Top 15 Most Loved Dog Breeds in Singapore

Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of pet lovers, bringing joy, love, and companionship like no other. In Singapore, many breeds have become incredibly popular among families for their unique temperaments, lovable personality, and adaptability to urban living. Choosing the right dog for your home based on the environment you live in involves understanding their size, personality, and energy levels.

This blog about the top 15 most loved dog breeds in Singapore will help you find a furry companion that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Once you have chosen your paw-fect friend, do not forget to get the essentials like a comfortable dog collar, dog beds, etc., to make them feel right at home. Now, let’s explore them!

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and best types of dogs, cherished for their friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. Originally bred in Scotland for retrieving game, they excel in activities like hunting, obedience, and service work. They have a water-repellent double coat that sheds moderately and requires regular grooming. Known for their love for people, they are great with children and make excellent family companions. Golden Retrievers are energetic, requiring daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Interesting Facts about Golden Retrievers

  • Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle temperament, making them excellent family dogs.
  • They are highly intelligent and rank among the top 5 smartest dog breeds.
  • Originally bred for hunting, they excel in retrieving games on land and water.
  • Their love for people and eagerness to please make them ideal therapy and service dogs.
  • Golden Retrievers have a water-repellent double coat, perfect for outdoor adventures.

2. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, known for their bold and confident personalities despite their tiny size. Originating from Mexico, they are loyal, affectionate, and highly adaptable to different living spaces, making them ideal for apartments. Their coats can be smooth or long-haired, requiring moderate grooming. These energetic little dogs enjoy short bursts of activity but also love cuddling with their humans. Chihuahuas are alert, making them excellent watchdogs.

Interesting Facts about Chihuahua

  • Chihuahuas are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where they were discovered.
  • They have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any dog breed.
  • Despite their size, they are often fearless and protective of their families.
  • Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years with proper care.
  • These tiny dogs were believed to have spiritual significance in ancient Mexican cultures.

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and charming dogs with a history rooted in Chinese royalty. Known as the "Lion Dog," they were bred as companions, thriving on human interaction. Shih Tzus are small in size, with a luxurious, flowing double coat that requires regular grooming. They adapt well to apartment living and are great with families, including children. These loyal dogs are generally easygoing, making them perfect lap dogs with a regal touch.

Interesting Facts about Shih Tzu

  • Shih Tzus were bred to warm the laps of Chinese royalty in ancient times.
  • Despite their small size, they are sturdy and confident.
  • Shih Tzus have a lifespan of 10-16 years with proper care.
  • Their coat is hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
  • They are naturally friendly and do well with other pets and strangers.

4. Poodle

Poodles are intelligent, elegant, and versatile dogs, renowned for their hypoallergenic curly coat and remarkable trainability. Originating in Germany as water retrievers, they are now beloved companions and excel in activities like obedience and agility. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, making them adaptable to various lifestyles. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Poodles are friendly, active, and thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them great for families and individuals alike.

Interesting Facts about Poodle

  • Poodles are the second-smartest dog breed, only after Border Collies.
  • Their iconic haircut was originally designed for practical water retrieval.
  • They excel as therapy, service, and guide dogs due to their intelligence.
  • Poodles were once circus performers for their agility and showmanship.
  • They are hypoallergenic, ideal for allergy-prone families.

5. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs bursting with energy and charm. Originating from the Pomerania region in Europe, they belong to the Spitz family and have a bold, lively temperament. Known for their signature fluffy double coat, Pomeranians require regular brushing to manage shedding. Despite their small size, they are alert, intelligent, and confident, often acting as tiny watchdogs. They bond closely with their families, thriving on attention and affection.

Interesting Facts about Pomeranian

  • Pomeranians descended from larger sled-pulling Spitz breeds.
  • Queen Victoria popularized the breed during her reign.
  • They are incredibly vocal and make great alert dogs.
  • Pomeranians were once larger but selectively bred down in size.
  • They often have a "fox-like" face due to their sharp muzzle.

6. Maltese

Maltese dogs are small, affectionate companions with a history dating back thousands of years. Known for their long, silky white coats, they are hypoallergenic and require regular grooming. These playful and friendly dogs adapt well to apartment living and are excellent lap dogs. Maltese are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are gentle with children and get along well with other pets, thriving in loving homes.

Interesting Facts about Maltese

  • Maltese are one of the oldest toy breeds, existing for at least 29 centuries.
  • They were favorites of aristocrats in ancient Rome and Greece.
  • Maltese were often gifted as symbols of love and devotion in the past.
  • They do not have an undercoat, reducing shedding.
  • They are known for their cheerful and fearless demeanour.

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7. Maltipoo / Moodle

Maltipoos, also known as Moodles, are adorable, affectionate, and intelligent designer dogs, a mix between Maltese and Poodle. They inherit the playful, loving nature of the Maltese and the intelligence of the Poodle. Known for their hypoallergenic coat, Maltipoos require regular grooming to maintain their soft, curly or wavy fur. They are adaptable to various living spaces, making them ideal for apartments. These dogs thrive on human interaction, forming strong bonds with their families.

Interesting Facts about Maltipoo / Moodle

  • Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
  • They can weigh between 5-20 pounds, depending on their parentage.
  • They are known for their playful and cheerful personality.
  • These dogs are low-shedding but require regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Maltipoos thrive in indoor environments but enjoy short outdoor play sessions.

8. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and affectionate small dog with a history as a companion to European nobility. Recognised for their plush, powder-puff-like white coat, Bichons require regular grooming to maintain their iconic appearance. They are friendly, sociable, and do well with children and other pets. Highly trainable and eager to please, Bichons excel in obedience and agility. Despite their royal past, they are adaptable to various living spaces and love being part of family activities.

