Dogs, dogs, everywhere! Dogs are super popular. In the United States, over 63.4 million families own at least one. That’s a lot of cute paws to love. Rescue dogs, working dogs, and family pets, we adore them all.
The United States is not alone in their infatuation with the doggos. All over the world, people own dogs. In 2018, it was estimated that over 470 million dogs were kept as pets, with Brazil having more pet small dogs per capita than any other country.
Dogs are special and people just can’t help but cherish them. They are truly part of our world culture and families. All dogs hold a special place no matter what they’re breeding or background but these 10 breeds are the most popular in the world.
1. Labrador Retriever
The iconic lab is recognized by everyone. These high energy pups come in chocolate, yellow, and black. Bred as working dogs, labs originated as the traditional waterdog of Newfoundland where they worked as duck retrievers and helped fishermen. As such they love water and have tons of energy. They also love people, other dogs, and make great pets that are easily trainable. Labs also make great therapy and working dogs.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are another highly recognizable breed. Known for their fierce loyalty, intelligence, and work ethic, they were originally bred in Germany to herd and protect flocks so they are very protective and alert. German shepherds are highly active and bond very closely with their families. They require lots of attention, training, and exercise and reward that with absolute devotion. These popular family pets also excel as therapy and service dogs and in high pressure jobs such as military, police, and search and rescue work.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers look as cuddly as real life teddy bears but were also bred to work. They originated in the Scottish Highlands as rugged gun dogs that could handle harsh climates. Smart, animated, and naturally playful, golden retrievers and easy to train, love water, and enjoy fetching and playing in the outdoors. Their happy personalities make them wonderful family pets. Despite their cuteness, they are hard working dogs that excel in hunting, field work, as therapy dogs, and in search and rescue, and competitive events.
4. Poodle
Poodles are another very recognizable breed. These very intelligent dogs come in three sizes, the toy, miniature, or standard. They are covered with dense, curly fur that protects their athletic bodies. Poodles actually originated in Germany (not France, there’s no such thing as a French Poodle). They were bred to retrieve in water and are known for being super intelligent and rugged, despite their fancy fur. They have sweet dispositions and lively personalities and require lots of grooming.
5. Chihuahua
The smallest dog on the list weighing in at 6 pounds when grown, the popular chihuahua originated in Mexico. These tiny dogs are known for being spunky and full of confidence. Even though they are small, they require training or they can become bossy. Chihuahuas make good family pets but are not rugged and can tend to be fragile so care must be given around children or other animals. Despite their tiny size, they can still make good watch dogs because they are alert and will bark at whatever captures their attention.
6. Dachshund
These small but mighty hounds come in two sizes, the miniature and standard with three coat types, smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. Recognized for their long bodies and short legs, they’re definitely not considered athletes but they are high energy. They originated in Germany and were bred to dig badger dens. Due to their breeding, they are bold, rugged, and can be fearless to a fault. They make great watch dogs, family pets, and are always entertaining with their playful antics and personalities.
7. Beagle
The adorable beagle is another example of an adorable yet rugged dog. Bred for the hunt, their origination is somewhat of a mystery despite being very popular in England. They come in two sizes, the 13” and the 15” and come in fun colors such as lemon, red and white, and tricolor. Beagles are curious, fun, good natured, and intelligent. They are pack oriented, form close bonds with their family, and normally get along well with other dogs. Plus, they are super cute!
8. English Bulldog
The English bulldog with the “sour mug” face is another widely recognized dog. It’s hard to mix this squishy faced pup up with any other breed. Bulldogs originated in England and were bred for bull baiting so they are super tough with strong compact bodies. They also have huge jaws and a very high pain tolerance. Fortunately, most bull dogs today enjoy their time playing with their owners, taking short walks, being cuddly lap dogs, and avoiding hot weather whenever possible.
9. French Bulldog
The French bulldog, fondly known as the Frenchie, is an adorable toy breed. They resemble their bulldog cousin but are much smaller. French bulldogs make great pets for people who live in smaller homes, apartments, or who are less active since they don’t require much exercise. Frenchies, unlike many of the other dogs on this list, are not working dogs. Rather, they were originally used as mascots for lace makers in Nottingham, England. They later became popular in the French countryside where lace makers settled, hence their name. Frenchies are cute, lively, fun, and love people. They usually get along well with other dogs and are still very popular in Paris.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known simply as the Yorkie, is another toy breed. Despite being small, this compact terrier is tiny but mighty. They were originally bred to catch rodents in textile mills. Yorkies are known for their long silky fur that is similar to human hair so they are a favorite pup of allergy sufferers. Yorkies are fun, playful, feisty, and have a lot of attitude packed into their tiny bodies. Despite their sassy terrier attitudes, they also love to sit on a warm lap and receive lots of cuddles and are very loving.
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