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Nothing is better than coming home to these perfect, unconditionally loving, always-happy-to-see-you creatures. Dogs are the best, no question about it. And while some people prefer one breed to another for intrinsic characteristics and personality or their perceived cuteness– all dogs are great. However, these are the 25 most popular dog breeds right now.
25. Havanese
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The Havanese dog breed, affectionately known as “the national dog of Cuba,” embodies a delightful combination of charm, intelligence, and companionship. With a distinctive silky coat that comes in an array of colors, including white, cream, and various shades of brown, the Havanese is adored for its elegant appearance and lively personality. Renowned for their playful demeanor and affectionate nature, Havanese dogs thrive on human companionship and are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. Their cheerful disposition and adaptability make them well-suited to various living situations, from city apartments to rural homes.
24. Boston Terrier
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Friendly, smart, and playful, the Boston Terrier is among the most popular breed of terriers. It’s no secret that the dog named after Boston makes for a great pet to own in the city. They grow to be no more than 25 pounds, though the Boston Terrier boasts a large personality within a small frame. Their sturdy frame makes them durable enough to withstand playing with children, while also slim enough to always enjoy a brisk walk down the block.
23. Pomeranian
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Sensing a pattern here? Smaller dogs make for some of the most popular breeds due to their compact nature. Pomeranians grow to be between 3-7 pounds on average, and are a generally friendly breed of dog that responds well to training. They are noted for their adorable looks and playful behaviors. Pomeranians have even earned the nickname pom-pom due to their fuzzy coat resembling the decorative balls of tuft wielded by cheerleaders at football games.
22. Bernese Mountain Dog
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The Bernese Mountain Dog, a majestic and gentle giant, captures the hearts of dog lovers with its striking tri-colored coat, imposing size, and warm, affectionate nature. Originating from the Swiss Alps, this breed was traditionally used as a versatile farm dog, valued for its strength, endurance, and ability to work in rugged mountain terrain. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is cherished as a beloved family companion, known for its calm and patient demeanor, especially with children. Despite its imposing size, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a true gentle giant, displaying unwavering loyalty and devotion to its human family.
21. Siberian Husky
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The Siberian Husky is known as the first dog to arrive in the Americas, and remain one of the most popular breeds on the continent 12,000 years later. The wolf-like breed howls rather than barks, and exhibits a ton of energy even indoors. They thrive in the cold climate, though Siberian Huskies are seen all throughout America including the West Coast. We can hardly blame these owners, though, as the Siberian Husky makes for such a delightful companion.
20. Shih Tzu
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With a name that comes from the Chinese language word for lion, the well-behaved Shih Tzu makes for a great family pet who doubles as a watch dog. Though they weren’t purposefully bred for the purpose of security, Shih Tzu’s are naturally alert and are possessive of their owners. Though they are always on high-alert, Shih Tzu’s are typically mild-mannered and play well with other pets and humans.
19. Great Dane
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They weren’t kidding when they named this breed. The Great Dane is one of the largest breeds in the world. The tallest dog ever measured was a Great Dane named Zeus, who checked in at 44 inches from paw to shoulder (the tallest living dog is also a Great Dane, 40.7 inches). Great Danes are muscly hunters who thrive in the outdoors. They make for great working dogs, and love human affection.
18. Cane Corso
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The Cane Corso, an ancient Italian breed of Mastiff known for its imposing stature and unwavering loyalty. With its muscular build, powerful jaw, and distinctive molossus features, the Cane Corso commands attention wherever it goes. Originally bred as a guardian and protector of farms and estates, this noble breed possesses a strong protective instinct and a natural inclination to defend its territory and loved ones. Despite its imposing appearance, the Cane Corso is deeply affectionate and devoted to its family, forming strong bonds with its human companions.
17. Miniature Schnauzer
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The Miniature Schnauzer, a spirited and intelligent breed, captivates with its distinctive beard, bushy eyebrows, and charming personality. Originating from Germany, this compact yet sturdy dog is celebrated for its boundless energy and lively disposition. With its keen intelligence and eager-to-please nature, the Miniature Schnauzer excels in various dog sports and activities, from agility and obedience trials to therapy work and even as a loyal companion in the home.
16. Boxer
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Some dogs are all bark, no bite. The Boxer is the opposite. Known for their broad base and powerful frame, Boxer’s also possess very strong jaws and pack a devastating bite. Don’t worry though, the Boxer is one of the friendliest and most loyal breeds of dogs making them a popular choice among families. Just make sure to keep them busy unless you want all of your furniture to be chewed up.
