Best Dog Breeds for All 12 Horoscope Signs

Here are the best dog breeds for all 12 horoscope signs, from determined Aries to empathetic Pisces.

Best Dog Breeds for All 12 Horoscope Signs

Prospective dog owners take lots of factors into account before deciding on a dog breed. Important considerations include the size of the dog, the size of your home, whether or not you have kids and how much exercise the pooch will need. But besides all the practical stuff, sometimes it’s simply a case of going with your gut instinct. You might go to the rescue shelter planning to adopt a lapdog and end up falling in love with a Great Dane. Or swear that you’d “never” have a particular breed of dog, then end up being won over as soon as you meet one.

Or you could consult your horoscope sign. We use astrology to find compatible romantic partners, so why not do the same for our canine companions? These are the best dog breeds for all 12 horoscope signs, from determined Aries to empathetic Pisces.

Aries: Labrador Retriever

An ambitious, independent, fiercely competitive Aries is best suited to a dog that loves to play, like a labrador retriever.

This active, outgoing breed — the most popular in the U.S. — has a laid-back temperament, but needs plenty of exercise for physical fitness and mental stimulation. That means there are several opportunities for competitive races and games of fetch then.

Labrador Retriever Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Aries: Portuguese Water Dog

Another great canine companion for Aries is the Portuguese water dog. Easy to train and always eager to please, this breed has all the stamina required to keep up with a high-energy Ram.

The Portuguese water dog is built for an aquatic lifestyle (bred to be an all-round fisherman’s aide), making it an ideal choice if your competitive side involves water.

Portuguese Water Dog Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic

Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)

Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Aries: Shetland Sheepdog

A Shetland sheepdog (sometimes known as a Sheltie) is another good breed for an Aries owner. The Sheltie’s quick mind, playful nature and constant supply of energy will keep a Ram on their toes for sure.

A sensitive, affectionate dog by nature, the Sheltie is nonetheless aloof with strangers, making it an excellent watchdog.

Shetland Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, Obedient, Playful

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Taurus: Boxer

As one of the most loyal signs of the zodiac, a Taurean needs a dog who’ll return their devotion. The affectionate, protective boxer is the perfect match — and its loyalty extends to the whole family.

This is one pooch who won’t let you down in its role as the family guardian.

Boxer Summary

Temperament: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Taurus: Beagle

Another dog breed known for its unwavering loyalty is the beagle. Bred to hunt in packs, beagles love company and are considered one of the best dog breeds for kids.

That means it’s a good choice, then, for a lively family led by a Bull.

Beagle Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry

Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches

Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches and under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Taurus: Great Dane

While there’s no shortage of loyal dog breeds out there, the Great Dane is truly regal.

Imposing yet easygoing, this breed will give the Bull a lifetime of unwavering devotion.

Great Dane Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Reliable, Patient

Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)

Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Gemini: Border Collie

Curious and dynamic, a Gemini needs a dog that mirrors their emotional intelligence. The border collie checks all the boxes: affectionate, smart and energetic.

This breed is also easy to train and will embrace any challenge thrown its way.

Border Collie Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic

Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)

Weight: 30-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Gemini: German Shepherd

Another master herder, the German shepherd breed is a prime example of the confidence, intelligence and loyalty required by a Gemini owner.

And just like a Gemini, the German shepherd has two different sides — while its affection and love knows no bounds for its family, it’s far more aloof with people it doesn’t know.

German Shepherd Summary

Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Gemini: Bearded Collie

This dog breed, known for its curiosity and high energy levels, is also a good match for a Gemini. The bearded collie is always game for a new adventure and is active enough to keep up with its busy owner.

It’s also a willful breed, but a Gemini will enjoy the drama if sparks fly.

Bearded Collie Summary

Temperament: Charismatic, Friendly, Willful

Height: 21-22 inches (male), 20-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Cancer: Greyhound

Cancers demand the utmost devotion and commitment from their romantic partners and expect the same from their pets. The greyhound will never let them down.

This gentle, noble breed returns all the love from its owner ... and then some.

Greyhound Summary

Temperament: Gentle, Independent, Noble

Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)

Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Cancer: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The sweet-tempered, graceful Cavalier King Charles spaniel makes the perfect mate for a Cancer — it’s guaranteed to lavish all the love.

