Man’s best friend isn’t a science. Some people go for a bulldog over a Chihuahua. Some like teacup puppies, while others like giant dog breeds. There’s your dog. There’s my dog.
However, it’s daunting when you want to pick the best breed of dogs in Kenya. But we’ve got your back. We keep it simple by evaluating over 70 parts of dog-loving subjectivity. Based on this, here are our top breeds in Kenya.
Top 10 Breeds of Dogs in Kenya
1. Boxer
Industrious, intelligent, and powerful are terms that precisely describe the Boxer. They’re exemplary guard dogs, with perked-up ears always alert. Boxers are always upbeat, active, and ready for play. These characteristics make the dog breeds ideal for sports.
They also have a ceaseless desire for love from their family. Their low grooming demands and trainability make them versatile companions for you if you can provide them with well-earned attention and affection.
| Price | Ksh 15,000 – Ksh 75,000 |
| Height | Male: 57-63 cm
Female: 53-60 cm |
| Weight | Male: 27-32 Kg
Female: 25-29 Kg |
| Temperament | Playful
Energetic Loyal |
| Life expectancy | 10-12 years |
2. Rottweiler
Moving up a spot on the most popular breeds are the loyal and friendly Rottweilers. They’re intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement exercises. However, they may develop unwanted behaviours to entertain themselves if bored.
It’s important to provide mental stimulation for Rottweilers. They like hiking, dock diving, tracking, and running. Despite their activity, the breed is prone to health issues like bone cancer and obesity.
| Price | Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 80,000 |
| Height | Male: 61-69 cm
Female: 56-63 cm |
| Weight | Male: 50–60 Kg
Female: 35-48 Kg |
| Temperament | Good-natured
Intelligent Steady |
| Life expectancy | 9-10 years |
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are hunting, working, guarding, and family dogs. They make impressive bomb detection and service dogs because of their intelligence. They’re quick to learn, easy to train, and always excited to please.
Labradors can learn a massive vocabulary of up to 250 words— an enormous amount of information for their happy, doggy brains. The sheer volume of loyalty, dependability, capabilities, and willingness to please consistently ranks Labs on our list. They’re generally healthy, but common health complications include elbow and hip dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and ear infections.
| Price | Ksh 25,000 – Ksh 80,000 |
| Height | Male: 57-62 cm
Female: 55-60 cm |
| Weight | Male: 29-36 Kg
Female: 25-32 Kg |
| Temperament | Agile
Trusting Outgoing |
| Life expectancy | 10-14 years |
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is a loyal, easy-to-train, affectionate, and intelligent breed. Like Labs, Golden Retriever breeds make amazing family dogs because they’re great with kids and other pups.
Golden enjoys activities like long walks, swimming, retrieving, and running. They also make great therapy dogs and guide dogs for people with impaired eyesight. The breeds are normally healthy, but some might have hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease, and allergies due to poor breeding.
| Price | Ksh 30,000 – Ksh 80,000 |
| Height | Male: 56-61 cm
Female: 51-56 cm Female: |
| Weight | Male: 30-34 Kg
Female: 25-32 Kg |
| Temperament | Friendly
Intelligent Agile |
| Life expectancy | ears |
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large yet muscular, highly intelligent, loyal, and agile dogs. These pups love doing work and are commonly used as working dogs by Kenya police and military for bomb sniffing, patrolling, and search and rescue.
Although they have a long life expectancy, they’re prone to health issues like volvulus and gastric dilation, which can be life-threatening, heart disease, allergies, and cancer.
| Price | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 55,000 |
| Height | Male: 60-65 cm
Female: 55-60 cm Female |
| Weight | Male: 30-40 Kg
Female: 22-32 Kg |
| Temperament | Obedient
Intelligent Loyal |
| Life expectancy | 9-13 years |
6. Poodle
Poodles have a long resume, having served as truffle sniffers, companions, performers, and duck hunters for French aristocrats. Poodles are probably known for their poof-ball haircuts— developed by hunters to keep them warm while swimming. They are some of the most intelligent and smartest dog breeds.
They’re easy to train and a favourite among those with allergies since their hair doesn’t shed anyhow. Notably, you can pick up how big a poodle you want because they come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes! Keep an eye on the following health issues: idiopathic epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and Von Willebrand disease.
| Price | Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 23, 000 |
| Height | Male: 45-62 cm
Female: 35-45 cm |
| Weight | Male: 20-32 Kg
Female: 19-27 Kg |
| Temperament | Active
Intelligent Loyal |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
7. Bulldog
Another identifiable breed—thanks to their muscular low profile, wide stand, and a wrinkled and flat face with an underbite. Bulldogs often display friendly but stubborn temperate.
Their stubbornness may be confused with laziness, but they enjoy and benefit from moderate exercise.
Exercises may include brisk walks and backyard games of tug-of-war. In addition, bulldogs can easily overheat. They also commonly have ear and skin issues due to allergies or moisture trapped in their fancy wrinkles.
| Price | Ksh 130,000 – Ksh 230,000 |
| Height | Male: 31-40 cm
Female: 31-40 cm |
| Weight | Male: 18-27 Kg
Female: 15-25 Kg |
| Temperament | Docile
Friendly Stubborn |
| Life expectancy | 8-10 years |
8. Beagle
Beagles are famously led by their nose. That’s why they’re curious, but they’re also affectionate, active, and loving. Their sense of smell keeps their nose to the ground, and they like wagging their tails.
