Starting a life together as newlyweds is an exciting journey filled with new adventures, companionship, and the promise of building a home together. What better way to enhance this experience than by welcoming a furry friend into your family? A dog not only brings joy and unconditional love but also strengthens your bond as a couple. In this guide, we explore seven dog breeds perfectly suited for newlyweds. Whether you’re looking for a playful partner or a cuddly companion, these breeds offer the ideal blend of personality, temperament, and loyalty to complement your new chapter as a married couple.
Bringing a dog into your home as newlyweds can be a heartwarming and life-changing experience. A canine companion can provide unmatched loyalty, love, and companionship as you begin your new life together. But choosing the right breed is key to ensuring happiness and comfort for both you and your puppy.
Whether you’re hoping for a calm dog to cuddle up with in bed or a playful pup to join you in adventures, the perfect breed is out there. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dog breeds for newlyweds, focusing on dogs that are affectionate, loyal, highly intelligent, and thrive in family environments.
Best Dog Breeds for Newlyweds
1. Labrador Retriever
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Loyalty |
Loyal and loving companions |
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Activity Level |
Energetic, making them ideal for active couples |
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Compatibility with Kids & Pets |
Friendly toward kids and other pets, including smaller animals |
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Training |
Highly intelligent and easy to train |
Appearance
Labrador Retrievers have a well-built, muscular frame with a distinctive short, dense coat. They come in three standard colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Their broad head, expressive eyes, and otter-like tail make them an instantly recognizable breed. According to PetMD, they’re medium to large, with males weighing between 65-80 lbs and females between 55-70 lbs.
Temperament & History
Labrador Retrievers are known for their outgoing, friendly temperament. Originally bred as fishing and hunting dogs, they have a natural love for water and retrieving. Their friendly and social nature makes them fantastic family dogs, as they are known to get along well with children and other animals. They were first developed in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 19th century and were later refined in England.
Management & Health
Labradors require regular exercise to keep their energy levels in check. Daily walks and playtime, including activities like fetch, are essential for their well-being. They’re relatively easy to train, thanks to their high intelligence, though they can be prone to obesity if not given enough activity or controlled portions. Labradors are generally healthy but may suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and obesity-related issues.
2. Golden Retriever
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Loyalty |
Calm, affectionate, and loyal |
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Compatibility with Kids & Pets |
Great with kids, other animals, and strangers |
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Favorite Activities |
Enjoys playing fetch and swimming |
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Training |
Easy to train and encourage good behavior |
Appearance
Golden Retrievers are a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 55-75 lbs. They have a luxurious, wavy, or straight coat that comes in various shades of gold. Their long, feathered tail and expressive eyes give them a gentle, approachable appearance.
Temperament & History
Known for their calm and friendly nature, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family breeds. They were initially bred for retrieving games during hunting expeditions and have retained their love for water and retrieving. Their strong desire to please makes them excellent service dogs. The breed originated in Scotland in the mid-19th century.
Management & Health
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and easy to train, but they require consistent mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Regular exercise, including walks and play, is important for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. They are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain heart issues like subvalvular aortic stenosis. Regular vet checkups are important to monitor their health.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Size |
The small size makes them perfect for smaller homes or apartments |
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Personality |
Calm, friendly, and highly affectionate |
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Compatibility with Kids & Pets |
Excellent with kids and other pets |
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Cuddling |
Easygoing and eager to cuddle, offering comfort and security |
Appearance
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant dog with a silky coat and expressive, dark eyes. They typically weigh between 13-18 lbs, making them an ideal breed for couples in smaller homes or apartments. Their long ears and graceful build give them a regal appearance, while their friendly face expresses warmth and affection.
Temperament & History
This breed is renowned for its affectionate and calm demeanor. Historically, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a favorite companion of European royalty, particularly in the courts of England. They were originally bred as lap dogs and have maintained their loving, people-oriented nature. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family companions, as mentioned by Royal Canin.
Management & Health
Although small, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very social and require regular attention from their owners. They enjoy being included in family activities and should not be left alone for long periods. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Like many small breeds, they can be prone to heart issues, particularly mitral valve disease, so regular vet checkups are important.
4. Boston Terrier
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Size |
Small, friendly, and great for smaller living spaces |
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Training |
Highly intelligent and easy to train |
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Personality |
Playful but calm, great for couples looking for a balanced dog |
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Compatibility with Pets |
Adaptable to apartment living and excellent with other pets |
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Grooming |
Low-maintenance grooming needs |
Appearance
Boston Terriers are small but sturdy, with a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern that often includes a white chest, face, and paws. They weigh between 10-25 lbs, making them a great choice for those in apartments or smaller homes. Their large, round eyes and “bat-like” ears give them a cute and inquisitive expression.
