When you think of a feminine dog, you may picture a prissy little pooch riding around in a purse all day. The most feminine dog breeds aren't all small and prim. Some of the dogs that make the cut are loud pups with lots of energy.
That may not sound very feminine to you, but there are women out there looking for just such a pet. Men may be interested in a feminine companion as well. Not every dog owner wants a giant, muscle-bound watchdog. Some want a softer companion that won't intimidate everyone at the dog park.
Whether you are a woman looking for a dog that matches you perfectly, or a man who wants a feminine, furry sidekick, here are my picks for the most feminine dog breeds. Some of the picks may surprise you, so make sure you read all the way to the end.
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Most Feminine Dog Breeds
1. Alaskan Malamute
Pictured above, this “talking dog” is sure to be great company. Just like your best friend, this canine is up for a chat with you anywhere, anytime. Make sure that you keep this dog a cold-weather friend. While they may be one of the most feminine dog breeds, they do not do well in heat.
Pros
Pooches in this breed are strong. They can pull sleds, pack supplies, and cart freight. Alaskan Malamutes love to roam and climb. They are happiest with a busy, outdoorsy family that will have time to teach and train them to be useful.
Cons
This breed usually does not like other animals. Malamutes are reserved with strangers and need socialization training from a young age to avoid becoming fearful and aggressive. These pups do love to dig, so be prepared!
2. Xoloitzcuintli
Xolo (Sho-Lo) for short, this breed matches the societal norm of feminine hairlessness. No need to spend time shaving it as you do; the “Mexican Hairless” is naturally without hair.
Pros
No drooling and no hair make for an easy-to-maintain pet. This breed comes in three sizes, so you can get the one that best fits your living situation. Since there is no shedding, this dog is considered hypoallergenic.
Cons
A little high-strung, these pups do not do well around children and other animals. These dogs need socialization training to prevent becoming aggressive. Often missing teeth, these dogs usually have a gap-toothed smile.
3. Whippet
Nicknamed “the poor man’s Greyhound”, this racing breed is one of the most feminine dog breeds. Friendly and calm, the Whippet is ready for those relaxing nights spent in with the girls. Easy to groom, these pups wake up looking beautiful. They're an ideal dog for any owner.
Pros
A racing dog, this breed has to be friendly and tolerant, and they are. Great with kids, other pets, and strangers, this fur-baby is the perfect addition to any home. This is a “silent” breed, and they rarely bark.
Cons
Make sure you have a tall, sturdy fence to keep this wandering dog in. While they do great in hot weather, they are not made for cold extremes. Whippets are sensitive and need people; they don’t do well alone.
4. Havanese
This hunk of arm candy is adorable. Bred to be a lap dog, this furry family member wants nothing more than to be by you, adoring you. This dog doesn’t do well alone and needs to always be with you. This is one of the most feminine dog breeds, and it may be time to invest in a purse/dog carrier if you're going to adopt one.
Pros
These little dogs do not fit the “little dog” profile. They are friendly to everyone they meet, and they don’t participate in nuisance barking. Intelligent and easy to train, this pup is great for first-time dog owners.
Cons
Also known as the “Spanish Silk Poodle”, their beautiful coats need regular brushing to stay smooth and mat-free. They love chasing furry animals and birds, so make sure your pet is always in a fenced area and on a leash.
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5. Doberman Pinscher
You probably didn't expect to see these guys on a list of feminine dog breeds! These dogs grow to a large size, but are still incredibly graceful. Like a woman making her grand entrance to the ball, these canines always turn heads. Like all traditional “guard” dogs, make sure you get your pet from a reputable breeder that doesn’t inbreed for aggressive qualities.
Pros
This brave, loyal dog is very affectionate with his family. He makes a great watchdog. These intelligent, sensitive canines are easy to train. They will need socialization and “pack leader” training, but they will pick it up quickly.
Cons
Energetic and playful, these dogs need regular exercise to keep them from becoming aggressive or destructive. While this pooch is friendly with the kids it is raised with, it is not generally a “kid-friendly” breed.
6. Siberian Husky
Some may not agree with me, but I have always found this breed distinctly feminine. The ice-blue eyes, soft coat with pristine white, and regal stance have always made me view them as Queenly.