Beagles are also very intelligent but may be stubborn and have a short attention span when it comes to training. They respond actively when you tap into their food-motivating nature! Some of their common health issues include cherry eye, allergies, obesity, and ear infections.
| Price | Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 150,000 |
| Height | Male:36-41 cm
Female: 33- 38 cm |
| Weight | Male: 10-11 Kg
Female: 9-10 Kg |
| Temperament | Amiable
Loving Active |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
9. Chihuahua
A large dog in a small dog’s body, this breed is a toy one with a great heart and an incredibly big personality. Chihuahua is like a little magnet, attracting many admirers with their expressive ears, soulful eyes, and small stature. Although the Chihuahua breed is bonded and affectionate to their humans, they may become violent when intimated or harassed by strangers.
So, proper training and socialization is a must. Equal parts sweet and sassy, these pint-sized puppies make great companions for experienced and first-time pet parents.
| Price | Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 40,000 |
| Height | Male: 15-23 cm
Female: 13-17 cm |
| Weight | Male: 1.7-3.3 Kg
Female: 1.5-3 Kg |
| Temperament | Devoted
Lively Quick |
| Life expectancy | 12-20 years |
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
Another pup for retrieval and hunting, the German Shorthaired pointer, is a phenomenal breed that loves working, hiking, and hunting. They’re some of the best retrieval and duck hunting dogs in the world because their paws are webbed and their coats are water resistant.
German short-haired pointers are extremely brave and athletic beyond what’s probably in their best interests occasionally. They’re also adaptable and can bear extreme temperatures and environmental changes. However, be on the lookout for health complications like bloat and hip and elbow dysplasia.
| Price | Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 150,000 |
| Height | Male: 58-64 cm
Female: 53-59 cm |
| Weight | Male: 25-32 Kg
Female: 20-27 Kg |
| Temperament | Agile
Intelligent Active |
| Life expectancy | 12-14 years |
Are You Ready For a Dog?
Getting a dog is an incredibly exciting decision and a big one! Before you get a pup, here are some things you should consider:
Can I Afford a Dog?
Most dog breeds are expensive; the initial purchase cost is only the start. They require worming, vaccinations, and feeding as standard, with the potential for further expenses in the case of illness or accidents.
Your pup may be with you for 15 years, and like us, elderly dogs require medication. Whether you buy pet insurance or open a savings account to prepare for nasty surprises, the overall lifetime cost of your puppy is a crucial factor.
What Age of Dog is Right for Me?
Adult puppy or dog? Both require training and investment. An older one, for example, will probably be house-trained, neutered, and subjected to basic obedience training. But, they might have had negative experiences and so have medical or behavioural issues.
Puppies, on the other hand, need to learn everything from you. Training is challenging but rewarding. You’ll need to introduce them keenly to many positive new experiences, and they’ll make many mistakes as they learn!
Do I Have Time for a Dog?
Dogs need your time, from cuddles and regular walks to training, socializing, and veterinary appointments. They shouldn’t be left alone all day and need care while you’re on holiday or at work.
So, it would help to consider who will look after them when you aren’t around. Many services are available, but take time to ensure you find a responsible one.
Do I Have Space for a Dog?
Dogs come in all sizes and shapes, but even the smallest one requires space, from an area for play to somewhere quiet to relax. Consider whether you’ve access to a garden for your puppy to go to the toilet and a green area for a walk. A safe space for your puppy to enjoy time off lead is also crucial.
What Does My Family Think About a Dog?
Strange as it might seem, not everyone is a dog lover! Unless you live alone, your puppy will share his new home with other family members. Some people may be scared of dogs or allergic to them, so don’t forget to think about your regular visitors and any current pets.
Cats live harmoniously alongside dogs, but you’d need to discuss this with your family, as some dogs may not be suitable. Rabbits, chickens, and other small prey animals are also important and must be kept safe from natural predators!
What Breed of Dog is Right for Me?
The wide variety of dog breeds means there’s always a dog for almost anyone. But, choosing based on your lifestyle rather than appearance is crucial, as all breeds have different needs.
German Shepherds, for example, are bred to run, so they won’t be happily left in a flat alone with a ten-minute walk to the shop in the evening. Many dog breeds are also prone to certain health complications that you must research keenly before choosing.
Do I Have the Commitment Required for a Dog?
Puppies are an incredible commitment! If you’re house-proud, consider that a new dog will chew illicit objects and have toilet mishaps! And for a fair-weather walker, consider that your pup will need walking every day and may become unhappy and potentially destructive without it.
If you’re impatient, your dog may not understand shouting and will require patient, kind, and considerate training. Dogs aren’t machines, and like us, they make mistakes!
Local Pet Laws
Before adopting, ensure you know what kinds of pet laws exist in your residency. Most will require vaccinations, leashes, identification, and licensing. When you take your new puppy or dog to the vet for the first time, ask what is required of a pet owner in your residency.
Some properties don’t allow dogs if you live in a rental community. Check before you bring a dog home. It helps save unnecessary heartache later.
Bottom Line
Did your pup make it to our top popular dog breeds? If not, no worries! One of the many benefits of dog ownership is that there are no wrong choices for a devoted owner. Every dog breed is unique. Remember that with a little planning, you can choose the right dog for your lifestyle, home, and family and enjoy many happy years together.
