11 Types Of Dogs And The Special Kind Of Love They Bring Into Their Person's Life
Dogs truly have a way of changing your life for the better.
New Africa | Shutterstock Our fur babies complete our lives and our hearts. They make us laugh and love us unconditionally in the same way we love them. Each of the types of dogs and the special kind of love they bring into their person's life is unique. They reflect what we need most, which is comfort, loyalty, and just a presence to make those bad days feel just a smidge brighter. Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that each one is vastly different and the love they express can't be mirrored.
It's what makes the bond between a human and their dog that much more special. Sometimes what an individual might be lacking in their life, their dog appears at the time when they most need that one thing. While it's great to think about how dogs sometimes choose us, there might be some validity in it also being the other way around. Whether you're someone who owns a Golden Retriever or a French Bulldog, they have a specific role they bring into our space that genuinely changes our lives for the better.
Here are 11 types of dogs and the special kind of love they bring into their person's life
1. The Protector (German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers)
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These three dog breeds aren't just unshakeable with their loyalty, but their love has meaning behind it. They're extremely protective over those that welcome them into the family, both physically and emotionally.
Even if the threat isn't there in the room, they'll make sure that you feel safe. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has shown that protective dogs are even able to help those that struggle with mental health issues like depression and degrees of loneliness.
Whether that's staying up late surveying the area while you sleep, or keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings during a walk, these three dog breeds don't play at all when it comes to your safety. They aren't just a pet that lives in your home with you, but they truly stand on guard all of the time.
2. The Loyal Shadow (Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Pit Bulls)
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These dogs have a love that truly does feel like a constant presence and shadow in your life, even when you're not around them at all. They're always near and always watching to make sure you feel good.
It's not that they're clingy and don't understand the meaning of personal space, which they definitely don't, considering they're dogs and have zero concept of that, which is why we love them so much. And actually, studies, including one published in the journal Emotion, have shown that even the briefest of interactions with a dog can really reduce anxiety and boost your mood.
But rather, they're a steady and calming presence and sometimes that's all we need from our fur babies. They might follow you from room to room or curl up on the edge of the bed while you're resting, they just wanna be near you and possibly live in your skin if you really let them. So honestly, they might actually be a bit clingy.
3. The Gentle Healer (Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands)
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These are the types of dogs that can just tell when something is bothering you, without words ever needing to be exchanged. They are so in-tune with you that the first sign of distress they're able to be the one thing you need to help calm you down. Research from Washington State University has shown that even petting a dog can help lower stress hormones and simply put you at ease.
They'll curl up beside you or lick your face to let you know they're here. They remind you of how loved you are, and while they may not necessarily be able to fix the problem itself, they can help you forget about it for just a little bit. Sometimes the best thing in life is a furry little friend to cuddle with you on their lap and fall asleep.
4. The Spirited Adventurer (Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Cattle Dogs)
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There's something incredibly exciting about having a dog who is willing to not only challenge you, but push you out of your comfort zone as well. These types of dogs are the ones who will break you out of your routine and even help you get out of your funk. According to a study from Scientific Reports, dog owners usually have regular physical activity from keeping up with their furry friends compared to those who don't own a dog.
They may seem a bit exhausting at times, but eventually you start to realize that having a dog willing to go on adventures with you is slowly helping you heal as well. They teach you to love life again, especially if you might have been struggling to find that joy again. They simply want to do things with you and bring a different kind of fire to a life that might have just felt a little too mundane for your liking.
5. The Wise Old Soul (Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Greyhounds)
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Some dogs have a much softer approach to showing their love. They might not be super rambunctious and jump on you the second you walk through the door, but they'll be a sense of calm that's there instead.
There's nothing better than having a dog who knows how to be there when you feel overwhelmed. According to a survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 87% of pet owners reported experiencing improvements in their mental health due to their pets.
They're not ones who beg for your attention, and their love seems more attentive, as if these dogs are some wise old souls trapped in the body of a four-legged animal. They're comforting and, most of all, safe. You immediately feel at ease when in the room with them, and they don't require much to show how much they love you in return either.
6. The Tiny Guardian (Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Terriers)
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While these dogs may be small in size, their love is quite the opposite. When it comes to protecting their owners, these tiny dogs will truly go the extra mile, and their love can feel quite intense at times. They have no problem barking up a storm if someone gets too close to you or growling if they sense that you feel uneasy about something.
A study published in the Scientific Reports suggested that the smell of human stress affects dogs' emotions as well as their decisions, forcing them to make more pessimistic choices. Dogs having the potential to be as stressed as their owners means they have a different perspective on the world around them too.
They are protectors but also incredibly loyal. Despite being less than 100 pounds, they will defend you with everything in them. It's what makes them incredibly lovable.
7. The Playful Comedian (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Beagles)
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Some dogs are simply in your life to make sure that you're smiling more. They have a playful energy about them and never fail to make you laugh at their silly antics. There's something incredibly refreshing about knowing there's one living being on this planet who will never judge or criticize you.
They'll never belittle your feelings and instead be by your side through thick and thin with a devotion to making sure that you always have a smile on your face. Their presence pulls you out of your head when you feel stuck and honestly gives you a fresh perspective on what's important about life.
8. The Empath (Mixed Breeds, Senior Rescues)
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Some dogs are just really good at letting you know how seen you are. They don't just watch, but their adoration knows no bounds either. They can feel when the energy is off and they'll waste no time trying to make sure that all is well.
Senior dogs and mixed breeds really have a way of loving you with their whole heart. They may be a bit cautious at first, but the second they decide to trust you, their energy changes in the best way possible.
It feels sacred in a way, and no matter what you think your flaws may be, these dogs don't see your imperfections and instead choose to love you unconditionally.
9. The Independent Companion (Shiba Inus, Chow Chows, Basenjis)
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Despite how the majority of dogs act, there are definitely some who don't need to be up under you the entire day. It doesn't mean they love you any less, but that they're content with simply sitting in a space with you. It truly means that their bond with you is real and born out of genuine affection.
They're here to teach us that love doesn't always need to be the loudest in the room to be something of value. Even though they're independent, they're still very much your companion. Whenever you need them, they won't hesitate to lean over and give you some kisses or let you rub them on the head. Just as much as they like their space, they also enjoy the quiet moments of your bond too.
10. The Nurturing Soul (Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
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Some dogs simply care deeply about you. They can be quite affectionate and their love is often expressed through how much they enjoy being around you and making sure that you know they are there. If you're struggling, they just offer themselves as a tool to help soothe you and bring you back down to reality. It's no wonder multiple studies have determined that animals, in general, boost your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Their love feels like such a safe space, and you know that whatever day you're having, you can walk through the door of your house and suddenly be enveloped with a strong and unwavering kind of love. It makes your home feel peaceful, and even if you might be feeling lonely, you're never truly alone.
11. The Surprise Soulmate (Rescue Dogs, Unexpected Matches)
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Some dogs show up in your life when you're least expecting it. You might not have been necessarily looking for them, but somehow, the universe knew that they were the missing puzzle piece.
They defy expectations and bring a fierce kind of love and loyalty that feels irreplaceable. They make you laugh and remind you that the most spontaneous moments in life can end up leading to a life that feels incredibly fulfilling.
These kinds of dogs often come with stories, whether it's having to survive on their own or being given up because of past owners. Yet the depth of how much they choose to love is such a humbling feeling. They're choosing to trust you despite what may have happened in their past.
Nia Tipton is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism who covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on psychology, relationships, and the human experience.
