If you’re ready to commit to the life of being a pet owner, the next step would probably be choosing which one to get. Dogs are the most popular pets to own in the world, and they serve as great companions in life. The saying “A dog is a man’s best friend” is definitely true, because they stick by your side no matter what and are there to provide you comfort. They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but what dogs all have in common is how lovable and loyal they are to their owners. With hundreds of dog breeds to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 dog breeds in Singapore!
The following breeds are not listed in any particular order. Scroll down further to get to know the most popular dog breeds owned in Singapore.
Top Dog Breeds in Singapore For Beginners and Experienced Pet Owners
1. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent, affectionate dogs that come with big personalities. Known for their distinctive curls or waves, this breed is usually friendly towards people, kids, and even other dogs. Poodles come in different sizes depending on how they are bred – medium-sized (standard), toy, and miniature. They adapt well to their surroundings, too!
This HDB-approved breed is also known to be easy to train, active, and talented. Every day spent with a poodle is an adventure, since they love to discover new things, go for walks or runs, and spend time with their owners.
Personality: Easy-going and playful
Activity Level: High to moderate
Grooming: Non-shedding; requires daily brushing of the coat
HDB-Approved?: Yes
For more information and where to own a Poodle, visit us at Pretty Pets Kennel here.
2. Pomeranian
Another top dog breed in Singapore is the cute and cheerful, Pomeranian! Nicknamed affectionately as “Pom” or “Pom Pom”, this tiny breed is a popular pick among first-time owners. There’s more than what meets the eye when it comes to this breed – under the cute and innocent appearance is a feisty dog that comes with a big personality. They’re energetic, independent, and playful, too. Once you’ve earned their love and trust, you’ll have yourself a cuddly lapdog that will easily adapt to where you live and any changes to your lifestyle.
Personality: Extroverted and friendly
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Moderate to heavy shedding; requires frequent brushing of coat
HDB-Approved?: Yes
For more information and where to own a Pomeranian, visit us at Pretty Pets Kennel here.
3. Golden Retriever
Another crowd favourite dog breed is the very sweet and gentle Golden Retriever! This fluffy dog is also excellent for first-time to experienced owners due to its naturally sociable and loving personality. They get along well with everyone (even kids!) and are also known to be patient, which makes them great family dogs and therapy dogs. Raising them as pups is definitely something you can’t miss because of how adorable they are and as they grow into big dogs, Golden Retrievers will surely give you tons of cuddles!
Personality: Smart and obedient
Activity Level: High
Grooming: Moderate to heavy shedding; requires brushing of its coat once a week
HDB-Approved?: No
4. Miniature Schnauzer
You might recognize them from their moustache, which is a signature feature of this breed. This breed is known to thrive on attention and loves to play with its owner. They’re also friendly and love getting to know people, kids, and even other dogs. Training and teaching them skills is a breeze since they are quick to learn. Miniature Schnauzers are energetic as they are curious, so they can fit in wherever they might live in. They are also great travelling companions!
Personality: Outgoing and loving
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Low to none; requires regular brushing of fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes
For more information and where to own a Miniature Schnauzer, visit us at Pretty Pets Kennel here.
5. Pug
One of the ideal lapdogs to take home is the goofy but loving Pug! This compact breed is known to love showing off just to make its owner smile, but can also be content with just chilling by your side. They’re happy-go-lucky dogs that like meeting new people and eating. Make sure to not overfeed them though! They’re a popular choice among hdb-approved breeds that do not bark much, so they’re less likely to cause loud noises.
Personality: Gentle and laid-back
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Moderate to heavy shedding; requires regular brushing of fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes
For more information and where to own a Miniature Schnauzer, visit us at Pretty Pets Kennel here.
6. Maltese
One of the oldest existing dogs (dating back to the 19th century) and to this day, remains to be one of the most popular dog breeds in Singapore. Maltese is a toy dog breed that also comes with tons of energy and love. They adapt well to their living situations and fit well with families, kids, and other dogs. Despite how tiny they appear, they are also alert, and will immediately notify you if there are strangers or strange noises around them. There’s no difficulty training them since they are responsive and enjoy learning new tricks too.
Personality: Sweet and loyal
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Low to none shedding; requires regular brushing of fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes
For more information and where to own a Miniature Schnauzer, visit us at Pretty Pets Kennel here.
7. Shih Tzu
Also known as “Lion Dog”, this dog is both loyal and sweet to its owners. Some of them may look fierce, but they’re actually really affectionate and happy. They enjoy bonding with their owners for play times or just chilling around. They’re generally outgoing, however, they may be stubborn when it comes to training, but with tons of patience and some treats on the side, they can learn quickly with ease.
Personality: Friendly and charming
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Low to none shedding; requires regular brushing of their coat
HDB-Approved?: Yes
8. Mongrel or Mixed Breed
Believed to have originally been produced by farm dogs or free breeding villages, Mongrels or Mixed Breeds are usually found in adoption shelters, if not on the streets. One of the most popular dog breeds is called Singapore Special. They’re medium to big-sized dogs with short hair. Over the years, their popularity has definitely increased, with more people adopting them from shelters. Especially, since the launch of Project ADORE, they are now hdb-approved. They may be mixed breeds, but they are also friendly and affectionate!
Personality: Cheerful and curious
Activity Level: Moderate
Grooming: Low to none shedding; requires frequent brushing of their fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes (See guidelines for Singapore Special here)
For more information and where to adopt Mongrels, visit here.
9. Jack Russel Terrier
Looking for a dog that matches your active lifestyle? Look no further! The Jack Russel Terrier or JRT is a playful and highly-active dog breed that loves to have fun. They’re very loved by pet owners and families for how energetic and affectionate they can be. With them around, there’s never a dull moment, and you get a great companion dog that loves to exercise, too!
Personality: Charismatic and Perky
Activity Level: High
Grooming: Moderate to high shedding; requires regular brushing of their fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes
10. Chihuahua
The world’s smallest dog has made thousands of Singaporeans fall in love with them! This breed is very well-known for its charm and sweetness, which comes hand-in-hand with a pleasing big personality. It’s no surprise that they remain to be one of the top breeds in Singapore to this day. Fits in perfectly in hdb flats and are great watchdogs as well.
Personality: Loyal and bra
Activity Level: High
Grooming: Low to moderate shedding; requires occasional brushing of their fur
HDB-Approved?: Yes