eager to please. They are known for their gentle and tolerant nature, making them great family dogs.

• Strengths: Excellent for families, highly trainable, and versatile in various activities, including therapy work and search and rescue.

• Weaknesses: Prone to obesity if overfed. Regular exercise and portion control are important.

• Activity Level: Moderate to high. Golden Retrievers require daily exercise, including long walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Moderate to high. Regular brushing to control shedding, more frequent brushing during shedding seasons, and routine ear cleaning are recommended. Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent double coat that sheds heavily. Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons, helps control shedding and prevents matting.

#2: Loyal Labs 

Labrador Retriever

• Physical Attributes: Labrador Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs with a short, dense coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate.

• Disposition: Friendly, outgoing, and intelligent. Labs are known for their gentle nature and versatility as family dog, working dogs, and service animals.

• Strengths: Excellent family companions, highly trainable, and good with children.

• Weaknesses: Can be prone to obesity if overfed. Regular exercise and portion control are important.

• Activity Level: High. Labrador Retrievers have high energy levels and require daily exercise, including long walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Moderate. Regular brushing to control shedding, occasional bathing, and routine ear cleaning are recommended. Labrador Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent double coat that sheds heavily. Regular brushing and grooming help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.

 #1: Oui Oui

French Bulldog

• Physical Attributes: French Bulldogs are small, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive bat-like ears. They come in various colors, including brindle, fawn, and pied.

• Disposition: Affectionate, playful, and adaptable. French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and easygoing nature.

• Strengths: Great companions, adaptability to apartment living, and low exercise requirements.

• Weaknesses: Prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory problems and heat sensitivity. Care should be taken in extreme temperatures.

• Activity Level: Low to moderate. French Bulldogs do not require intense exercise but should still be given daily walks and playtime to maintain a healthy weight.

• Basic Hygiene and Routine Care Needs: Low. Regular brushing to control shedding and routine ear cleaning are recommended. French Bulldogs have adorable facial wrinkles that require regular cleaning and drying to prevent infections and skin issues. Wrinkle care is crucial for their overall well-being.