Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America
The Most Popular Dogs in America

Most Popular Dog Breeds
Have you ever wondered what the most popular dog breeds in America are? Here is the top 10 list, statistics from the American Kennel Club. I have also included a little information on each breed as well as their origin. See if your favorite dog breed is in the top 10.
Yellow Labrador Retriever

Number 1
Labrador Retriever - Once again, the Labrador Retriever is rated as the most popular dog breed in America by the American Kennel Club. Originally from Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever was initially used working alongside fisherman, helping them to pull in their fishing nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. “Labs” as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to act as game retrievers and are popular amoung bird hunters. They are very family friendly dogs and easily trainable, because of this they are excellent as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams or in narcotics detection with law enforcement. The Labrador Retrievers come in three colors - yellow, black and chocolate. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 and are included in the “Sporting" group.
German Shepherd

Number 2
German Shepherd – Originated in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1899. Originally they were used for herding and farm dogs. The German Shepherd is now thought of as the world's leading police dog, guard dog and military dog. They have consistently rated as one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The German Shepherd is also a loving family companion, being loyal and protective. They may be most colors, but the most common color is black and tan. The German Shepherd was recognized by the AKC in 1908 and are included in the "Herding" group by the AKC.
Golden Retriever

Number 3
Golden Retriever – Originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 1800s and was used as a hunting dog. The Golden Retriever is an active and energetic breed, with a friendly temperament. They have a water-repellent double coat and love the water. The Golden Retriever makes a wonderful hunting companion and an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. Their beautiful golden-colored coat is can range from light to dark gold. The Golden Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1925 and is included in the "Sporting" group.
Beagle

Number 4
Beagle – The origin of the Beagle is not certain. It is believed that they originated in England where English Gentlemen had packs of hounds. The larger hounds hunted deer and the smaller ones hunted rabbits. These are believed to be the first Beagles. They will make a “baying” sound when tracking or sometimes when they just want attention. They are very friendly and curious dogs. The most well known Beagle, is “Snoopy”, from the Peanuts comics. Beagles are small compact dogs with short, easy to care for coats. Beagles comes in two different heights (13 in. and 15 in.) and their colors include tri-color, red and white and lemon. They were recognized by the AKC in 1885 and are included in the "Hound" group.
Bull Dog

Number 5
Bulldog – Better known as the “English” Bulldog, is said to have originated in the British Isles. They became know as the “bull” dog as they were used to actually bait bulls. They had to be ferocious as well as brave and impervious to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fans of this breed began breeding to eliminate the ferocious characteristic of these dogs and within a few generations they became loving pets with a good natured temperament. The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. They are short legged, stocky dogs with short noses and an adorably wrinkled face. The Bulldog was recognized by the AKC in 1886 and are included in the "Non-Sporting" group.
Yorshire Terrier

Number 6
Yorkshire Terrier – The “Yorkie” as they are affectionately called, is named for the English city of Yorkshire where they originated. Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. They are brave for little dogs, energetic and curious. Their compact size makes them ideal for traveling with their owners. Yorkshire Terriers have long, silky coats that are blue and tan in color. They must have regular brushing, but seem to enjoy it. The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885 and are included in the "Toy" group.
Boxer

Number 7
Boxer – This breed originated in Germany in the 19th century. Boxers were bred for dog fighting and hunting. They are powerful and intelligent dogs and were used by hunters to hold down larger prey while the hunter was in route. Boxers are known for standing on their hind legs and batting at their opponents with their front paws, thus the name of “Boxer”. They were popular in World War I and World War lI as guard dogs and couriers and became very popular dogs in the US after the war. The Boxer appears in both fawn and brindle colors. They were recognized by the AKC in 1904 and are included in the "Working" group.
Standard Poodle

Number 8
Poodle – Originating in Germany, the Poodle was used as a water retrieving dog. The “Poodle Cut” was actually designed by hunters to help the dog move through the water more efficiently. The tufts of hair that were left long were in significant areas where they were used as insulation for joints and vital organs against the cold. Some people think of Poodles as “sissy” dogs and not very smart. They are actually one of the smartest of the dog breeds and they excel in obedience training. Poodles can be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but are never multi-colored. The Poodle comes in standard, miniature and toy sizes. They were recognized by the AKC in 1887. The standard and miniature sizes are included in the "Non-Sporting" group and the toy size are included in the "Toy" group.
Rottweiller

