Top 15 Most Common Dog Breeds in Europe

As we all know, dogs are often called “man’s best friend” no matter where you are in the world. Whether in Europe or elsewhere—the only thing that changes is which dog breeds are the most popular. Today, we’ll share the top 15 most common dog breeds in Europe.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd originated in Germany (obviously!) and belongs to the shepherding group. This breed is relatively modern, having been developed in 1899, and is still used for herding and guarding sheep. The qualities that make German Shepherds good herding dogs—like their trainability, strength, obedience, and intelligence—also make them valuable in other roles, such as tracking, rescue work, police duties, and even acting.

Poodle

Poodles started out in Germany as hunting dogs that fetched game from ponds and streams. They later made their way to France, where they became favorites among the fancy folks. Nowadays, you’ll find them in dog sports and as service animals. They come in three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—and in all sorts of colors.

Shetland Sheepdog

The vast farmlands in Europe made Sheepdogs pretty popular. The Shetland Sheepdog, or the Sheltie, is a small to mid-sized dog that usually comes in tri-color or other shades. Known for being energetic and vocal, the Sheltie is great at herding and makes a lively pet. Its background as a descendant of the Scottish Collie highlights its European roots.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a very popular dog in Europe. This breed was developed in the 19th century by English fishermen who needed hardworking canines for their fishing boats. Labs were bred for their loyalty, obedience, and endurance—making them famous as family pets and buddies. Today, they are widely regarded as one of the best family dogs.

Golden Retriever

Although Golden Retrievers are less common in the USA, they are nearly as popular as Labs in Europe. They are similar in size and temperament, but what sets them apart is their beautiful golden and shiny coat, which many find attractive. In the USA, the breed was first taken for registration by the Kennel Club of England, but it took another 14 years for Golden Retrievers to finally arrive in the States.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” for short, gets its name from where it comes from—Yorkshire, England. It was originally used to chase down rats in clothing factories. This small dog usually weighs no more than seven pounds and sports a coat that’s gray, black, and tan. Often just called the “Yorkie,” this little pup has a sense of importance that fits its English roots.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small terrier from Germany that was originally bred to keep farms free of pests. Nowadays, these tough and lively little dogs, which are smaller versions of the Standard Schnauzer, are popular with people who have allergies and those living in apartments. They don’t shed much, so they’re considered hypoallergenic.

Boxer

While Boxers are often seen as American dogs and are more popular over there, they also have a solid fan base in Europe and actually started out in Germany. This breed comes from the English Bulldog and was developed for their cool looks. Boxers have strong jaws and powerful bites, which make them great at catching prey. They were originally bred for dog shows in Munich.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large working breed from the canton of Bern in the Swiss Alps and is one of the four Sennehund, or Swiss Mountain breeds. Known for their distinctive tricolor coat of black, white, and rust, these fluffy, gentle giants usually weigh between 70 and 115 pounds. They’re known for their calm and loving nature, which makes them great family companions. 

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another famous dog breed in Europe, even though it originally hails from China. You can easily recognize them by their long, silky hair and small size. This breed is also considered “ancient,” and surprisingly, they share some genes with wolves, even if they look totally different! They do need regular grooming because of all that hair. 

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small but solid and spunky breed. Standing about a foot tall, these dogs have a big personality and a love for adventure packed into their compact, muscular bodies. They’re active, friendly—even with strangers—playful, energetic, and pretty vocal. Sometimes called the JRT, this breed is known for being an agile hunting dog and makes a fun-loving buddy for families.

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a mid-sized sporting dog from England, known for its floppy ears, sturdy build, and soft fur that feathers on its ears, legs, and body. This breed makes a loyal furry friend that’s just as happy working hard as it is hanging out with the family. While all Spaniels come from the same lines—the English Cocker Spaniel really stands out today for its great looks and friendly personality.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large, muscular breed that’s popular in Germany and other areas of Europe. These dogs are known for their protective instincts and loyal personalities. Despite their reputation for being tough, Rotties can be gentle playmates and loving companions. While they might come off as a bit aloof, they are also very smart and fiercely loyal to their families.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is an adorable little dog that resembles a mini version of a bat-eared Bulldog, featuring the same flat face, short tail, and short coat—just in a smaller package. Even though they’re small, they are muscular with a sturdy bone structure and strong legs. Unfortunately, the breed’s popularity has led to irresponsible breeding, so anyone looking to adopt a puppy should double-check that they buy from a trustworthy source.

Dachshund

The Dachshund (pronounced daks-hund) is an energetic and lovable small dog breed from Germany with a lovely personality. This breed is affectionately known as a doxie, hotdog, or sausage dog, and it definitely makes a lasting impression with its cuteness. Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes—but both types share the same great traits.