15 Most Dramatic Dog Breeds

Developed some 2,000 years ago as the canine companion to Chinese emperors, Pugs are beloved by their many fans across the globe as the clowns of the dog world. Charming and mischievous, their big, bulgy eyes and wrinkled brows give Pugs human facial expressions. They famously love food, barking and dancing like a dervish at dinnertime, and absolutely hate having their feet touched. Dr. Taketani says of this melodramatic breed: “Screams during nail trims, and some will actually die on that no nail trim hill.”

Group: ToyHeight: 10-13 inchesWeight: 14-18 poundsLife Expectancy: 13-15 years

The very definition of a large dog in a little package, this breed “barks at anything big or small, regardless of risk to themselves,” says Dr. Taketani. They have a tendency to overreact to, well, pretty much everything, including when their people dare to pay attention to anyone else (Chihuahuas are notoriously jealous). Luckily, this petite prima donna is also absolutely adorable. A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua’s lineage dates back to pre-Columbian times.

Group: ToyHeight: 5-8 inchesWeight: not more than 6 poundsLife Expectancy: 14-16 years

The super-friendly and very vocal Siberian Husky was first developed in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people as an endurance sled dog. “They sing their opinions, throw full-body tantrums, and give Oscar-worthy side-eye when told ‘no,'” Nicole says. “Incredibly smart, energetic, but famously stubborn, Huskies require consistent training and an outlet for their endless energy (or they’ll write their own script – usually involving escape attempts). Training them can be quite humorous as they often talk back or make up their own training plan.”

Group: WorkingHeight: 21-23.5 inchesWeight: 40-65 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-14 years

Related: Top 15 Dog Breeds for Runners, According to Experts

Speaking of the art of the canine sidelong glance, Dachshunds are “masters of the side eye, are very stubborn, and are willing to cause a scene,” says Dr. Taketani. Like the best divas, they have been known to sulk if they don’t get their way. First bred in Germany some six centuries ago to hunt badgers, they are courageous, clever, and endearing. They also come in two sizes and three coat varieties, so it’s easy to find the just-right Doxie for your family.

Group: HoundHeight: 8-9 inches (standard); 5-6 inches (miniature)Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard); 11 pounds and less (miniature)Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

The most popular pooch in the country again this year according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the bat-earred Frenchie packs a lot of cute in a relatively small (but dense) body. They have a famously warbling kind of yowl, and will “scream during nail trims or even restraint, or if they think something is about to happen to them, even when it’s not,” says Dr. Taketani. “They have the best pouty facial expressions when scolded,” she adds.

Group: Non-SportingHeight: 11-13 inchesWeight: less than 28 poundsLife Expectancy: 10-12 years

Called “comically self-important” and “complex of character” by the AKC, the Brussels Griffon has so much dramatic ability that one of the breed upstaged Jack Nicholson in the movie As Good as It Gets. A favourite of royals in Belgium during the late 1800s, this dog is known for “going instantly into fright mode,” says Dr. Taketani. “Their eyes become huge, the entire body freezes and becomes stiff and uncooperative.” Maybe the Griff’s next role should be in a horror movie?

Group: ToyHeight: 7-10 inchesWeight: 8-10 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-15 years

Short on stature, but long on ears (and scenting ability), the Basset Hound was bred as a hunting dog in France and Belgium back in the day. There’s a definite sort of sad clown air about them, which they play to the hilt. According to Nicole: “These soulful-eyed storytellers act like every minor inconvenience is a tragedy. Their mournful expressions and loud, echoing howls make them seem perpetually heartbroken. Bassets are sweet but independent thinkers, so patience (and humour) go a long way in training.”

Group: HoundHeight: up to 15 inchesWeight: 40-65 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-13 years

The very picture of a pampered pooch, is it any wonder that the fun-sized Yorkie is a drama queen extraordinaire that demands to be the centre of attention? But though it may be hard to believe, given their long, luxurious locks and small size, this breed was actually once used as rat catchers in the English county for which it’s named. Nowadays, says Dr. Taketani, “Bless their little hearts, these guys are often scared, sensitive. and jumpy. They must be handled just so to get things done.”

