12 Funny Dog Types That Will Make You Laugh Every Day

Selection Criteria: What Makes a Dog "Funny"?

Not every adorable breed qualifies as genuinely funny. For this list, each breed was evaluated against five specific criteria:

• Comedic Expression: Does the breed's face naturally look amusing? Think underbites, bug eyes, crooked ears, or perpetually surprised eyebrows.
• Theatrical Behavior: Does the breed have a reputation for over-the-top reactions — dramatic sighs, exaggerated play bows, or ridiculous zoomies?
• Goofy Physicality: Are their proportions, movements, or coat styles inherently silly? Barrel bodies on stubby legs, ears that drag, or hair that defies gravity all count.
• Personality Quirks: Does the breed have well-documented oddball habits — talking, snoring, sitting in bizarre positions, or "arguing" with owners?
• Consistency Across Individuals: Is the humor trait common across most dogs of the breed, or limited to rare individuals?

A breed needed to score strongly on at least three of these five criteria to make the list.

1. Brussels Griffon

Size: Toy (8–10 lb / 3.6–4.5 kg, 9–11 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Ewok-like face with an almost human expression
Why They Made the List: The Brussels Griffon has been called "a face only a mother could love" — and that's precisely the charm. Their flat, pushed-in nose, prominent chin, and large round eyes create an expression that looks like a surprised Victorian child. According to the AKC breed standard, they carry themselves with "an air of self-important arrogance" that makes their tiny stature even funnier. They're known for tilting their heads at odd angles when confused, which happens often.

2. French Bulldog

Size: Small (16–28 lb / 7–13 kg, 11–13 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Bat ears, snorting sounds, and dramatic personality
Why They Made the List: Frenchies are the undisputed champions of dog comedy in the small-breed category. Their enormous bat ears rotate independently like radar dishes. They snort, grunt, and yodel rather than bark. Many Frenchies sit in a "frog dog" position — hind legs splayed behind them like a spatchcocked chicken — and refuse to acknowledge how ridiculous they look. Their dramatic reactions to minor inconveniences (being told to move off the couch, the sound of a vacuum) are legendary among owners. They consistently rank as the #1 most popular breed in the US according to AKC registration data, and their humor is a major reason why.

3. Chinese Crested (Hairless)

Size: Toy/Small (8–12 lb / 3.6–5.4 kg, 11–13 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Alien-like appearance with tufts of hair in unexpected places
Why They Made the List: A naked body with a mohawk, ankle socks of fur, and a plumed tail — the hairless Chinese Crested looks like it was designed by committee. Their expressions range from perpetually offended to deeply philosophical. They're prone to shivering dramatically in even mild temperatures and often demand sweaters, which only amplifies the absurdity. The breed has won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest more times than any other breed, and winners typically embrace the title with cheerful indifference.

4. Pekingese

Size: Toy (7–14 lb / 3.2–6.4 kg, 6–9 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Rolling gait and supremely judgmental facial expression
Why They Made the List: Bred as Chinese imperial companions, the Pekingese moves with a distinctive rolling gait that makes them look like they're perpetually strutting down a runway. Their flat faces, enormous eyes, and lion-like mane give them the expression of a tiny, offended aristocrat. Pekes are famous for giving their owners what can only be described as "the look" — a withering stare of disappointment that's somehow hilarious on a 10-pound dog. They snore loudly and refuse to be rushed.

5. Basset Hound

Size: Medium (40–65 lb / 18–29 kg, up to 15 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Exaggerated proportions — floor-dragging ears, soulful droopy eyes, and a body that defies physics
Why They Made the List: The Basset Hound is a masterpiece of comedic proportions. Ears that pool on the ground, eyes that seem permanently heartbroken, and a body that's essentially a sausage on stilts. They move with a deliberate, mournful slowness that makes their occasional bursts of speed (usually toward food) even more surprising. Their baying howl is absurdly loud for their size, and their ability to look simultaneously devastated and delighted — often within the same minute — is unmatched. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes their strong scent-driven behavior, which leads to hilarious single-minded focus when they catch an interesting smell.

6. English Bulldog

Size: Medium (40–50 lb / 18–23 kg, 14–15 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Wrinkled face, underbite, and a stubborn personality that borders on performance art
Why They Made the List: The English Bulldog's face is a comedy classic — deep wrinkles, a pushed-in nose, jowls that flap, and an underbite that gives them a permanent goofy grin. But it's their stubbornness that truly elevates them. A Bulldog that doesn't want to walk will simply lie down in the middle of the sidewalk and stare at you with an expression that says "this is your problem now." They skateboard, snore like chainsaws, and pass gas with alarming regularity. Their combination of physical absurdity and unshakeable stubbornness makes every day unpredictable.