Pros
A friendly, affectionate breed, the Husky does well with kids, pets, and strangers if properly socialized. The Siberian Husky is independent and mischievous. A healthy breed, don’t worry about excessive vet visits.
Cons
Dogs in this breed are escape artists. They need a strong, secure enclosure. These furry family members are double coated and prefer a mild to cold climate. Popularity has led to unsafe breeding practices.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
These bossy dogs remind me of a well-aged, refined woman. With beautiful silver tones and a sassy spirit, the “Yorkie” is not afraid to speak its mind. The Yorkshire Terrier is strong-willed, and dare I say arrogant; it needs a strong trainer.
Pros
Although they have a “yapper” reputation, this breed doesn’t bark any more than the average dog. This compact dog is great for apartments and small yards.
Cons
These canines don’t usually get along with kids or other dogs. If you have kids, they need to learn how to approach and treat a dog respectfully. Yorkshire Terriers are difficult to house-train, and you may want to use pee pads.
8. Golden Retriever
One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers have an irresistible personality. More devoted than your best friend, this breed wants nothing more than to please its human.
Pros
I could go on and on with this pup’s attributes. They are loving, good with kids and other pets, intelligent, and easy to train. You will often see them as guide and service dogs, as they just love making people happy.
Cons
Golden Retrievers are still hunting dogs, and they need room to roam or regular exercise (a few times a day). Make sure you have a sturdy fence, as this dog loves to go exploring.
9. Chihuahua
This breed knows its own mind. They don’t have to chase after the newest fad or trend. Like a self-assured woman, the Chihuahua is sexy, and it knows it. In fact, it needs a strong trainer to show it that it does need to change in some ways.
Pros
These are one of the most feminine dog breeds because they shed very little, and their short hair is easy to keep neat and tidy. Great for apartment life, dogs in this breed don’t need much exercise. Easy to train, with consistent training, this breed is great for first-time dog owners.
Cons
These sensitive dogs do not do well with temperature changes. They need to live primarily indoors. Most dogs from this breed are nervous and clingy. If left alone, they can become destructive and aggressive.
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10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
You can’t get much more feminine than this. The Cavalier actually starred in the ultimate chick flick, Sex and the City. This is one of the most feminine dog breeds, as they always have a wagging tail and inquisitive expression to brighten your day.
Pros
These little pups have average energy levels and are great for apartments. Affectionate with everyone and everything they meet, dogs in this breed are social and outgoing.
Cons
Sensitive and loving, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not like to be alone. They can become nuisance barkers and be destructive if not with their humans. Their sensitive nature means you must gently correct them or they will become timid and fearful.
11. Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as the Sheltie, these dogs are popular and instantly recognizable. Their long, lovely mane is like beautiful long hair; it needs regular brushing and shampooing to keep it from becoming tangled and matted.
Pros
These dogs are some of the smartest out there. They do great in trick and obedience competitions. These healthy pups love to be outside and play, which makes them great for the outdoor family.
Cons
The main drawback of the Shetland Sheepdog is their tendency to bark. While this makes them great for sounding an alarm, they will need training to stop excessive barking. They also shed quite a bit.
12. American Eskimo Dog
The Eskie is a small dog in the Spitz family. While they were once a working breed, they have been a companion breed for decades and now have more lap-dog traits than working-class traits. Formerly known as the “American Spitz”, this breed has evolved much like the modern woman.
Pros
While fluffy, these pooches do well in hot and cold weather as long as it isn’t extreme heat. Intelligent, loving, and healthy, these little dynamites have it all. At only around 15 pounds, the “Eskie” is great for apartments.
Cons
Their white coats do shed a lot and need frequent grooming. It may be best to clip them short. The American Eskimo Dog has lots of energy and needs chews, toys, and daily walks to burn it all off.
13. Pomeranian
Like the alpha female, this little dog thinks it is all that, and it almost is. With bright eyes and a lively step, the Pom is an entertaining breed that usually does better being the only dog in the house.
Pros
Not known for chewing, your shoes, socks, and prize possessions should be safe if you bring home this fur-baby. With low energy levels and their small size, this is a great breed for apartments and small yards.
Cons
While this dog will get very attached to its owner (they don’t like to be alone), they do not like kids and other animals. These little pups shed quite a bit and need regular grooming.
