18 of the Most Popular Dog Breeds
Are you looking to expand your family? The addition of a dog is the perfect way to fill your heart with joy, as the benefits of adopting a dog are countless.
While the decision to adopt is easy, knowing which type of dog to look for is another question. Read on to explore 18 popular dog breeds and see which one speaks to your heart the most.
1. Labrador Retriever
Whether you’re a fan of the yellow lab, chocolate lab, or black lab, this is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
A Labrador’s disposition is delightful; they train up easily; they’re social animals; and they’re utterly loyal. Labs make great companions for adults and children alike, and have a nice, long life expectancy of about 10 - 12 years.
2. Golden Retriever
Like their cousin, the Labrador Retriever, Goldens are equally affable, easy to train, and delightful. They’re slightly similar in size, too, weighing in around 50 lbs.
Like Labs, Goldens are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please. They also have a nice, long life span, averaging about ten years, making them one of the most common dog breeds.
3. English Bulldog
Who doesn’t see a Bully trotting down the street and get the urge to stop and cuddle him or her?
There are many different breeds of Bulldogs. But, the one you’re probably imagining right now is the English Bulldog, an adorably stout little guy with a stoic disposition.
Bullies are one of the most famous dog breeds because they’re strong and courageous. And, while it’s true pet owners need to be aware of potential breathing problems down the line, don’t let that deter you from welcoming one of these dogs into your heart with the help of a reputable breeder.
4. French Bulldog
The Frenchie is the cousin to the English bulldog, with some cute little quirks like those oversized ears and a boop-able snouts. Truly, they’re one of the most famous puppy breeds in the world today.
Like the English Bulldog, Frenchies don’t need an incredible amount of exercise. So, some of those potential breathing problems may be mitigated with a more relaxed lifestyle.
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are work dogs. They love to serve and protect. But, given their high levels of intelligence, they’re also astute family friends who train up well and provide constant companionship.
For a larger breed, they have a nice lifespan, averaging ten years. So, if you’d like to introduce them as another member of the family when your children are young, there’s a good chance they’ll be around for many of life’s happiest moments.
6. Poodles
Border Collies and Poodles are two of the smartest breeds of dogs. Although they’re high-energy sidekicks, training them to be calm, cozy members of the family is an achievable goal.
Poodles also tend to be less allergenic, if you’re worried about friends and family with allergies.
Cross breeds like Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Bernedoodles keep popping up because they’re some of the most popular kinds of dogs.
You’re introducing high levels of intelligence, low allergen levels, and the chance to breed with the delightful disposition of a Lab, Golden, or Bernese Mountain Dog.
7. Huskies
Huskies are absolutely hilarious. If you love watching YouTube videos on dogs, you’re likely to come upon a Husky channel because they’re chatty little fellows. They love to talk back with various intonations in their “voice,” making them one of the most famous breeds of dogs.
Along with their hilarious dispositions, Huskies also have the most striking blue eyes and a famous “double-coat,” meaning they can endure cold weather with no trouble at all.
8. Beagles
Speaking of Chatty Cathys, Beagles are second in line to the Husky. Wouldn’t it be funny to record a conversation between the two?
Beagles tend to be continuously happy, loving, and easy-to-please, making them excellent family companions.
If you adopt a Beagle, you may have to take a little bit of care to prevent ear infections. But, those floppy little ears are worth every ounce of extra care and attention.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Coming up behind Beagles in the cute ear department are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They’re the cutest cuddle buddies that are every bit as charming as Lady from Lady and the Tramp.
Cavaliers are often labeled as noble creatures and it’s not just because of their beauty, but also their grace. Best of all, if you really fall in love with this breed, their gorgeous coats come in four different varieties: ruby, black and tan, tricolour, and Blenheim.
10. Dachshunds
Who doesn’t love the wiggle of a weiner dog? They’re so unique, they just beg for hugs and kisses. Like the Cavalier, Dachshunds have the sweetest eyes and a similar life expectancy of about 12-16 years.
They also come in a variety of colors, but what truly makes them unique is some are long-haired while others are short-haired. Some may also be wire-haired while others are soft-haired.