Number 9
Rottweiler – It is believed that the Rottweiler originated from the Roman herding dogs. As the Romans were invading Europe, they kept herds of animals for their food supply. The dogs were used to keep the herd together and guard the food supply at night. As the need for their services diminished, the Rottweiler almost became extinct. Luckily in the early 1900’s a club was formed and established the standard breed. The Rottweiler is a very intelligent and powerful dog. Their high endurance and easy of training makes them exceptional guard, police and therapy dogs. They are also excellent cattle dogs. The Rottweiler’s coat is black with rust or mahogany markings. They were recognized by the AKC in 1931 and are included in the "Working" group.
Smooth Haired Dachshund

Number 10
Dachshund – Originating in Germany in the 1600s, the Dachshund were bred to hunt and dig out badgers. The word Dachshund means “badger dog” in German. They have a very friendly personality and a keen sense of smell. Known for their long, low bodies and elongated noses, they are excellent hunters for above ground as well as below. They come in a variety of colors and can be long haired, wire haired or smooth. The Dachshund were recognized by the AKC in 1885 and are included in the "Hound" group.
There are 175 different dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club and I am sure they are all one of man’s best friends!
Questions & Answers
© 2012 Sheila Brown
Comments
Sg.....I love all dogs. My entire family are dog (& cat) lovers. At one time or another, we've all had at least one of every breed on your list. Oh, but I'm so disappointed that my favorite breed is not listed. I have a special affinity for Border Collies. I'm also kind of fond of Cocker Spaniels...I think they are the cutest puppies in the world.
Thanks for a great and informative hub!..UP++
I don't know how I missed this hub. I am a die hard dog lover. I knew most of what you said about all the dogs except for the reason for the poodle cut.
My son just got a Yorkipoo and it is, without a doubt, the cutest little dog I've ever seen. He's only six moths old but he's the friendliest little guy, but I digress.
Even though this hub is about the 2012 list, I have a feeling it is pretty close to what's still popular today.
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
Well done, Sheila. I was not really much of a dog person ..we had a few dogs as I was growing up but I just never was much in to them for whatever reason (except for one) ...
Then my daughter asked if we could have a small dog, when my grandson was about 4. I relented and off to the shelter she went and she got a young dog, which was not small....a German Shepherd. and she became our loving and loyal and precious family member till her death at 15.
The list of dogs you have here is indeed a noble one...if another dog ever owns me, it will be the #1 pick on your list.
Voted up++++ and shared
Angels are on the way to you today ps
Those are all beautiful dog breeds. My favorite is the German Shepard, of which I have had a few during my life. - Interesting list.
Came back to tell you that I am pinning this to my dogs board on Pinterest.
My hubby had a poodle that was very smart. He loved spaghetti, and when hubby was asked if he would like some spaghetti, the dog would go running and jumping on everyone and everything, so they started spelling spaghetti, and to soon he caught on. So the poodle is smart.
"water retriever dogs? The "Poodle Cut" was to assist them in keeping warm while swimming in the cold waters of Germany, where they originated". Thanks. I will share this with my friend.
Interesting article on dogs. My favourite animal. Great info.
Nice reading about dogs. One of my friends is a dog-lover and has what looks like the Standard Poodle. Thanks.
This is a very interesting hub and my favorite dog I ever owned was a lab. I lost him during a surgery as he broke his shoulder jumping the gate when he was still young and feisty. That was really a heartbreak. I have had several others of those breeds during my life also. Great hub!
I had to tell you what a pleasure it was to read this. I am a dog/cat lover myself. I wish I could find out what breed our beautiful girl is. Thank you for the inspiration to write about her. And I hope when I complete it, you can offer some insight into what breed she may be.
She is a rescue, and she turns 3 yrs old this Aug. :-)
voted up +++ Shared & tweeted.
This is a great list of dogs and will be helpful for anyone who is trying to decide what kind of pet to get. Right now we are "dog sitting" for my daughter's boxer, and she is an excellent dog. Voted up as an awesome article!
