Dogs have been man’s best friend for millennia. Yet, have you ever thought about whether the most popular breeds have changed? I’ve seen breed preferences change over the years, as I’ve been around dogs my whole life. So, how have America’s favorite dog breeds changed, and why?
Top 10 Most Favorite Dog Breeds
The ranking of America’s favorite dog breeds has changed slightly in recent years, and I’ve seen these changes reflected in my years of experience working with dogs. These are the current top 10 popular kinds of dogs:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
- Bulldog
- Rottweiler
- Beagle
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Let’s briefly discuss each breed:
French Bulldog: Small, muscular with a wrinkled face and bat-like ears. They’re adaptable and playful.
Labrador Retriever: Friendly, lively, and high-spirited. They’re great as both companion dogs and working dogs.
Golden Retriever: Friendly, intelligent, and gentle. They do well with other pets and children.
German Shepherd: Steady, fearless, and self-assured. Commonly used for police and military work.
Poodle: Active, alert, and intelligent. They come in three different sizes and are hypoallergenic.
Bulldog: Calm, stubborn, and has a distinctive wrinkled face and hefty frame.
Rottweiler: Confident, loyal, and robust. Excellent guard dogs.
Beagle: Merry, friendly, and excellent with kids. They have an outstanding sense of smell.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Affectionate, gentle, and elegant in appearance. Adaptable to any living situation.
Dachshund: Clever, lively, and sometimes obstinate. Available in different coat varieties.
Each of these breeds has characteristics that make it a top choice for various lifestyles.
Characteristics of the French Bulldog
For the second year in a row, French Bulldogs earned the top spot. And their ascent to the number one ranking has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2012, they were ranked a modest 14th. Today, they’re the most popular dog in America.
These small dogs are compact and muscular with a wrinkled face and bat-like ears that add to their charm. Their coat is short and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
French Bulldogs have a lot of personality packed into a small body. They’re playful, alert, and adaptable, and they’re just as happy living in an apartment in the city as they are in a home in the suburbs. They’re also an excellent choice for people who are less active because they don’t require much exercise.
French Bulldogs are relatively easy to groom because they have a short coat that doesn’t require much brushing. However, you will need to clean their facial wrinkles often to prevent skin problems.
However, French Bulldogs do have some health issues to consider. Their flat faces can cause breathing problems, and they tend to overheat easily. Therefore, be prepared to be a very vigilant owner who constantly monitors your dog’s health and comfort.
The Enduring Popularity of Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed for an impressive 31 years from 1991 to 2022 – and for good reason. I’ve worked with many Labrador Retrievers over the years, and they never fail to impress me with their sweetness.
Labradors are the ultimate all-around dogs. They make great family pets, service dogs, and working dogs. They’re friendly and outgoing with people of all ages, and for this reason, they’re a common sight as therapy dogs in hospitals and schools.
They’re also incredibly intelligent. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer looking for a dog to train at an advanced level, Labradors are a great choice.
These dogs are high energy, so be prepared to give them plenty of daily exercise. If you can’t commit to helping them burn off their energy, they’ll find other ways to do it (like destroying your furniture).
Labradors have a short coat that requires relatively little grooming. Regular brushing and the occasional bath should keep them looking great. Just be prepared for shedding – Labradors have a double coat and shed seasonally.
Golden Retriever: America’s Sweetheart
Golden Retrievers are another perennial favorite. And for good reason. They have a great, friendly, and outgoing temperament that makes them friends with everyone.
They’re the ultimate family dogs. They’re great with kids and other animals, and I’ve even seen them win over the most skeptical of dog owners.
Like Labs, they’re very smart and easy to train. They do well in obedience, agility, and even search and rescue. They’re eager to please, which makes training them a breeze.
Golden Retrievers require plenty of exercise. They enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. And a tired Golden Retriever is a happy Golden Retriever. Keeping them active also prevents behavior issues resulting from boredom.