7. Shar-Pei

Size: Medium (45–60 lb / 20–27 kg, 18–20 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Excessive wrinkles that make puppies look like crumpled velvet and adults look perpetually worried
Why They Made the List: Shar-Pei puppies are almost unbearably funny — so wrinkled they look like they're wearing a suit three sizes too big. Adults retain enough wrinkles to maintain the "concerned grandparent" expression while adding a blue-black tongue that looks startling when they yawn. They're known for being aloof with strangers but deeply silly with family, often performing what owners describe as the "Shar-Pei shimmy" — a full-body wiggle of excitement. Their wrinkled faces can also trap moisture and debris, so regular skin fold cleaning is essential to prevent infections.

8. Bull Terrier

Size: Medium (50–70 lb / 23–32 kg, 21–22 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Egg-shaped head and a clownish, hyperactive personality
Why They Made the List: The Bull Terrier's unique egg-shaped head — with no discernible stop between forehead and nose — is one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the dog world. Pair that with their tiny triangular eyes and you get a dog that always looks like it's up to something. And it usually is. Bull Terriers are famously described as "a kid in a dog suit." They chase their own tails (sometimes obsessively — tail chasing is a known breed-specific compulsive behavior), spin in circles, and have a habit of "talking" with a range of grumbles, yodels, and woo-woo sounds. The AKC describes them as "sweet, lovable, and clownish" — and owners universally agree.

9. Boxer

Size: Large (50–80 lb / 23–36 kg, 21.5–25 inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Full-body wiggles, "kidney bean" dancing, and permanent puppy energy well into adulthood
Why They Made the List: Boxers are the definition of a large dog that thinks it's a lap dog. Their signature move is the "kidney bean dance" — a full-body wiggle where they curve their body into a semicircle and shimmy with pure joy. They're known for "talking" with a distinctive woo-woo sound, jumping with all four feet off the ground when excited, and attempting to sit in your lap despite weighing 70 pounds. Boxers maintain puppy-like exuberance until about age three or four, and many never fully grow out of their clownish behavior. Their expressive faces and human-like mannerisms make them natural comedians.

10. Irish Wolfhound

Size: Giant (105–120 lb / 48–54 kg, 30–32+ inches)
Key Comedy Trait: Enormous size combined with unexpected gentleness and clumsiness
Why They Made the List: At 32 inches at the shoulder and up to 120 pounds, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds on earth — and they have absolutely no idea how to manage their own size. They bump into doorframes, step on feet apologetically, and try to curl up in dog beds meant for Chihuahuas. Their shaggy eyebrows and beards give them the expression of a bemused philosophy professor. Despite being historically bred to hunt wolves, modern Irish Wolfhounds are famously gentle and goofy with their families. Watching a 120-pound dog delicately try to sit on your lap is comedy gold.

11. Great Dane

Size: Giant (110–175 lb / 50–79 kg, 28–32+ inches)
Key Comedy Trait: The world's biggest lap dog with a talent for physical comedy
Why They Made the List: Great Danes consistently top "funny dog" lists for one reason: the contrast between their massive size and their delicate, almost dainty behavior. A 150-pound Dane will carefully place one paw on your knee and look at you with soulful eyes, clearly expecting to be picked up. They're known for leaning their entire body weight against their owners (the "Dane lean"), attempting to hide behind furniture that's a quarter their size, and having zoomies that shake the entire house. Their short coats and lanky proportions make every movement slightly awkward and endlessly entertaining.

12. Old English Sheepdog

Size: Large (60–100 lb / 27–45 kg, 21–22+ inches)
Key Comedy Trait: A walking shag carpet with a bear-like rolling gait
Why They Made the List: When an Old English Sheepdog's coat is grown out, they look like a mobile piece of furniture — you can barely see their face, and their "bear-like" ambling gait makes them look like they're perpetually shuffling in bedroom slippers. Their signature look — hair completely covering their eyes — means they bump into things, peek out from under their bangs like a shy teenager, and generally look like they just rolled out of bed (because they essentially did). Their herding instincts lead them to try to "herd" family members by gently bumping them, which is both endearing and hilarious when a 90-pound fluffball does it.

Step 1: What's your living space?

1. Apartment or condo with no yard → Focus on French Bulldog, Brussels Griffon, or Pekingese. All three are low-energy, small-footprint dogs that don't need much room to be hilarious.
2. House with a small fenced yard → Consider a Basset Hound, Bull Terrier, or English Bulldog. They need some outdoor time but won't run you ragged.
3. House with a large yard or acreage → A Boxer, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, or Old English Sheepdog will thrive with room to roam (and room to bump into fewer things).

Step 2: How much energy can you match?