I love dogs, so this was interesting to me. I have a lab and a part German Shepard that is super smart. I think they are listed as third smartest breed.. Thanks for sharing. Voted awesome and interesting!
I have always loved the temperament of German Shepherds, and have had several, but I think the Lab is still my favorite. Thanks for an interesting read !!!
My first dog was a lab mix and she was the best, smartest dog ever (and, no, I'm not at all biased). : ) I'd love to get another lab some day.
I love dogs. The dog sweetie was talking about was mine. Really loved reading about best dog breeds in USA. In India pomeranian and pugs are very popular too. Voting it up and beautiful.
my favorite dog is the German Shepherd they are so loyal and loving. but you let someone mess with me or my family.. wow I feel sorry for the person.lol
great hub..
sharing
Merry Christmas
Debbie
We have 2 Newfoundland dogs but I love all dogs big and small. I had a German Shepherd when I was growing up as well as Irish Setters.
I've had friends at one time or another who have owned every one of these breeds! My husband's very partial to rottweiler and bulldogs. I think golden retrievers and labs are so cuddly. : ) Thank you!
Hi, my favorite is the golden retriever, they are known as the smiley dogs! lol! there is just something about them, but I love all dogs, so I am a bit biased! what a great hub! voted up! nell
I love dogs but mom wont let a dog in our apartment. My best friend had German Shepard but she died at age of 4. She was very lovely and I do miss her a lot. You have written very nice hub on dogs and very well researched. Voting up and sharing.
I had a German Shepherd and a beagle - both were great dogs. I currently have an Old English Sheepdog, and just love this breed. They used to very popular, but you don't see many of them today.
It is interesting to see which of the dog breeds are the most popular. My parents always favored the German Shepherds and they were all wonderful dogs. We have had several mixed breeds one of which had a good part black lab in her and one who had a good part golden retriever in him. Our other mixed breed was a United Nations. Ha! Our very first dog that my husband and I had was an Irish Setter and we now have my mother's last dog who is a Pomeranian. I see that those 2 breeds did not make the top 10 list. Oh well...not everyone can win the popularity contests! :)) Up and interesting votes.
Fine review of some most popular dog breeds. We have had a German Shepherd, a cocker spaniel and a black lab at different times. Learnt quite a bit from your informative hub, Sheila. Votes up, useful and interesting.
We have owned only one half of one of the dogs in your pictures. He was half Lab and half German Shorthair. We love English Springer Spaniels. We have owned three. Enjoyed your hub and voted up.
I can see why the labrador retriever is number one. My bro has had two so far, and they're quite affectionate and cuddly. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Well we have one dog made up of 2 of the tops 10! Poodle & Lab, our labradoodle. Interesting hub!
Hello SGbrown. This immediately attracted my attention with the adorable picture right up front. It looks like he is smiling! We have a black lab now and he is indeed the perfect family pet: tolerant of everything, barks only when alerting of strange noise, affectionate, loves to be hugged and etc.. Have loved many of the others on the list too but they were all of dubious heritage being strays and rescues. Great information. Very interesting! Voted way up.
I love beagles..They are so cute. You did a great job on this hub of puppies. I love all dogs. Vote Up and thanks for sharing these photos.
Currently, I have a Jack Russell, who is OCD about playing the ball, and I mean for hours on end, so we wind up having to hide it. LOL Oh, my three-legged dog never slowed down one bit and could run fast as lightening, and his legs were all so muscular.
Blessings. In His Love, Faith Reaper
I'm surprised to see the Rottweiller on your list of popular dogs. I have to vote for the Shih Tzu.
Great hub! I have had about six of those breeds over my lifetime, and the first is my favorite, as labs always remind me of my "sweet brownie boy" childhood, three-legged dog growing up.
Voted up
God bless. In His Love, Faith Reaper
Very interesting! We have two of those breeds eating dinner as I write this. :)
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