Puppies are adorable, playful balls of energy, and it can be a little sad when your puppy grows up. All dogs grow up eventually, but some breeds stay in a “puppy phase” longer than others. Based on playfulness, difficulty with training, and time to become fully grown, here’s a list of the 10 breeds that stay puppies the longest.
1. Boxer
These high-energy dogs are considered the clowns of the dog world. Their desire and stamina to play all day long as well as their silly personalities help these guys stay puppies.
2. Dalmatian
Equal parts playful and stubborn, their fun-loving personality can be difficult to rein in without proper energy outlets and extensive training.
3. Bullmastiff
This breed can take over two years to reach their adult weight of more than 100 pounds. Imagine a clumsy teenager barrelling around your house!
4. Beagle
Beagles tend to follow their nose more than their owner’s instructions, which can make them difficult to train, but they love to play. Their playful spirit and independence both contribute to their ability to stay puppies.
5. English Bulldog
The ultimate roly-poly puppy dog, Bulldogs can be a lot of fun, though they are prone to a lot of health issues. If you get one through a breeder, do plenty of research to avoid spending excessive time and money at the vet when they grow up.
6. Golden Retriever
One of the most popular “stay puppies” breeds, the Golden wants nothing more than to be your best friend. They will happily play all day if it means being by your side.
7. Yorkie
These toy dogs have a large personality in a tiny package. If you want dogs that will look, act, and stay puppies for most of their lives, the Yorkie is the breed you’re looking for.
8. Labrador Retriever
Most Labs would happily play fetch all day, giving them a puppy personality for much of their lives.
9. Saint Bernard
These giants stay puppies for two to three years as they grow into their adult size. Once they get to their full size, though, you’ll have more than just a handful, you’ll probably have a lap-full too!
10. Papillon
Sometimes, dogs that “stay puppies” do so in ways that we’d rather theye didn’t. These small dogs love to play, but will sometimes find potentially destructive ways to keep themselves entertained if you don’t give them enough attention.
Keep in mind that puppies are a lot of work – dogs that stay puppies are more work for a longer period of time. If you don’t have the time for intensive training or the energy to give your dog lots of exercise, your best bet might be adopting an adult dog from your local animal shelter.
