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7 Best Dog Breeds for Couples, According to Experts

By Korin Miller Parade Pets
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Getty Images FG Trade Latin

Finding the perfect dog breed can feel challenging enough when you're choosing for yourself. But when you have a partner, there's even more to consider. So, what makes a dog breed good for couples? The best dog breeds for couples should fit both of your lifestyles while giving you a loyal, affectionate companion who's happy to share the love.

Before choosing a dog, people in relationships should think about factors like energy levels, living space, schedules and how much time they can realistically dedicate to training and care. While nearly any dog breed can thrive in the right home, some breeds naturally make better pets for couples thanks to their affectionate personalities, adaptability and eagerness to bond closely with their humans. If you live in an apartment or hope to grow your family one day, choosing a dog breed that's good with kids and comfortable in smaller spaces can also make a big difference.

Every couple is different, which is why finding the right dog often comes down to personality, lifestyle and compatibility. Whether you're looking for a cuddly couch companion or an adventurous dog breed that can keep up with an active lifestyle, these expert-recommended picks are some of the best dog breeds for couples.

Related: 7 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Small Yards

The Best Dog Breeds for Couples

From lap dogs to hiking buddies, each one of these pups offers something different depending on your shared lifestyle, making them the perfect dog breeds for couples looking to get a furry family member.

Affenpinscher

Some of the best small dogs for couples playing outside.
Some of the best small dogs for couples playing outside. Getty Images Ilona Didkovska

This small dog is often compared to an Ewok from Star Wars, thanks to its shaggy coat, expressive face and playful personality. It's considered one of the best small dog breeds for couples looking for an affectionate pet.

"Affenpinschers are expressive dogs that love to share their lives with people," says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. "This couple-friendly breed is loyal and loving, with plenty of affection to go around."

Despite their small size, Affenpinschers have big personalities and are well known for their sense of humor. They tend to adapt well to most living situations, including apartments and smaller homes, making them a strong choice for couples with limited space.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Confident, famously fun, fearless
  • Height: 9-11.5 inches
  • Weight: 7-10 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds make the best pets for couples of all ages.
Basset Hounds make the best pets for couples of all ages. Getty Images George Shelley

With their droopy ears, soulful eyes and calm demeanor, Basset Hounds are naturally easy to fall in love with. This laid-back breed is often a great match for chill couples looking for a low-energy, sweet furbaby.

"Basset Hounds have a low-key, loving nature that makes them great for couples who aren't looking for a high-energy companion," notes Bonk.

Instead of long runs or intense activity, Basset Hounds prefer relaxed walks and plenty of couch time with their owners. Their strong sense of smell also makes "sniff walks" especially enriching and mentally stimulating for them.

Bonk notes that their need for companionship means they don't like being left alone for long periods, so they often thrive in homes where care can be shared between partners. They also tend to get along well with other dogs, which is helpful if a couple plans to expand their furry family in the future.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Charming, patient, low-key
  • Height: Up to 15 inches
  • Weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12-13 years

Boston Terrier

An affectonate and fun dog perfect for couples to own.
An affectonate and fun dog perfect for couples to own. Getty Images Tereza Jancikova

The Boston Terrier is a people-loving breed known for its affectionate, playful personality, making it a great match for couples. Certified professional dog trainer Evan Doggett, a board member for SpotOn pet training, describes them as a "fun," though sometimes stubborn, breed that thrives on interaction and attention.

Boston Terriers are smart, and often have a goofy, clown-like side that makes them highly entertaining pets. They enjoy being part of daily life and are love it when they're involved in whatever their owners are doing.

Because of their higher energy levels, they tend to suit couples who enjoy walks, park visits, or time outdoors. At the same time, once playtime is over, Boston Terriers are more than happy to settle down and enjoy cuddling on the couch.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Friendly, bright, amusing
  • Height: 10-12 inches
  • Weight: 12-25 pounds
  • Lifespan: 11–13 years

Cocker Spaniel

A sweet Cocker Spaniel with its pet parents on their wedding day.
A sweet Cocker Spaniel with its pet parents on their wedding day. Getty Images ozgurcankaya

Another couple-friendly dog breed is the Cocker Spaniel, which is known for its affectionate and friendly personality. "Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, loyal and enjoy the companionship of people," says Bonk. Because of this, these are one of the best calm dog breeds for couples who love staying in.

Because of this strong attachment, they may struggle with being left alone for long periods. Bonk notes that they tend to do best in homes where at least one person can spend plenty of time with them, making them a great fit for couples who share daily routines or flexible schedules.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Smart, happy, gentle
  • Height: 13.5-15.5 inches
  • Weight: 20-30 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10-14 years

Brittany

An active dog breed for adventurous couples.
An active dog breed for adventurous couples. Getty Images Kseniya Zhukova

The Brittany is considered one of the best active dog breeds for adventurous couples. Originally bred as a hunting dog, this energetic breed still thrives in environments where it can run, explore, and stay busy. "Their hunting background makes them active dogs that love adventure-whether it's hiking, running, long walks, or outdoor activities with their people," says Bonk.

Brittanys are also highly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. "They often prefer to stay close, whether that's beside you on the couch or nearby during daily activities," Bonk explains.

Intelligent and eager to learn, these large dog breeds for couples are generally easy to train, especially when given consistent exercise and mental stimulation. All-in all, a well-exercised Brittany is a happy one, so this breed is best suited for couples who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Bright, fun-loving, upbeat
  • Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
  • Weight: 30-40 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–14 years

Boxer

A couple with their dog in a park, showing why these dog breeds are perfect for couples.
A couple with their dog in a park, showing why these dog breeds are perfect for couples. Getty Images Ibrakovic

The Boxer is a high-energy breed that is both athletic and deeply affectionate, making it a strong match for active couples. Muscular and agile, they enjoy joining their owners on long walks, hikes, or runs, and thrive in homes where they can stay physically engaged.

Beyond their athletic build, Boxers are intelligent and relatively easy to train, especially when given consistent structure and attention. They're known for their playful, fun-loving personalities, which makes them entertaining and engaging companions in daily life.

Boxers also tend to be good with children, which is worth considering for couples thinking about starting or expanding a family in the future. In addition, they have natural protective instincts, making them attentive watchdogs who are often alert to their surroundings.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Active, bright, fun-loving
  • Height: 21.5-25 inches
  • Weight: 50-80 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years

Beagle

A friendly, couple-friendly dog breed on a walk with its pet parents.
A friendly, couple-friendly dog breed on a walk with its pet parents. Getty Images Olga Yastremska

Beagles have a team mentality, making them a great match for couples. Originally bred as hunting companions, they are naturally social dogs that enjoy working alongside people and other animals. Elisha Stynchula, CPDT-KA, certified dog trainer and owner of I Said Sit School for Dogs, describes their personality as "lovely" and highly affectionate.

While Beagles enjoy spending time with their humans, they also have an independent streak, which means they're often comfortable relaxing at home when their owners are out. This makes them a good option for couples who may not always be home together.

Breed Stats

  • Personality: Curious, friendly, merry
  • Height: 13-15 inches
  • Weight: 20-30 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10–15 years

Sources:

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 6:10 AM.

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