12 Adorable Dog Breeds Everyone Wanted in the 1970s

The 1970s weren’t just the age of disco fever, bell-bottom jeans, and avocado-colored appliances—they were also a golden era for dog lovers across America.

As suburban life boomed and pop culture leaned into all things warm and fuzzy, certain dog breeds skyrocketed to iconic status. From sitcoms to Sears catalogs, these four-legged stars were everywhere—lounging on shag carpets, riding shotgun in station wagons, and posing proudly in family photo albums.

I still remember flipping through my parents’ old Polaroids and spotting a parade of familiar furry faces—Golden Retrievers with feathered fur, scruffy Terriers ruling the backyard, and majestic Collies looking like they just stepped off a “Lassie” set.

These dogs weren’t just pets; they were part of the soul of the ‘70s—loyal, lovable, and a little bit groovy. So leash up your nostalgia and join me as we explore twelve dog breeds that defined a decade and ruled the living room.

1. Poodle: The Fluffy Fashion Statement

Sporting elaborate haircuts that rivaled the decade’s biggest human hairstyles, Poodles ruled the 1970s pet scene! My aunt Debbie had a miniature Poodle named Coco who pranced around in various pompom cuts that made her the talk of the neighborhood.

Available in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, these intelligent canines offered something for everyone. Their hypoallergenic coats made them perfect for families with sensitivity issues, while their sharp minds made training a breeze compared to other breeds.

The Poodle’s versatility wasn’t just in their size options—these dogs excelled at everything from obedience competitions to simply being fashionable companions for the style-conscious ’70s family. Far from the prissy reputation they sometimes get, Poodles were athletic, loyal companions who could keep up with active families while looking fabulous doing it!

2. German Shepherd: The Protective Family Guardian

Nothing said ‘our family is protected’ in the ’70s quite like having a majestic German Shepherd patrolling your yard! These noble dogs skyrocketed in popularity thanks partly to canine TV stars like Rin Tin Tin who showcased their intelligence and loyalty on screen.

Growing up, our neighbors had a Shepherd named Rex who seemed to know exactly which kids belonged on our block and which didn’t. Their natural protective instincts made them the security system of choice before home alarms became commonplace, yet they were gentle enough to trust with children.

Police departments nationwide employed these versatile workers, further cementing their reputation as dependable, courageous companions. Their distinctive appearance—alert ears, soulful eyes, and that confident stance—made them instantly recognizable status symbols for families wanting both protection and a loving pet rolled into one magnificent package.

3. Irish Setter: The Flowing Red Showstopper

Radiant redheads of the canine world, Irish Setters captured hearts with their flowing mahogany coats and boundless energy! The first time I saw one racing across our local park, its hair billowing like a copper flag in the wind, I begged my parents for one (they wisely got me a goldfish instead).

These gorgeous gundogs became living symbols of outdoor adventure and carefree spirit during the back-to-nature movement of the 1970s. Their popularity soared after the 1962 novel and subsequent movie ‘Big Red,’ but it was during the ’70s that they truly became household icons.

Playful and affectionate, Irish Setters required plenty of exercise—making them perfect companions for the active families of the era. Though their stunning looks initially attracted owners, their goofy, loving personalities are what made families fall truly, madly, deeply in love with these red-haired beauties.

4. Doberman Pinscher: The Sleek Status Symbol

Sleek, powerful, and impossibly elegant, Dobermans strutted into the 1970s as the sophisticated guard dog of choice! My uncle brought his Doberman named Zeus to our family reunion in ’78, and I remember being equally terrified and mesmerized by his glossy black coat and confident demeanor.

Hollywood cemented the Doberman’s image as the ultimate protection dog, featuring them in countless films and TV shows of the era. Their aristocratic appearance—with cropped ears and docked tails being the standard style then—made them living sculptures that complemented the decade’s modern architectural aesthetics.

Behind their intimidating reputation, owners discovered deeply loyal companions who bonded intensely with their families. The breed’s intelligence meant they excelled at obedience training, while their athleticism made them naturals at the emerging dog sports that gained popularity throughout the decade. For the security-conscious family with style, nothing made a statement like a Doberman!

5. Cocker Spaniel: The Sweet-Faced Charmer

Those soulful eyes could melt even the toughest hearts! Cocker Spaniels reigned as America’s sweetheart dogs throughout the 1970s, their popularity still riding high from the Lady and the Tramp Disney magic. My cousin’s Cocker named Taffy had eyelashes that would make Farrah Fawcett jealous! Their moderate size made them perfect for both suburban homes and city apartments during a time when Americans were increasingly moving to urban areas.

Families adored their gentle temperaments and adaptability—these were dogs who seemed equally happy cuddling on the couch or joining a family camping trip. The breed’s signature silky coat required regular grooming, creating a booming industry of dog salons and specialized pet products.

While their maintenance needs were higher than some breeds, their affectionate nature and eagerness to please made them worth every minute spent brushing those gorgeous locks. For families wanting a dog that embodied both elegance and playfulness, the Cocker Spaniel delivered perfectly.

6. Beagle: The Cartoon-Famous Sniffer

Thanks to a certain comic strip beagle who could type and fantasize about being a World War I flying ace, Beagles became household celebrities during the 1970s! The Snoopy phenomenon had kids everywhere (including me) begging for their very own floppy-eared companion.

Beyond their pop culture fame, these compact hounds offered practical advantages for the average family. Their manageable size, easy-care coats, and friendly dispositions made them ideal for homes with children. That distinctive howl—part of their hunting heritage—sometimes surprised new owners, but quickly became an endearing quirk.