It’s also a very adaptable breed, meaning it fits in with its owner's habits, from chilling on the sofa to more active pursuits.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Cancer: Rottweiler

Cancers also place huge value on loyalty. While the Rottweiler may have a bad reputation, it’s actually a very loving and loyal breed.

Plus, it's an excellent guard dog, which is another bonus for the always-protective Cancer.

Rottweiler Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Protective, Confident

Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)

Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Leo: Mastiff

Leo is known for being one of the most courageous signs of the zodiac and needs a dog to be equally brave and bold.

The massive, muscular mastiff will go to any lengths necessary to protect its family, but this powerful, giant-breed dog is also naturally docile and dignified.

Mastiff Summary

Temperament: Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured

Height: 30 inches and up (male), 27.5 inches and up (female)

Weight: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 6-10 years

Leo: Saint Bernard

The “gentle giant” of dog breeds, the Saint Bernard may be physically imposing, but it has a sweet, playful nature and is incredibly patient and protective with children.

Even the youngest members of the family are safe in its sizable paws.

Saint Bernard Summary

Temperament: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive

Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)

Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

Leo: Pug

The upbeat, excitable pug is another ideal canine chum for the gregarious Leo. After all, this star sign needs a dog that loves to have fun just as much as they do.

Quite simply, the pug will adore its Leo owner, and Leo will love it right back.

Pug Summary

Temperament: Curious, Charming, Happy

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Virgo: Siberian Husky

A hardworking Virgo needs a hardworking dog, and you won’t find a more dedicated breed than the Siberian husky.

It was bred as a sled dog to pull loads over frozen ground, so it’s likely to make light of any work a Virgo owner asks. And because it’s a pack dog, it thrives on family life and won’t have a problem living with other dogs.

Siberian Husky Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischievous

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)

Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Virgo: Doberman Pinscher

The fast, fearless Doberman Pinscher makes a great mate for a diligent Virgo.

Of all the breed’s tasks, the one it will take most seriously is that of protecting its family. No intruder could ever hope to match its incredible speed.

Doberman Pinscher Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Fearless, Alert

Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)

Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Virgo: Pointer

As well as being hardworking and analytical, Virgo can also be — sometimes surprisingly — sensitive. A dog that reflects all those values is the Pointer.

Powerful, graceful, fast and strong, the Pointer has an inner vulnerability that Virgo will be able to relate to on a deep level.

Pointer Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Hardworking, Proud

Height: 25-28 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)

Weight: 55-75 pounds (male), 45-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-17 years

Libra: Shih Tzu

A gentle, charming pup is the perfect pairing for a peace-loving Libran.

The Shih Tzu, or “Lion Dog,” was developed by Imperial breeders in the palace of the Chinese Emperor. That means it is sweet and affectionate — and guaranteed to treat its owner like royalty.

Shih Tzu Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Libra: Bulldog

The thick-set bulldog might look like a bruiser, but it’s actually an extremely calm dog, known for its friendly, kind temperament.

And don’t write the breed off as being too large to be a lapdog. After all, the bulldog will make every effort to curl up on its owner’s lap for some R&R together, regardless of what it weighs.

Bulldog Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm

Height: 14-15 inches

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

Libra: Newfoundland

It’s no wonder the Newfoundland is also known as a “nanny dog.” This breed is simply bursting with love for anyone who welcomes it into their home.

For the gentle Libra who strives for balance and harmony, the Newfie makes the perfect pet.

Newfoundland Summary

Temperament: Patient, Noble, Trusting

Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)

Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Scorpio: Dalmatian

The elegant dalmatian, with its unmistakable spotted coat, is active and outgoing enough to keep up with a competitive, driven Scorpio owner.

In fact, matching a Dalmatian’s stamina is a challenge that even the most athletic of Scorpios will struggle with. Although the breed can be aloof with strangers, it’s always loyal and loving with its human families.

Dalmatian Summary

Temperament: Dignified, Smart, Outgoing

Height: 19-24 inches

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Scorpio: English Springer Spaniel

Another breed with great energy and stamina is the English Springer spaniel. It’s also intelligent, devoted and highly trainable, making it a top match for an exacting Scorpio owner.

The Springer is happiest in company and good with kids, making it an excellent pet in a busy household.

English Springer Spaniel Summary

Temperament: Friendly Playful, Obedient

Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Scorpio: American Staffordshire Terrier

A strong person needs a strong dog, and the American Staffordshire Terrier is an ideal match for brave, passionate Scorpio.

