Shelley Mamott, Staff Writer

10. Bulldog

The Bulldog is a pint-sized tough guy that looks like a mix of a pug and a Mastiff. Bulldogs can look angry and happy all at the same time. Best of all are their lovable and quirky personalities.

Having a Bulldog as a pet is a great way to meet and make friends. With their bullish looks and saggy skin they are nothing short of adorable. And their heavy set build makes for some hilarious outings at the park when tossing a stick around. They are just as dedicated to their territory as any other breed, and their dedicated companionship and ability to inspire are perfect reasons to own one.

9. Husky

The Alaskan Husky falls a category of it’s own, traditionally known as being a sled dog. Majestic in their presence and durable by nature, these dogs have a strain of genes from well-known carnivores - the wolf.

Huskies are extremely adaptable and natural competitors. They tend to need a lot of activity, which makes them less than desirable urban dogs, but excellent in the country. Reliability and durability are the Husky’s defining traits.

8. English Mastiff

The word “mastiff” evolved from the English word “masty,” which means powerful.

The English Mastiff is a broad, thickly built canine with a powerful body that has come to represent most of the breeds within the Molosser type.

They possess trademark patience, grace and displays of undying loyalty to their owners. No matter the stranger, the Mastiff will only approve if the owner approves first.

When you own a Mastiff be ready to stay in shape, these dogs need an ample amount of activity to avoid lazy behavior.

7. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molloser. It is well muscled and looks more athletic than most other Mastiffs. This is an extremely muscular breed that is blessed with a brilliant coat. Their athleticism is their most defining feature, which is likely because of their Italian roots as farming, hunting and gaming dogs. They are also considered reliable and trustworthy.

These dogs are not for everyone. They fit best with someone who is gentle, subtle and willing to put in the effort to earn the Corso trust. They are not the best dog to bring around strangers and children, unless they’ve been brought up in a family environment. Corsos are able to remain well-behaved around many types of people and are generally good with other dogs. These dogs need the gentle approach because of their cautious instincts.

6. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher is probably one of the most easily recognizable dogs. Often used for police work, hunting and general laboring, but have since become more domesticated. The Doberman is one of the most muscular dogs and one of the most agile and versatile.

Dobermans are more docile, intelligent and friendlier than they are perceived. They can easily be mistaken for a guard dog but only if provoked in an aggressive manner by an unassuming stranger. When properly socialized, they become loyal and offer a great mix of protection and personality.

5. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are often less aggressive and unstable as they’re made out to be. Given the right setting and conditions a Rotti can easily be your best friend.

They have a natural desire to assert a level of dominance. When given something to call their own, Rottweilers will fiercely defend it, including their young, their owner and their favorite chew toy.

Still, while Rottweilers are often misunderstood, they can be lovable and social.

4. German Shepherd

You can’t watch television without seeing a German Shepherd in action as a bomb-sniffing, drug-searching, criminal-chasing dog. However, that’s exactly what they are capable of, and as a result, they are able to perform jobs that most other dogs just can’t do.

Gorgeous and confident, they are also both proud and modest. German Shepherds are large sized dog that have a heartwarming affection and loyalty for their owners and the people they know.

They are fiercely territorial and make great guard dogs. Their confidence is only matched by their agility and durability, making these dogs are great companions if you’re an active individual.

3. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are known for having faces that kids and adults love. Their special skills are not strength or speed, but their ability to follow a scent, which makes them an ideal companion for hunting. It is said that Bloodhounds can detect the scent of only a few skin cells, and will be persistent for hours or even days.

These are big, graceful dogs with a physical presence. Bloodhounds can be stubborn unless they get what they want. Their ability to strategize as well as use their impeccable instincts makes them an easy choice.

2. Black Lab

The black Labradors, are an instant favorite. This dog is a broad-headed, and  thick-necked with a water resistant coat who is always charming people. A breed characteristic is webbed paws for swimming, useful for the breed’s original purpose of retrieving fishing nets. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog by registered ownership in Canada.

Labs still hold true to their retriever name as they are naturally inclined to fetch most things on command. Dog personalities don’t come much more friendly than these pooches, and Labs are very receptive and responsive to family, kids, friends, and strangers.

1. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Ridgeback earned their name by standing up to lions on South African plains.

These dogs were built to last with tick-resistant coats, tight paw pads to overcome thorns and thistles. They are intelligent and muscular enough to challenge and avoid predators. These dogs are fair and rational in their temperament, they will not attack without a severe and persistent threat. Historically, they’ve also been great guard dogs, loyal defenders of their owners, and even able to round up cattle.

Original Article