Some dogs pick one special person and stick to them like glue. They follow that person from room to room, guard them, and save their best cuddles just for them.
Other dogs spread their love around and treat every family member like a best friend. Knowing which kind of dog you are getting can help your whole family feel happy with your new pet.
Chihuahua
Small enough to fit in a purse, the Chihuahua still thinks it can protect you from anything. Most of these pups choose one favorite human and stay glued to that person all day.
Strangers and even other family members may get a suspicious little growl. Early meetings with lots of new people help calm that jealous streak.
Fun fact: the breed is named after a state in Mexico.
Dachshund
Picture a stubborn little sausage that refuses to leave your side. Dachshunds were bred in Germany to hunt badgers, so they are brave, bold, and very determined.
Once they bond with someone, that person becomes their whole world. They may bark at anyone who gets too close to their chosen human.
Keep them from jumping off furniture, since their long backs can get hurt easily.
Doberman Pinscher
Back in the 1890s, a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann created this breed to keep him safe on his rounds. That protective job still shows today.
Dobermans often attach deeply to one owner and watch over them like a shadow. They are also surprisingly cuddly at home, sometimes called velcro dogs.
Daily exercise and training games keep their sharp brains busy and out of trouble.
Akita
Have you heard of Hachiko? An Akita in Japan waited at a train station for his owner every day for nearly ten years, even after the man passed away.
That story shows how deeply these dogs love their chosen person. Akitas are quiet, dignified, and often cool toward strangers and other pets.
Because they are strong and independent, they do best with an experienced owner.
Miniature Pinscher
Nicknamed the King of Toys, the Min Pin struts around like it owns the house. Energy?
This dog has tons of it, plus a fearless attitude.
Usually, one lucky person becomes its royal favorite. That human gets the most attention, while others may simply be tolerated.
Secure fences matter here. These clever escape artists can squeeze through tiny gaps when something exciting catches their eye.
German Shepherd
Police officers, search teams, and guide dog trainers all trust this breed for a reason. German Shepherds are smart, brave, and eager to work.
Many of them pick one main handler and follow that person’s lead above everyone else. They will still be polite to the family, but their heart belongs to their partner.
Give them jobs, like fetching items or learning tricks, to keep them content.
Pomeranian
Queen Victoria adored Pomeranians and helped make them popular in England. Royal taste, indeed!
These puffballs look like walking cotton candy, yet they have bold personalities. A Pom usually crowns one person as its favorite and trails them everywhere, yapping happily.
Brush that thick coat a few times a week to stop tangles. Gentle training also helps tame their barking, which can get loud for such a small dog.
Shiba Inu
Think of the Shiba Inu as a cat in a dog costume. It grooms itself, keeps clean, and acts very independent.
Earning a Shiba’s trust takes time, but once it picks you, the loyalty runs deep. Other people may only get a polite sniff.
Fun fact: Shibas make a strange, loud yell called the Shiba scream when they are upset. Always keep one on a leash outdoors.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish fans call this breed the Diehard because of its tough, stubborn spirit. With its bushy beard and serious face, a Scottie looks like a tiny gentleman.
Usually reserved with most people, it saves real affection for one special human. Several U.S. presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt, owned Scotties.
Respect their space and use patient, reward-based training. Pushy methods tend to make them dig in their paws.
Yorkshire Terrier
Long ago, Yorkies chased rats in English clothing mills. Today they would rather ride in a tote bag next to their favorite person.
These little dogs bond tightly and can feel jealous when their human pays attention to someone else. They also make great alarm systems, barking at every new sound.
Their silky hair grows like human hair, so plan on regular trims and brushing sessions.
Weimaraner
Nicknamed the Gray Ghost for its silvery coat, the Weimaraner floats behind its favorite person all day. Bathroom trips?
Expect company.
German nobles once used these dogs to hunt large game, so they have endless energy. When left alone too long, they can get anxious and chew things.
Long runs, hikes, and games of fetch help this sticky sidekick stay calm and happy.
Boxer
Goofy, bouncy, and full of wiggles, Boxers treat every family member like the most exciting person on Earth. Their famous kidney bean dance happens when they get so happy their whole body twists.
Kids especially love their playful spirit. Boxers stay puppy-like for years, so they need training to keep jumping under control.
Short coats make grooming easy, but they get chilly in cold weather.
Golden Retriever
Ask a Golden Retriever who its favorite person is, and the answer is probably everyone. These sunny dogs greet parents, kids, grandparents, and even the mail carrier with a wagging tail.
Their friendly, patient attitude makes them popular therapy dogs. They love swimming, fetching, and carrying toys around the house.
Expect plenty of shedding, so a good brush and vacuum will become your new friends too.