The 8 Most Dad-Like Types of Dogs

April 21, 2017

Dogs and dads have a lot in common. They’re loyal. They’re mischievous. They’re almost too friendly. They both have the same amount of letters. Their names start with Ds. We’re running thin on comparisons now, aren’t we?

Anyway, while man’s best friend and your dad may have some similarities, these particular breeds of dogs are especially dad-like.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are outgoing, even-tempered, loyal and friendly, so there’s a chance that your Labrador Retriever was someone’s dad until he got cursed into that body by a gypsy. Okay, not much of a chance, but a non-zero chance. They are dogs that don’t take themselves seriously, and honestly, if they could talk, we’re almost convinced they’d say something like, “Please, Mr. Barkington was my father, you can call me Rufus.”

Golden Retriever

According to petwave.com, Goldens are “obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and kindly to strangers.” While we’d be hard pressed to call most dads obedient to anyone other than moms, the rest of the description pretty much describes every dad in every situation ever.

The only way this could be more on the nose is if the list continued on with, “likes to barbecue, makes dad jokes to waitresses, and occasionally causes minor property damage with riding lawnmowers.”

German Shepherd

The German Shepard is that dad you think will be super strict but ends up being kind of a goofball. So basically, it’s every dad that a teenage boy meets in a “taking their daughter out on a date” situation. They’re very loyal, like dads are, and they are naturally skilled at herding, which is something that also applies to dads.

Especially in “getting everyone to the airport for a vacation” situations.

Beagle

Dads are affectionate, friendly, good with kids, and playful by nature. Oh, sorry, we meant to say Beagles there, but we suppose the sentence still works as is. Beagles also like to stay active, and will howl when bored, which is pretty much how dads act on Sundays when there isn’t football.

Dachshund

These dogs tend to feel like they have to be involved in everything you do, which describes your dad most of the time. They are also often described as being “charming” which, though you’d never admit it to your dad in a thousand years, also kind of describes him as well (in a nerdy dad way).

They don’t like being alone, which is a trait your dad usually expresses by texting you questions about who that girl posting on your Facebook wall is.

Poodles

As much as your dad might not like the comparison, it is pretty apt. Poodles are smart dogs who are stubborn but also enjoy being, well, kind of ridiculous. The poodle is the spirit animal for every dad who’s made a photo album of himself mirroring his daughter’s Instagram post poses just to embarrass her.

Boxer

Boxers have a high need for companionship and exercise, which describes almost every dad. They’re high energy, and like to stay busy, which describes every dad until you ask him to help you with something for school. They will also fiercely guard their family.

Plus, every single boxer has a face that looks kiiiind of like a grandad, right?

Great Dane

Great Danes just look like dads.

They’re sort of imposing and large with an air of authority. They are intelligent (which may describe some dads) and fearless (which describes all dads, but definitely the dads who don’t quite hit that intelligence quota). While they might not be as goofy and carefree as many of the other breeds on this list, they still just give off a dad-like vibe.

And honestly, that vibe is probably what drives most dads to want one. That, and all the dad jokes they can make about having a giant dog.

But really, all breeds of dogs are like dads, because guess who’s the one who’s going to train them, even though you promised you would help? That’s right. Dad.