Whether you’re rescuing one of these fur babies or consulting a breeder, the options abound with this sweet small breed.
11. Welsh Corgis
Long live the Queen! Even though she’s no longer with us, she left a legacy of love for these cute little sidekicks. Like the Frenchie, Corgis have the perkiest little ears and happiest little faces.
Typically, Corgis do better with older children. But, that all comes down to training because they’re pretty low-key and easy to please. As a smaller breed, Corgis also have a well-rounded life expectancy of about 12-15 years.
12. Australian Shepherd
If you’re a lover of the outdoors, you won’t be disappointed when you invite an Australian Shepherd into your home.
These guys love to play outside. If you can picture a pup on a paddleboard, this is the breed that can accomplish that level of agility. Okay, maybe the Border Collie, too.
One fun fact about these Shepherds is that their beauty was actually perfected in California, even though they originated in Australia. They’re lean little love machines who’d be over the moon to join you in your enthusiastic outdoor lifestyle.
13. Yorkshire Terriers
Back to the cuddle buddies. Yorkshire Terriers (and teacup Yorkies) are popular not only because they’re cute as a button, but because they also don’t shed too badly.
These guys can live upwards of 16 years when you afford them a healthy lifestyle and, typically, they don’t grow much larger than seven pounds.
If you enjoy a more relaxed, indoor lifestyle, a Yorkie might be the perfect fit for you because they don’t require a ton of exercise and, as a member of one of the most famous breeds of dogs – the Terrier family – they don’t shed too much.
14. Boxers
How about another large breed? Boxers are smart-looking dogs who love to exercise and garner a lot of oohs and aahs wherever they go.
Unlike the Yorkie, these beefy breeds do love their exercise. If you have a large backyard, you can allow them to get their daily zoomies out at a healthy pace.
Boxers are beautiful, muscular breeds that can clock in anywhere from 60-85 pounds and live somewhere around 10-12 years.
15. Border Collies
We mentioned Border Collies alongside the intelligent Poodle and the athletic Aussie. And, boy, are they smart. Studies show that Border Collies can recognize over 1,000 different vocabulary words.
Teaching them to sit, stay, and come will be a joy, as they’re sure to pick it up quickly. When you have a really well-trained dog, the joys of ownership increase exponentially.
Border Collies can walk alongside you without a lot of leash-pulling and frustration. Indeed, they know their limits and expectations, making them a delightful option for your future family growth.
16. Pugs
Another adorable breed that you just want to scoop up and cuddle is the Pug. They have the cutest little faces, much like the Frenchie or English Bulldog.
But, you know how some small breeds have a bad rap for being yappers? The Pug isn’t known for this; they’re known to be quite even-tempered while still having a lovely, welcoming disposition.
They’ll be more than happy to be your cuddle pug as they welcome all your hugs and kisses.
17. Italian Greyhounds
Italian greyhounds, playfully referred to as Iggys, are a wonderful small breed that are agile, athletic, and highly intelligent. They really do look like a regular Greyhound who was shrunken in the dryer.
If you live in a small space and just want a small friend to sit beside you on the couch, this may be the breed for you. Like the larger breed, Iggys also come in an array of colors, so you never know exactly what your next best friend might look like.
18. Irish Setters
The look of an Irish Setter is unmistakable. They have the most gorgeous mane of sunset red hair that begs to be petted. Historically, they’ve worked hard as hunting dogs.
Of course, they can still fill those shoes. But, for a more domestic setting, these majestic dogs are known to be graceful, swift, affectionate, and companionable.
Imagine a household filled with two low-key, but high-joy breeds, like a Pug and an Irish Setter? Anything’s possible because the options abound with a little bit of research.
The List of Popular Dog Breeds Is Long
As you can see, the list of popular dog breeds is long and we’ve only scratched the surface. Take a look at your lifestyle and see what type of sidekick you’d like to welcome into your home.
Are you more of a bookworm who enjoys a small, quiet space? Maybe the Yorkie, Pug, or Corgi will be your bestie. Or, if you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, you might consider a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, or Husky.
When you’re ready to make the commitment, your life will expand in the most unexpected and joyous way.
Love this article? Read more at Your Life Buzz.