The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds - Why You Should Get One!

Dogs are man’s best friend and the most popular dog breeds make excellent companions. They provide love, affection, and comfort in exchange for modest amounts of attention and regular meals. There are more than 300 different dog breeds out there, but these top 10 stand above the rest in popularity. > Each of these breeds comes with its own unique set of characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd. Some are small and friendly, others large and cuddly. Depending on what you’re looking for in a pet, one of these dog breeds might be perfect for you!

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. This gentle giant is perfect for families and experienced dog owners alike. Labs have a reputation for being extremely easy-going and good-natured. They love children, other dogs, and even cats—but they’ll bark to let you know if a stranger is on the premises. They can be a bit clumsy, so labs are not the best choice if anyone in the household suffers from allergies (though regular bathing can help with this). Labs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, including assistance for the disabled and search-and-rescue work. Labradors are medium-sized and have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year. They require daily walks and a fair amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy, but can be a bit lazy and don’t do well left in the yard all day.

German Shepherd

German shepherds are extremely popular as both working dogs and family pets. The breed is known for its high energy and intelligence, which makes it easy to train. GSs are protective and are excellent watchdogs. They’re loyal and affectionate to their owners, but respond to commands from strangers with suspicion if they have not been properly trained. GSDs have short, thick coats that shed year-round, but are fairly low-maintenance to groom. They shed a lot, so this breed is best for people who are willing to vacuum daily. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with a large, fenced-in yard where they can run around.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are extremely popular as family pets, especially with allergy sufferers. They are sweet, gentle, and affectionate—but they’re also energetic and intelligent. This high level of mental stimulation makes them excellent candidates for working dogs, including assistance and search-and-rescue. Golden retrievers need a fair amount of exercise, a healthy amount of mental stimulation, and plenty of affection. They are prone to obesity, so owners need to keep their feeding and exercise habits in check. This breed is also somewhat sensitive to sunburn. Golds have long, thick coats that shed moderately year-round. They require daily brushing and weekly baths during heavy shedding periods.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are the smallest breed on this list, but don’t let their size fool you: they’re highly adaptable and affectionate, but also fiercely independent and stubborn. This breed is best suited to experienced dog owners and those with extra time in their schedules. Yorks are not a “set it and forget it” type of breed. Yorkies have short, smooth coats that shed only when they moult. They are extremely sensitive to sunlight and do not do well outside in warm climates. They require daily brushing and weekly baths, and are sensitive to certain kinds of shampoos. Yorkies are highly active indoors and will do best with plenty of toys, a couple long walks each day, and plenty of opportunities to run around and play.

Shih Tzu

Despite their fearsome name, shih tzus are one of the most affectionate and friendly breeds on this list. This is another breed that works well for allergy sufferers. Shih tzus have long, thick coats that shed moderately year-round. They shed excessively once a year during a “moult.” During this time, daily brushing is a must to prevent hairballs from forming. Shih tzus are sensitive to the sun and do best indoors in cool climates. Shih tzus are playful and energetic indoors, but tend to be snoozy and lazy when outside in warm weather. They are highly affectionate and crave attention, but are usually not hyperactive or destructive. While they are generally easy to train, they can also be stubborn and require a firm, consistent hand.

Miniature Schnauzer

Despite their intimidating name, miniature schnauzers are playful, friendly, and affectionate, though they’re not always a good fit for families with young children. This breed is another good choice for allergy sufferers. Mini schnauzers have medium-length, coarse coats that shed moderately throughout the year. They require regular brushing and are sensitive to sun, so they do best indoors. Mini schnauzers are highly active indoors and will do best with a large, fenced-in yard where they can run around. This breed can be difficult to train, so it’s a good idea to start early.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are another breed that can be challenging to raise properly, but make great pets for experienced dog owners. Bulldogs are couch potatoes and don’t need lots of exercise—but they do need plenty of daily attention and affection. Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and short winters, so they’re not the best choice for people who live in warm areas. They have short, smooth coats that shed only when they moult. Bulldogs also require regular grooming and are sensitive to sunburn. Bulldogs are stubborn, but they are also very sweet—and they love to cuddle. This breed is prone to obesity, so owners will need to keep an eye on meals.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish water dog is a relatively new breed and still relatively rare outside of its native country. This breed is a wonderful choice for homes with open space (or a large fenced-in yard) where the dog can run and play. It’s not a good fit for small living spaces. Spanish water dogs are very intelligent and independent, meaning they require a lot of mental stimulation and training to stay happy. They’re affectionate, but not always the best with children. They have a thick, curly coat that sheds moderately year-round. If you’re allergic to dogs, this breed may be a good option for you.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels griffon is an affectionate, playful little breed that makes a great apartment dog. This breed is not recommended for families with young children, since they’re sensitive and can be snappy. Brussels griffons have short, smooth coats that shed moderately year-round. They require daily brushing and weekly baths. This is another breed that is great for allergy sufferers. Brussels griffons are extremely active indoors, but run around less when outside in warm weather. They are generally easy to train and make excellent watchdogs.

Summing up

There are more than 300 different dog breeds out there, but these top 10 stand above the rest in popularity. Each of these breeds comes with its own unique set of characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd. Some are small and friendly, others large and cuddly. Depending on what you’re looking for in a pet, one of these dog breeds might be perfect for you! Now that you know more about 10 of the most popular dog breeds, which one will you choose as your next pet?