Temperament & History
Affectionately called the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are known for their charming and friendly personality. The breed was developed in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts, by crossing Bulldogs with French Bulldogs. They are playful and energetic, thriving on attention, yet also calm and content to unwind with their owners.
Management & Health
Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming but require regular mental stimulation to keep them happy. They enjoy playing with toys and can be easily trained due to their intelligence. This breed is prone to breathing problems because of their brachycephalic facial structure, so they should be kept in cool environments and not over-exercised.
5. Brittany
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Activity Level |
Energetic and playful, ideal for active couples |
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Intelligence |
Highly intelligent and quick to learn training commands |
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Loyalty |
Loyal and affectionate, eager to be involved in family activities |
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Compatibility with Kids & Pets |
Great with kids and other pets |
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Favorite Activities |
Loves outdoor adventures, playing fetch, and getting plenty of exercise |
Appearance
Brittanys are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 30-40 lbs. They have a sleek, athletic build with a wavy or curly coat that is usually orange and white or liver and white. Their expressive eyes and gentle face make them a striking sight. They’re energetic dogs that carry themselves with enthusiasm.
Temperament & History
Originally bred as hunting and pointing dogs, Brittanys are full of energy and intelligence. They are known for their loyalty and their eagerness to please, making them excellent companions. The breed has a long history in France, where they were used for bird hunting. They enjoy staying active and being involved in family activities.
Management & Health
According to AKC, Brittanys require ample exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential. Due to their high energy levels, they are best suited for active couples. Brittanys are generally healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions, so regular vet visits are important.
6. Pug
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Personality |
Calm, affectionate, and great for smaller spaces |
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Compatibility with Owners |
Easygoing and ideal for couples who love to relax together |
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Grooming |
Low-maintenance grooming needs |
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Compatibility with Pets |
Great with kids and other pets |
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Ideal for |
Perfect for a more laid-back lifestyle and offering cuddles and comfort |
Appearance
Pugs are small, compact dogs with a distinctive wrinkled face and short muzzle. They have a muscular build and typically weigh between 14-18 lbs. Their short coat comes in fawn, black, or silver colors. Their curled tail and adorable expressions make them stand out in any crowd.
Temperament & History
Pugs are affectionate, charming, and playful dogs. They have a history of being companion animals, first bred in China as lapdogs for royalty. Their easygoing temperament and love of human companionship make them fantastic pets for couples looking for a dog that loves cuddling and spending time with family.
Management & Health
Although Pugs don’t require a lot of exercise, they do need regular playtime and moderate activity. They are prone to weight gain, so owners should keep an eye on their diet and exercise levels. Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have breathing issues due to their short noses, so it’s important not to over-exercise them and ensure they don’t overheat.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
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Loyalty |
Loyal and protective, providing security for your family |
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Personality |
Calm and affectionate, making them great companions |
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Compatibility with Kids & Pets |
Good with children and other animals |
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Size |
Large but gentle, requiring only moderate exercise |
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Ideal for |
The excellent family dog that bonds closely with its owners |
Appearance
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, muscular dogs that typically weigh between 70-115 lbs. They have a striking tri-colored coat, usually black, white, and rust. Their large frame is balanced by their graceful movements, and they have an imposing yet gentle presence.
Temperament & History
According to Purina, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and affectionate temperament. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps to work as farm dogs, they are loyal and protective, often forming strong bonds with their families. They are calm around children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for family settings.
Management & Health
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate exercise, including walks and play. They should not be over-exercised, especially when young, to avoid joint issues. They are prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain cancers. Regular vet visits and a balanced diet are essential to keep them healthy.
Conclusion
Choosing the best breed for your newlywed life can be a deeply rewarding decision, and it’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when selecting the right companion. Whether you’re drawn to the protective nature of a breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog, the social animals like the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever that thrive in family settings, or the energetic and playful Brittany, there’s a perfect match out there for every couple.
Many of the popular breeds featured here, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are known for their excellent companionship, good behaviour, and strong bond with their owners. These dogs offer the right balance of affection and loyalty, making them ideal additions to a newlywed home. With daily exercise, training, and attention, they can provide years of love, joy, and security.
By selecting a breed that suits your lifestyle—whether you need a calm companion or a more energetic partner for adventures—you’re sure to find a loyal friend who will enrich your life and become an integral part of your family.
Choosing a dog as a newlywed couple can enrich your life together and create lasting memories. Among the best dog breeds for new couples are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Cavaliers, each offering a blend of affection, playfulness, and manageable care requirements. Smaller breeds like Pugs and Shih Tzus add charm and require less space, making them perfect for apartment living. Ultimately, selecting the right breed depends on lifestyle preferences, space, and desired activity levels. A well-chosen dog not only becomes a beloved family member but also enhances the bond between partners as they embark on their shared journey.