14. Cocker Spaniel
Like a long dress, the coat on this breed is shiny and elegant…sure to turn heads. While they may be high maintenance, they are one of the most feminine dog breeds. Trust me, the benefits of owning this special little canine will make it worthwhile.
Pros
Curious and intelligent, these pups just want to please and are easy to train. While these little dogs may look fragile and prissy, they are sporting dogs and can keep up with an active, busy family.
Cons
While this dog is supposed to be gentle and loving, popularity has led to unsafe breeding practices that have led to aggression and suspiciousness in many of these pups. Make sure you get your new four-legged family member from a reputable breeder.
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15. Papillon
Like a butterfly or a fairy, the Papillon (French for “butterfly) has a look that is distinctly feminine. Delicate and fine-boned, this graceful lap-dog is ready to drape itself over your lap.
Pros
This toy breed is surprisingly resilient. Unlike other small dogs, it does well in cool and warm temperatures. Easy to maintain, the Papillon eats and sheds very little. They also do pretty well with alone time.
Cons
While usually friendly and affectionate, these fur-babies don’t always like kids. Active and energetic, they need regular exercise and play time. They still retain some prey drive and need a fence and leash.
16. Dalmatian
Although you usually see Dalmatians doing traditional male work such as firefighting, those days are behind us, and women can excel at anything they put their mind to. Like a strong female athlete, the Dalmatian is willing and able to go the extra mile.
Pros
These furry family members are hardworking and easy to train. They are great for service dogs, which is why you often see them in fire and police stations. Energetic and enduring, they are great for active, sporty people.
Cons
While friendly and affectionate with their owners, these pups usually do not like kids, strangers, or other dogs. They need to be well trained and socialized to avoid aggression.
17. Airedale Terrier
Often referred to as the “King of Terriers”, the Airedale is more of a queen in its social needs. Like many great women, this pooch is happiest when it is around people – being petted, performing jobs, and playing. Now you can see why the Airedale Terrier made the list of feminine dog breeds.
Pros
These dogs shed very little and have a short, wavy coat that is attractive and easy to maintain. Rugged and tough, they can thrive in all sorts of climates and conditions. They are independent and do well on their own.
Cons
These pups need lots of exercise and room to roam. They love to follow their nose and dig, so they need a sturdy fence and a place to just be a dog. Barking and chewing are other loves, so they require chew toys and training.
18. Poodle
These dogs often top lists of the most feminine dog breeds. Like many women, people see Poodles as all beauty and no brains. They even think they are downright funny-looking. First, they may be the smartest, most intuitive breed there is. Second, their traditional hairstyle made them hardy, efficient water-hunting dogs.
Pros
These adaptive dogs can live in all sorts of situations and with all sorts of people. While energetic and sporty, they also know when to be calm and quiet. Easy to train, you won’t have to put much effort into molding this canine to your lifestyle and habits.
Cons
Their long hair will need to be kept clipped short or regularly maintained. Prone to weight gain, you need to watch calories and exercise your four-legged family member often to prevent health problems.
19. Japanese Spitz
I don’t know what it is about all white dogs that seem very womanly to me. This is another beautiful, pure white breed. With soulful black eyes, this pooch is a head-turner. It is a great dog to have if you want to meet people.
Pros
Quick to learn, this is a great dog if you want to be able to play games and do tricks with your pet. The Japanese Spitz makes a great pooch for active outdoor families.
Cons
This breed needs consistent training from the start, or it will try to be the boss. These pups do shed and need frequent brushing and bathing to keep them looking bright and shiny. They can become aggressive if not socialized.
20. Great Dane
I have always seen this giant breed on “manly” lists, but I don’t agree. These canines get the size of a small horse, but they are strong, graceful, and beautiful to behold – womanly traits in my opinion.
Pros
You may be surprised to see them on the list of feminine dog breeds, but Great Danes are loving and loyal. They get along well with other pets and kids. While of average intelligence, they are very easy to train. These pooches are active and playful, making them great for a large family.
Cons
Almost every con with the Great Dane comes down to size. They can easily knock over kids and everything else. They need an experienced trainer to teach manners while they are still small enough to handle. This breed grows a large amount over a short time; this makes them susceptible to injuries. Never push these pups past their physical limits.
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