Interesting Facts about Bichon Frise

  • Bichons were popular companions among European royalty in the 16th century.
  • They have a double-layered, hypoallergenic coat that rarely sheds.
  • They excel in dog sports and therapy roles due to their trainability.
  • These dogs often perform a playful "Bichon Buzz" or zoomies when excited.
  • Bichons are among the longest-living breeds, often reaching 15 years or more.

9. Cavapoo / Cavoodle

Cavapoos, also known as Cavoodles, are charming and affectionate designer dogs, a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. Known for their gentle temperament, they are wonderful companions for families, singles, and seniors. Their soft, low-shedding coat varies from wavy to curly, requiring regular grooming. Cavapoos are intelligent, making them easy to train and eager to please. They adapt well to apartment living but also enjoy outdoor activities, thriving on love and attention.

Interesting Facts about Cavapoo

  • Cavapoos inherit the Cavalier’s gentle nature and the Poodle’s intelligence.
  • They can weigh 10-25 pounds, depending on the size of the Poodle parent.
  • Cavapoos are low-shedding, great for families with mild allergies.
  • They thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone.
  • Cavapoos come in various coat colours, including apricot, black, and tricolour.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the best types of dog breeds that are small, spunky, and intelligent, known for their distinctive facial beard and eyebrows. Originally bred as a rat catcher, they are energetic and love staying active, making them ideal for families with children or active individuals. Miniature Schnauzers are great watchdogs, alert and protective, yet they are friendly and social with family members and other pets. Their wiry coat needs regular grooming to maintain its signature look.

Interesting Facts about Miniature Schnauzer

  • Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred in Germany to catch rats and vermin.
  • They are highly trainable and excel in dog sports like obedience and agility.
  • Their distinctive beard and eyebrows give them a "wise" appearance.
  • These dogs are excellent watchdogs and will alert you to any danger.
  • Miniature Schnauzers are low-shedding but require regular grooming to keep their coats neat.

11. Mini Goldendoodle

The Mini Goldendoodle is a small-sized crossbreed, a delightful mix of a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, they are perfect companions for families and individuals alike. Their coat is curly or wavy, making them low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Mini Goldendoodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and love being around people, making them excellent family pets. Their playful, energetic personality requires regular exercise, and they thrive in an environment where they get plenty of attention and stimulation.

Interesting Facts about Mini Goldendoodles

  • Mini Goldendoodles are a hypoallergenic breed, making them great for people with allergies.
  • Their intelligence makes them easy to train and eager to please.
  • These dogs are social and get along well with children and other pets.
  • Mini Goldendoodles have a soft, curly, or wavy coat that requires regular grooming.
  • Despite their small size, they often retain the Golden Retriever's love for swimming.

12. Cavachon

The Cavachon is a small, affectionate hybrid breed, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Known for their sweet, friendly disposition, they are wonderful companions for individuals, families, and even seniors. They have a soft, wavy coat that is low-shedding, making them easier to care for. Cavachons are intelligent, easygoing, and adapt well to apartment living or homes with yards. They enjoy cuddling and are happiest when spending time with their loved ones.

Interesting Facts about Cavachon

  • Cavachons are gentle, affectionate, and make great therapy dogs.
  • They are hypoallergenic and shed very little, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
  • Cavachons are social and enjoy being around other pets and people.
  • They adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.
  • This breed is known for its sweet and friendly temperament, often forming close bonds with their families.

13. Corgis

Corgis are a small, sturdy, and energetic breed with short legs and a long body. Originally bred for herding cattle, they are intelligent and hardworking dogs, often with a sassy attitude. Their affectionate nature and loving disposition make them popular family pets. Corgis have a thick double coat, which requires regular grooming. They are active and require sufficient exercise, such as walks or playtime.

Interesting Facts about Corgis

  • Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, particularly for cattle.
  • They are incredibly intelligent and easy to train.
  • Despite their short legs, Corgis are surprisingly fast and agile.
  • Corgis are known for their affectionate and loyal nature.
  • They have a strong instinct to herd, which may result in chasing or nipping.

14. West Highland Terrier / Westie

The West Highland Terrier, also known as Westie, is a small yet confident dog with a white, wiry coat. Known for their spunky attitude, they are independent but affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. Westies are energetic and need regular exercise to stay healthy. Originally bred in Scotland, they have a strong hunting instinct, and they can sometimes be bold and stubborn. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, although they can have a bit of a stubborn streak.

Interesting Facts about Westies

  • Westies are known for their distinct white coats and expressive face.
  • They were originally bred for hunting small game like rats and foxes.
  • Westies are confident, independent dogs that enjoy being the centre of attention.
  • They are energetic and need regular walks or playtime to burn off energy.
  • They are intelligent but can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training.

15. Jack Russel Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic breed known for its lively and independent personality. Originally bred for hunting, they are strong, intelligent, and agile dogs. Jack Russells are very active and require plenty of exercise, such as long walks and playtime. Their energetic nature makes them an excellent choice for individuals or families with an active lifestyle. They are highly trainable, although their independent nature means they can sometimes be a bit stubborn.

7 Interesting Facts About Jack Russel Terriers

  • Jack Russells were originally bred for fox hunting in England.
  • They are extremely intelligent and love to work, making them great for agility training.
  • Their small size and energetic nature make them ideal for active individuals.
  • They require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and maintain their mental health.
  • Despite their small size, they have a strong prey drive and love to chase.

If you are a pet owner looking for dog toys and dog treats, you can find these and other dog care items at your local HUFT store in Singapore. Search for the “HUFT pet store near me” and you will find a Heads Up For Tails store that is nearest to your location. Always remember that your dog's happiness and well-being are the most important!

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