Group: ToyHeight: 7-8 inchesWeight: 7 poundsLife Expectancy: 11-15 years

According to Dr. Taketani, Pomeranians are “screamers, very vain, and like to be told they are pretty.” (Same, Pom. Same.) Descended from spitz-type Arctic sled dogs (yep, we’re serious), these tiny, double-coated terrors are unaware of their small size, which can make for some truly hilarious situations. Poms are bright, bold, and bossy, and believe the world revolves around them. And in most cases, it does.

Group: ToyHeight: 6-7 inchesWeight: 3-7 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-16 years

This happy-go-lucky ancient English hunting dog is most recognisable in cartoon form, as the breed that inspired Snoopy from “Peanuts.” Nicole terms them: “A dramatic blend of curiosity and noise – Beagles narrate life with nonstop howls, bays, and ‘I’ve found something!’ alerts. They’re cheerful, clever, and scent-driven, which means distractions can derail training fast,” she continues. “A strong sense of humour (and leash) is essential. This is the breed I always recommend to keep on leash, because their nose can get them in trouble following a scent.”

Group: HoundHeight: 13 inches & under or 13-15 inches Weight: under 20 pounds or 20-30 poundsLife Expectancy: 10-15 years

The modern version of a bigger, heavier German big-game hunting dog, the Boxer has more recently been used as a war, police, and guard canine. But for such a powerful and protective breed, Boxers have a goofball streak a mile wide. and their exuberant (and often clumsy) nature can lead to comical overreactions. Their “guilty” facial expressions are the stuff of legend, but to Dr. Taketani, they are “big handsome babies about everything! They throw mini fits and go limp to not cooperate,” she adds.

Group: WorkingHeight: 23-25 inchesWeight: 65-80 poundsLife Expectancy: 10-12 years

Dr. Taketani calls this breed simply “screamers,” but as well-known as this foxy, ancient Japanese dog’s “Shiba Scream” is, so is the “Shiba Stare.” The intense, silent gaze that launched a thousand memes is perhaps dogdom’s most dramatic. (And judgmental.) While Pugs are famed for their theatrical groans and sighs, the Shiba goes them one better with the truly operatic array of huffs and puffs they use to express emotions.

Group: Non-SportingHeight: 14.5-16.5 inchesWeight: 23 poundsLife Expectancy: 13-16 years

There are actually two types of this spirited, smart, agile, and athletic little cattle herder (the other is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi), and according to Dr. Taketani, they are both “spicy” and “stubborn souls who rarely cooperate.” Their very vocal reactions to everything from getting put into a harness to being left alone at home can include howls, barks, and even blood-curdling shrieks. The latter are so epic that neighbours may think that you’re murdering your Corgi every time you trim his nails.

Group: HerdingHeight: 10-12 inchesWeight: up to 30 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-13 years

Like the Pug, the Shih Tzu (or “lion dog”) came of age sitting on the lap of long-ago Chinese emperors, and the breed has retained its posh vibe. “Regal and unapologetically a bit high-maintenance, Shih Tzus act like they were born for the spotlight,” Nicole says. “Expect side-eye if you’re late with dinner or skip grooming day. They’re super sweet, affectionate, and trainable with gentle methods, but definitely have opinions about how things should be done. I even have trained some tea cup ones that are full of sass and personality in a very pint-size form.”

Group: ToyHeight: 9-10.5 inchesWeight: 9-16 poundsLife Expectancy: 10-18 years

Developed over the late 1800s as a herder in the country for which he’s named, the German Shepherd is now recognised the world over for his work as a police, military, guard, and service dog. Loyal, courageous, and confident, the breed is also a seriously big talker, protesting with groans, squeals, and whining when it doesn’t get its way. Despite their bravery, German Shepherds “will make a big scene over being restrained,” Dr. Taketani says.

Group: Herding Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 65-90 poundsLife Expectancy: 12-14 years