They have a beautiful golden coat, but it’s high maintenance. Brush them several times per week to prevent mats. Also, be prepared to deal with a lot of shedding, especially in the spring and fall.
German Shepherd: The Versatile Working Dog
The German Shepherd is the quintessential working dog. They’re intelligent, strong, and loyal, making them useful in many jobs.
They’re also confident and brave. That’s why you see them doing police and military work. When I worked at a shelter, we often received retired service German Shepherds. The work ethic of these dogs is truly impressive.
Training a German Shepherd is a delight, as they are very intelligent and learn commands quickly. Proper early socialization is important to produce a well-rounded adult.
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re excellent at agility, tracking, and obedience. If they are bored, they can become destructive.
They have a double coat that sheds year-round with a lot of shedding twice a year. You can keep shedding under control with regular brushing. They don’t require frequent baths unless they get into something dirty.
Poodle: The Intelligent and Elegant Breed
Poodles are not only beautiful, but also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. As a lifelong dog lover, I’m always amazed by their sharp intelligence.
Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, making them suitable for various living situations. They also have a hypoallergenic coat, making them a top choice for people with allergies.
Poodles are highly trainable and are excellent competitors in various dog sports, especially obedience, agility, and circus acts. Because they are intelligent, they do require mental stimulation to be happy.
Their exercise requirements depend on their size. Standard Poodles need more exercise than Toy Poodles, but all Poodles enjoy walks, playtime, and water play.
Their curly coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. Many Poodle owners choose to have their Poodle professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks, and daily brushing at home is a must to prevent matting.
Bulldog: The Gentle Giant
Bulldogs are the epitome of a low-key dog. These wrinkly-faced cuties have a relaxed demeanor that appeals to many.
Despite their intimidating appearance Bulldogs are sweethearts. They’re great with kids and other pets and they have a fairly low energy level, so they’re a good fit for a less active owner.
Bulldogs don’t require much exercise. A short walk or play session is usually sufficient. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially in hot weather, as their flat face makes them susceptible to breathing issues.
Grooming a Bulldog primarily consists of cleaning their wrinkles to avoid skin infections. Additionally, their short coat requires minimal maintenance with the occasional brush.
The main downside with Bulldogs is their health. They suffer from a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, so you’ll need to be proactive about managing their health as an owner.
Rottweiler: The Loyal Protector
Rottweilers are strong dogs with a strong guarding instinct. In my experience with dogs, I’ve found Rottweilers to be very gentle if trained properly.
They naturally guard their families, and they’re a confident, brave dog breed, which makes them great guard dogs. However, early socialization is important to ensure they behave well around people they don’t know.
Rottweilers are smart dogs that you can train to do just about anything. They’re great at obedience, tracking, and they can even work as a therapy dog. To unlock their potential, just be sure to train them consistently.
They’re a larger dog that needs regular exercise. Daily walks, play, and training exercises will help keep them both physically and mentally tired. If you don’t, a bored Rottweiler will become destructive.
They have a short double coat that’s relatively low maintenance. Just brush them regularly to control shedding. Additionally, they don’t need frequent baths unless they’ve rolled in something especially stinky.
Beagle: The Merry Little Hound
Beagles are friendly, curious little dogs that love to follow their noses. They have a small, sturdy frame and a jolly personality, which is why they’re one of the most popular family dogs.
These little scent hounds are always up for a good time. They are excellent with kids and generally play well with other dogs. Their happy-go-lucky disposition is sure to bring a smile to any family’s face.
Beagles are quite energetic and require regular physical activity. Daily walks, playtime, and scent work are great ways to keep them busy.
Their coat is short and simple to care for. Brushing them weekly will prevent loose hair from covering your home. Beagles aren’t prone to rolling in smelly things, so you can usually avoid frequent baths.
One thing to keep in mind about Beagles is they do tend to bark and howl. Some people find their bay melodious, while others find it overwhelming.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Rising Star
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has really burst onto the scene in the top 10. The breed has reached the 9th position for the first time, and it’s a well-deserved accolade for this lovable breed.