There’s no doubt that a well-socialized, trained AmStaff will be the most loyal friend for a Scorpio.

American Staffordshire Terrier Summary

Temperament: Smart, Good-natured, Trustworthy

Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)

Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Sagittarius: Lhasa Apso

The good-humored Sagittarian will hit it off best with a pup that provides plenty of laughs, which is guaranteed with the mischievous Lhasa Apso.

This comical, thousand-year-old breed loves being the center of attention but manages to maintain enough mystery to keep everyone guessing — no matter how often it performs for the crowd.

Lhasa Apso Summary

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Comical

Height: 10-11 inches (male), slightly smaller (female)

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Sagittarius: Dachshund

The Dachshund’s outgoing personality makes it a good match for the typically extroverted Sagittarian. It may not be built for distance sports, but it’s game for pretty much everything else.

Life with a Dachshund often walks a fine line between adventure and recklessness, but there’s certainly never a dull moment.

Dachshund Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky

Height: 8-9 inches

Weight: 16-32 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Sagittarius: Boston Terrier

Always the life of the party, Sagittarius needs a dog breed that mimics their gregarious, positive outlook.

The Boston terrier is guaranteed to make the Archer laugh and adapt as necessary to every new adventure.

Boston Terrier Summary

Temperament: Lively, Sociable, Intelligent

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Capricorn: Shiba Inu

Forget flighty mischief makers for the responsible Capricorn dog owner. Only a dependable pup will do.

The Shiba Inu, an ancient Japanese breed, is the perfect choice: attentive, adaptable and good-natured.

Shiba Inu Summary

Temperament: Alert, Active, Attentive

Height: 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)

Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 13-16 years

Capricorn: Chinese Shar Pei

Reliable to a fault, the Chinese shar pei is loyal, intelligent and calm, and adapts well to life with older children.

It needs an assertive, experienced owner to train it without letting it get bored, but that shouldn’t be too difficult for a practical, committed Capricorn.

Chinese Shar Pei Summary

Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Calm

Height: 18-20 inches

Weight: 45-60 pounds

Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

Capricorn: Belgian Sheepdog

While many dog breeds share the Goat's same values of discipline and independence, the Belgian sheepdog is one that's hard to beat.

Also built for hard work and always 100 percent committed, this breed is another perfect match for a Capricorn.

Belgian Sheepdog Summary

Temperament: Sensitive, Versatile, Vigilant

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 55-75 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Aquarius: Poodle

Don’t let the poodle’s fluffy exterior fool you. This is one smart dog.

It’s also happy and relaxed, making it one of the best breeds to coax a shy Aquarius out of their shell.

Poodle Summary

Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart

Height: Under 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-15 pounds (miniature), 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard)

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

Aquarius: Cardigan Welsh Corgi

A truly devoted companion, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi loves to run outdoors. Provided it’s well-socialized, it’s also great with kids and other dog breeds.

Its cute face and large ears make it stand out in the park, so it’s a great conversation starter for a quiet Aquarian owner.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Smart

Height: 10.5-12.5 inches

Weight: 30-38 pounds (male), 25-34 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Aquarius: Havanese

Basically, the Havanese is an Aquarius in a canine body. Truly one-of-a-kind, this breed is smart, independent and caring.

But it provides endless entertainment, which will capture the Water Bearer’s heart.

Havanese Summary

Temperament: Cheerful, Entertaining, Smart

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Pisces: Chihuahua

A lively pup like the tiny Chihuahua will help keep a sensitive Piscean from taking life too seriously.

What this breed lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality. This miniature toy dog definitely has a “big breed” character.

Chihuahua Summary

Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy

Height: 5-8 inches

Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Pisces: Weimaraner

Another top pick for the compassionate Pisces dog owner is the Weimaraner. Friendly, elegant and dutiful, the so-called “Gray Ghost” from Germany thrives on lots of quality time with its owner.

Just note: Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, it may become nervous and high-strung, just like its Pisces owner can.

Weimaraner Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient

Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)

Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Pisces: Maltese

Arguably the most imaginative sign in the zodiac, Pisces needs an equally bright, curious dog. Enter the Maltese.

This breed relishes affection (and always gives it back) and will go to great lengths to charm its owner.

Maltese Summary

Temperament: Sweet, Playful, Adaptable

Height: 7-9 inches

Weight: Under 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years