Common dog breeds in Singapore
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu are toy dogs with a long silky double coat. On average they weigh between 4kg – 7.25kg and stand at 20cm – 28cm when fully grown. They have a short muzzle and large eyes. Their coats come in a myriad of colours including black, silver, dark/light brown and black, but most of them have a strip of white fur along their forehead and tail-tip. Their full coat requires intensive daily grooming to avoid tangles, so some owners choose to keep their coats short for convenience. Shih Tzus are known to be friendly, sweet, trusting and affectionate.
HDB Approved: Yes
Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are hunting dogs that were originally trained to assist hunters in retrieving shot waterfowl or other game birds. Now they are kept mainly for companionship or as guide dogs. On average they weigh between 25kg – 34kg and stand at 55cm – 61cm when fully grown. Golden Retrievers have a thick, water repellent coat that ranges from light gold to dark gold. They are usually calm, intelligent, friendly and easy to train, and are also known for having an avid love for water and for getting along fantastically with children.
HDB Approved: No
Jack Russel Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are smooth or rough coated dogs that were originally breed for fox hunting. On average they weigh between 6kg-8 kg and stand at 25cm-28cm when fully grown. Their coats are predominantly white with black or tan markings. They have powerful jaws and almond shaped eyes. Jack Russell Terriers are very active dogs and are usually good with children. Their high energy level makes them appropriate for sports like fly ball or agility training. However, they can be rather stubborn and aggressive if not properly socialised, so obedience classes are strongly recommended.
HDB Approved: Yes
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are hunting dogs that have webbed paws to aid them in swimming to retrieve shot prey. They are also used as police dogs for their detection abilities. On average they weigh between 27kg-32kg and stand at 54cm-70cm when fully grown. They have smooth, short and dense coats that come in colours like yellow (ranging from light yellow to red), chocolate brown and black. They have muscular bodies with powerful jaws. Like Golden Retrievers, they enjoy swimming and are very good with children. They are not prone to being excessively territorial or aggressive either.
HDB Approved: No
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller version of the Schnauzer breed that originated in Germany. On average they weigh between 5.4kg – 9.1kg and stand at 30cm – 36cm when fully grown. Miniature Schnauzers come in colours like white, black, salt-and-pepper, silver-and-black, chocolate brown and liver. They have a double coat that is wiry on the exterior coat and softer on the undercoat. Usually owners choose to keep fur on the ears, legs and edge of their body long, and cut the rest of the fur short. They are intelligent, eager to please and make excellent watchdogs. They are typically not aggressive and warm up to strangers once their owners welcome them. They are very playful and have a high prey drive, so watch them around smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, birds and even cats. They are also generally good with children.
HDB Approved: Yes
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large sized working dogs that originated from Germany. They are also known as Alsatians and are the world's leading police and military dog. On average they weigh between 22kg to 40kg and stand at 55cm-65cm. German Shepherds come in a variety of colours, the most common being tan and black or red and black. However, it is possible to find German Shepherds that are fully black, fully white or even blue. German Shepherds have a thick double coat. German Shepherds are known for their strength, obedience and intelligence. As such, they respond well to training and make excellent guard dogs. They are very loyal and protective of their owners and if socialised early on, they can bond well with children.
HDB Approved: No
American Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniels are medium sized dogs that were originally bred as gun dogs. On average they weigh between 11kg to 15kg and stand at 34cm to 39cm. American Cocker Spaniels come colours like black, black and tan, white and black/brown, tan and brown. They have soft, silky double coats that need to be brushed daily. They are known for being sociable and outgoing but do not respond to being treated roughly. American Cocker Spaniels are also known for their intelligence and their obedience. They are eager to please and are adaptable but need a lot of attention. American Cocker Spaniels are good with older children who know how to handle smaller dogs.
HDB Approved: No
Pug
Pugs are small sized dogs that originated from China. They are short wrinkly faces and big round eyes. On average they weigh between 6.4kg to 8.2 kg and stand at 25.4cm-27.9cm. Pugs come in colours like fawn, silver, apricot and black. They are easily sociable but can also be stubborn at times. Pugs love attention and love to be cuddled. They do not like being left alone for long periods of time and may even start to cry or whine. Pugs will not get along well with young children who do not know how to properly handle it. Any kind of rough play can cause pugs to be scared, shy or even defensive. Pugs are more compatible with older, mature children.
HDB Approved: Yes