Beagles brought a special blend of mischief and affection that perfectly matched the more relaxed parenting styles emerging in the ’70s. Their curious noses could get them into trouble, but their forgiving nature meant they rarely held a grudge when scolded for counter-surfing or garbage exploration. For families wanting a dog with personality plus, the Beagle delivered endless entertainment and devoted companionship.

7. Old English Sheepdog: The Shaggy Superstar

You couldn’t flip through a ’70s magazine without seeing these lovable mops on wheels! The Old English Sheepdog became an overnight sensation after starring in Disney’s The Shaggy D.A. and appearing in countless TV commercials.

I still remember my jaw dropping when I saw Mrs. Peterson walking her massive sheepdog down our street—it looked like a moving shag carpet! Their distinctive appearance—completely covered in long, gray and white hair that often obscured their eyes—made them instant conversation starters. Despite their substantial size, these gentle giants were renowned for their patience with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dogs” among families.

Grooming these magnificent beasts was practically a part-time job, but ’70s owners embraced the challenge with specialized brushes, products, and regular trips to professional groomers. The breed’s playful bounce and cartoonish appearance brought joy wherever they went, embodying the decade’s embrace of all things natural, flowing, and slightly untamed.

8. Dachshund: The Living Room Sausage

Long before they became internet memes, these “wiener dogs” were stretching their way into America’s heart during the 1970s! My grandmother’s miniature dachshund, Oscar, ruled her house like a tiny emperor, proving that big personality could come in small packages. Available in smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired varieties, dachshunds offered style options before “designer dogs” were even a concept.

Their compact size made them ideal apartment dwellers during the urban migration of the ’70s, while their bold personalities provided big-dog attitude without requiring big-dog space. The breed’s distinctive silhouette made them natural merchandise stars—appearing on everything from kitchen towels to t-shirts as the decade embraced novelty pet-themed decor.

Though bred originally for hunting, these low-riders found their true calling as lap warmers and companion animals, proving particularly popular with empty-nesters and young couples not yet ready for children. Their tenacity and charm made every dachshund owner swear they’d never own any other breed!

9. Collie: The Lassie Legacy Keeper

“What’s that, girl? Timmy fell down the well again?” The long-running Lassie television series, which continued into the early ’70s, cemented the Collie’s place as America’s hero dog! My childhood friend had a Collie named Duke who never rescued anyone but did excel at stealing sandwiches when we weren’t looking.

These magnificent dogs with their flowing manes carried themselves with a regal dignity that appealed to families wanting a touch of elegance in their pet. Available in rough and smooth coat varieties (though the Lassie-style rough coat dominated in popularity), Collies became synonymous with family values and rural American ideals.

Extremely intelligent and naturally gentle with children, these herding dogs adapted well to suburban life despite their working heritage. Their moderate exercise needs made them manageable for average families, while their striking appearance turned heads at parks and on neighborhood walks. For parents who grew up watching Lassie’s weekly adventures, bringing home a Collie meant adding a touch of television magic to real family life.

10. Saint Bernard: The Gentle Giant

Beethoven may have made them famous in the ’90s, but Saint Bernards were already stealing hearts (and taking up entire couches) back in the 1970s! After the 1972 film “The Biscuit Eater” featured one of these massive mountain dogs, families suddenly wanted their own drooling giants. I’ll never forget visiting my school friend whose Saint Bernard, Barney, would greet visitors by placing his massive paws on their shoulders—turning adults into reluctant dance partners!

These gentle behemoths could weigh up to 180 pounds, making them living, breathing jungle gyms for kids brave enough to climb aboard. Despite their intimidating size, Saint Bernards earned reputations as patient, loving family members with especially tender approaches to children.

The breed’s rescue heritage and the iconic image of the barrel-wearing mountain dog appealed to the adventurous spirit of ’70s families embracing outdoor activities. Of course, their impressive food bills and monumental shedding meant owning one was not for the faint of heart—or light of wallet!

11. Afghan Hound: The Canine Supermodel

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe these flowing-haired aristocrats of the dog world! Afghan Hounds epitomized ’70s luxury with their silky locks that rivaled Cher’s finest hairstyles. I remember my mother’s friend who owned one—she spent more time brushing her Afghan, Cleopatra, than she spent on her own hair.

Originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, these exotic beauties became symbols of sophistication during the decade’s fascination with all things international and bohemian. Their aloof, dignified demeanor only enhanced their mystique, making them favorites among celebrities and trendsetters looking for pets that doubled as living art. Challenging to train and expensive to maintain, Afghans weren’t for novice dog owners.

However, their show-stopping appearance made the effort worthwhile for those committed to their care. When an Afghan Hound glided through the park with its silken coat floating on the breeze, everyone stopped to stare—exactly the reaction many ’70s owners were hoping for from their canine investment!

12. Basset Hound: The Low-Riding Charmer

With ears that could sweep the floor and eyes that could guilt you into extra treats, Basset Hounds waddled their way into ’70s pop culture stardom! The decade’s Hush Puppy shoe advertisements featured these droopy-faced darlings, while the comic strip “Fred Basset” chronicled their lovable antics in newspapers nationwide. My uncle’s Basset, Flash (ironically named, given his tortoise-like speed), could track a hamburger from three blocks away but conveniently “couldn’t hear” commands like “stop” or “come.”

Their comical appearance—short legs, long bodies, and sorrowful expressions—made them natural comedians even when they weren’t trying. Perfect for families wanting a medium-sized dog with a laid-back attitude, Bassets offered friendship without demanding excessive exercise or stimulation.

Their deep, melodious howls could wake the neighborhood when they spotted squirrels, but their couch-potato tendencies meant they were equally content lounging around the house. For the ’70s family seeking a dog with character, few breeds delivered more personality per inch than the delightfully different Basset Hound!