1. "I want a couch companion" → French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Basset Hound, or Pekingese. These breeds are happy with short walks and lots of napping — and they're funny even when they're doing nothing.
2. "I'm active but not a marathon runner" → Boxer, Shar-Pei, or Old English Sheepdog. They'll join you on hikes but won't demand hours of exercise.
3. "I want an adventure buddy" → Bull Terrier or Boxer. High-energy breeds that channel their enthusiasm into hilarious physical comedy during play.

Step 3: What's your grooming tolerance?

1. "Minimal grooming, please" → French Bulldog, Boxer, Great Dane, or Bull Terrier. Short coats, wipe-and-go maintenance.
2. "I don't mind some upkeep" → Basset Hound (ear cleaning), Shar-Pei (skin fold care), or Brussels Griffon (coat trimming).
3. "I enjoy grooming as a hobby" → Old English Sheepdog requires 3–4 hours of brushing per week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($65–$120 per session). Chinese Crested hairless needs sunscreen, acne care, and clothing.

Step 4: What's your budget for health care?

1. "I want lower health risk" → Boxer and Basset Hound have moderate health concerns with good screening. Irish Wolfhounds have shorter lifespans (6–8 years) but relatively fewer breed-specific conditions beyond cardiac issues.
2. "I can budget for potential issues" → French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds prone to breathing difficulties, skin infections, and often require C-section deliveries. Budget $2,000–$5,000+ for potential airway surgery and expect higher pet insurance premiums. See the AVMA's guidance on brachycephalic breeds before committing.

What are the best funny dog breeds for families with children?

The Boxer and Old English Sheepdog are top picks for families. Boxers are famously patient and playful with children, and their kidney bean dances provide endless entertainment. Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, tolerant, and their shaggy appearance delights kids. Avoid French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs in households with very young children, as brachycephalic breeds can overheat during rough play and their breathing limitations make them less tolerant of high-energy interactions.

Why are some dog breeds funnier than others?

Breed humor typically comes from three sources: selective breeding for unusual physical traits (wrinkles, unusual proportions, unique head shapes), behavioral traits originally bred for working purposes that look silly in a home setting (herding bumps, scent-tracking focus), and personality traits that were favored by breed enthusiasts over generations. Breeds developed as companions — like French Bulldogs and Pekingese — were often selected partly for their amusing personalities, since entertainment value was literally their job.

Are mixed-breed dogs ever this funny?

Absolutely. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit any combination of funny traits from their parent breeds. A Basset Hound–Labrador mix might have the Basset's droopy face with the Lab's enthusiasm, creating a uniquely hilarious combination. When adopting from a shelter, spend time observing a dog's individual personality — many mixed breeds display the same theatrical behavior, head tilts, and goofy expressions as their purebred counterparts. Mixed breeds also often benefit from hybrid vigor — the reduced risk of inherited genetic conditions that comes from a broader gene pool.

Do funny dog breeds cost more than other breeds?

Purchase price varies enormously. French Bulldogs are among the most expensive breeds ($2,000–$5,000+ from a responsible breeder, and up to $10,000 for rare colors). Basset Hounds typically run $600–$1,500. Brussels Griffons range from $1,500–$3,000. Giant breeds like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds often cost $1,500–$2,500 to purchase but $2,000–$4,000+ annually in food alone due to their size. Adoption from breed-specific rescues can reduce costs to $300–$600 for any of these breeds.

Which funny dog breed has the longest lifespan?

Among breeds on this list, the Chinese Crested and Brussels Griffon typically live the longest, with lifespans of 13–18 years and 12–15 years respectively. At the other end, Irish Wolfhounds average only 6–8 years and Great Danes average 7–10 years — a sobering reality of giant breeds. French Bulldogs average 10–12 years but may have more health issues during those years. Always ask breeders for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health screening results for both parent dogs.

Can I train a funny dog to be well-behaved?

Yes — and you should. "Funny" doesn't mean "untrained." The most enjoyable funny dogs are ones whose humor comes from personality, not from uncontrolled behavior. Use positive reinforcement methods (treats, praise, play rewards) to teach basic obedience. Breeds like Bull Terriers and Boxers can be strong-willed and benefit from early socialization and consistent, reward-based training starting at 8 weeks of age. Avoid aversive methods like shock collars or alpha rolls — they damage trust and can create behavioral problems that aren't funny at all.

Remember: The funniest dog is ultimately the one whose personality meshes with yours. A Basset Hound's slow, mournful comedy is perfect for a laid-back owner but might frustrate someone who wants an active hiking companion. Visit breeders, meet adult dogs of the breed, and spend time observing before committing. Every dog is an individual — breed tendencies are a starting point, not a guarantee.