Cavaliers are beloved for their loving personality. They’re mild-mannered, adaptable, and excellent with kids. Cavaliers are, in my opinion, the epitome of a true lap dog as they adore human companionship.
They are also adaptable to various living environments, making them just as happy in an apartment as in a house. They don’t require much exercise, as daily walks and playtime will satisfy them.
Their silky coat does require some maintenance, though. You’ll need to brush them several times a week to keep their coat from getting matted. Additionally, many owners choose to have their coat professionally groomed to maintain the classic Cavalier look.
Cavalier health is a significant point to consider, as they are prone to certain heart-related health issues. Therefore, regular vet checkups are a must to monitor their health.
Dachshund: The Lovable Wiener Dog
Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are small dogs with big personalities. Their long, low bodies give them a unique appearance that’s instantly recognizable.
These dogs are fun-loving and courageous. Though they’re small, dachshunds have a lot of spirit. Some people label them as “stubborn,” yet I think of them more as “determined.”
Dachshunds have three coat varieties: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired, each of which has different grooming requirements. Regardless of the coat type, all dachshunds benefit from regular brushing.
Despite their tiny stature, dachshunds require daily physical activity. Regular walks and playtime will help ensure they get enough exercise. Just be cautious with stairs and jumping, as their long backs are prone to back problems.
Dachshunds are versatile in terms of living arrangements and will be just as happy in an apartment as they would in a house. They’re popular in city environments due to their small size.
Factors Influencing Dog Breed Popularity
Dog breed popularity is not static, and it changes over time for various reasons. The American Kennel Club has been recording this data for over a century.
One of the biggest reasons for breed popularity changes is media representation. Whether it’s a dog movie, TV show, or social media, certain breeds become very popular. I’ve definitely seen an increase in certain breed popularity after a dog movie, for example.
Celebrity ownership also has a major impact on breed popularity. When a celebrity is seen with a specific breed, it often leads to more people wanting that breed.
Breed-specific legislation can also play a role. If certain breeds are restricted in a particular area, it can decrease popularity of that breed.
Lifestyle trends also impact breed popularity. As more people move into cities, certain breeds that do well in apartments become more popular.
Changing living situations also impact what breeds people want. For example, if people start living in more apartments or smaller homes, they may want different breeds.
Geographic Variations in Dog Breed Popularity
Dog breed popularity isn’t the same in every area. Regional popularity leads to some interesting variations.
Most urban areas have small dog breeds as their favorites because these breeds are the best dogs for apartment living. However, most rural areas have larger working dog breeds as their favorites.
Climate also influences the most popular breeds. For example, northern states might have double coated breeds as their favorites, and southern states likely have a lot of single coated breeds as their favorites.
Cultural factors dictate regional popularity. Certain breeds have historic ties to specific cultures or areas.
Here’s a brief overview of the most popular breeds in each region:
| Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador | Beagle | German | Chihuahua |
| Retriever | Shepherd | ||
| Bulldog | Labrador | Labrador | Labrador |
| Retriever | Retriever | Retriever | |
| German | Yorkshire | Golden | German |
| Shepherd | Terrier | Retriever | Shepherd |
| Golden | Boxer | Boxer | Golden |
| Retriever | Retriever | ||
| French | French | Bulldog | French |
| Bulldog | Bulldog | Bulldog |
These regional variations add some nice diversity to the nation’s dog breeds.
If you’re interested in learning more about specific breeds, you might want to check out our article on famous puppy breeds to see if any of these popular dogs catch your eye. Additionally, for those looking for a canine companion that’s a bit different, our guide on rare dog breeds might be of interest.
A Few Last Words
Dogs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and temperaments. You have learned about the top global breeds people adore. However, each dog is different. The most important thing is selecting a pet that aligns with your daily life and that you adore. Whether you select one of the top breeds or a lesser known breed, the connection you establish with your dog is the most important thing. So don’t rush through the selection process. Do your homework and prepare for years of happiness with your ideal dog.
