Have you ever wondered which is the most popular breed of dog? Or where your best friend fits on the list of the most popular dog breeds?
Take a look at our list to find out which dogs are the coolest K9s in class.
Let’s just start by saying nothing seems to be able to shift the Labrador Retriever from its top spot as America’s most loved dog breed. It grabbed onto the No. 1 position in our hearts like a favorite squeaky toy almost 30 years ago and has held tightly onto it ever since!
Apart from America’s unshakeable love for the Labrador Retriever, our most popular dog breeds change over time as pet owners’ preferences change.
Breeds that were popular a few decades ago fall out of fashion. For example, the Cocker Spaniel was America’s favorite dog in the 1940s and has held top spot 23 times. It has now dropped down to around number 30 on the list. In other cases, previously less well known or unfashionable breeds can suddenly rise to the top.
Some of the breeds that are bounding ahead on our most popular dog breeds list include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Icelandic Sheepdog, Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Havanese, and Miniature American Shepherd.
And some rarer breeds are also sniffing out more popularity, including Icelandic Sheepdogs, Italian Greyhounds, Giant Schnauzers, Russell Terriers and Otterhounds.
Given the variety of breeds that make it into our most popular list, it is hard to pinpoint any one factor that makes a breed more popular than another. But when you dig a little more, there are some traits that people are looking for and value in their pets. And the breeds that consistently demonstrate these traits tend to be among the most popular.
The breeds that are most popular with families tend to be those dogs that like to be with their humans, have a friendly disposition, are trusting, loyal, curious, playful, and hypoallergenic or low shedding.
The most popular breeds for people looking for hunting dogs, working dogs or as protection are those that are loyal, hard-working, intelligent, curious, obedient, and protective.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter whether your pup is on the most popular list or not. Your best friend could be a from a breed that is nowhere near the top of the popularity stakes. But the love, companionship, and joy they bring makes them best in breed for you.