15. Doberman Pinscher
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Doberman’s may have an intimidating presence, but the reality is they are amazing dogs who can work for all different types of potential owners. The reputation that precedes Doberman’s are that of a protective and intelligent breed, but they’re also adventurous and loving. Anybody who wants a dog that showers its owner in non-stop affection should go out and get a Doberman immediately. They provide both warmth and security — two valuable traits for any family dog.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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These lovable toy dogs are graceful, energetic, affectionate, and playful. The Cavalier King Charles is known for its soft fur and warm personality. They make for great family pets and absolutely love human interaction. They demand a certain level of attention — so don’t keep them home alone for too long! Though that shouldn’t be too much of a problem as no owner could stay away from those floppy ears forever.
13. Yorkshire Terrier
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The Yorkshire Terrier is the most popular and quintessential terrier among the breeding line. They possess all of the main physical and mental characteristics of the breed — highly active, loving, playful, and loyal. Yorkshire Terriers demand constant interaction with humans and other dogs. Many owners of Yorkshire Terriers even adopt two at a time as the breed can experience severe separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They are tiny, precious, and even a bit feisty, and make for excellent four-legged friends.
12. Australian Shepherd
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Bearing a strong resemblance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepard Dog is a sociable and adventurous companion. The Australian Shepard Dog is actually a direct descendant of the Border Collie and the two breeds share very similar traits — the Aussie does grow to be a bit larger on average, though. New dog owners should proceed with caution, as the Australian Shepard Dog demands daily exercise and a considerable amount of attention. Experienced owners will find owning one of these loyal pups to be incredibly rewarding.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
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Believe it or not, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi descends from the same line of dogs that eventually bred the Siberian Husky. You certainly wouldn’t think of a corgi and a husky coming from the same line of dogs at first glance. The Corgi is not nearly as physically gifted as its long lost cousin, but has somehow found a way to be just as active and energetic as the Husky. Even with its short legs and square body, the Corgi can race to a speed of up to 25 miles per hour.
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
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As its name suggests, the German Shorthaired Pointer, or GSP, was bred in Germany as a hunting breed. The GSP is a gifted tracker who can excel on both land and water. Built like an Olympic sprinter, the GSP boasts a large body with long, powerful legs which allows it to pick up speed in an instant. While they were specifically bred to hunt, the GSP was also meant to be an ideal family dog who could safely socialize with young children. A lack of daily exercise could lead the GSP to developing destructive tendencies — so make sure they get plenty of time outdoors!
9. Dachshund
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The pint-sized Dachsund does not offer much in terms of protection. However, the popular breed remains a top choice among dog owners, and is touted for having a joyful personality. Dachsund’s are an extremely clever breed. They use body language and other visual and verbal cues to express their feelings. Dachsund’s are also known to be quite stubborn, but that factor plays a large part in their endearing nature. Despite its large body and short legs, Dachsund’s are exceptional athletes who perform well in all sorts of dog sports.
8. Beagle
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The Beagle is loving, infectious, and friendly — all qualities that make it the most popular choice as a hound dog in America. The breed is highly intelligent, using scent and other detection measures to scope out hares and other small creatures. They have stayed relevant since the 1950s when they were considered the No.1 most popular dog in the country. Now, they rank just outside of the top-five, but remain a worthy companion nonetheless.
7. Rottweiler
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Rottweilers are a large breed of dog that was originally used in the Roman times as herders. In Germany, the breed is referred to as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Rotweill butcher’s dogs because their primary uses were herding livestock and pushing meat carts to markets. They are good-natured dogs who are calm, confident, obedient and fearless. All of their characteristics make them great family dogs — as well as a popular breed for search and rescue and police dogs.
6. Bulldog
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The Bulldog is very recognizable with its distinctive wrinkled face, pushed-in nose, and muscular build. Originating from England, this breed was originally bred for bull-baiting, but over time, it has evolved into a beloved family companion cherished for its gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty. With its laid-back attitude and love for lounging, the Bulldog thrives in various living situations, from bustling city apartments to spacious country estates. Whether serving as a devoted family pet or a beloved mascot for many sports teams and universities, the Bulldog’s endearing personality and undeniable charm make it a cherished symbol of companionship and loyalty for dog lovers worldwide.
5. Poodle
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From 1960-1982, the Poodle held the No. 1 ranking for most popular breed in the U.S. While it has fallen in favor of some other breeds since then, the coveted show-dog remains a top choice among dog owners across the world. The Poodle breed comes in three varieties (standard, miniature, and toy) which refer to the size of the dog. There is a size for everyone, making the Poodle both a practical and flexible choice for owners. They are intelligent and elegant. We remain unsure how fond they are of the haircut choices some of their owners make for them…
4. German Shepherd
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Regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, German Shepherds are versatile dogs who adapt easily to work life and any welcoming home. Large and athletic dogs, German Shepherds were bred to herd sheep but have since taken on new occupations. They are regularly seen within the police force and are also a popular pick as a disability assistance dog.
3. Golden Retriever
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Ol’ reliable. Everybody has either owned — or knows somebody who has owned — an incredible Golden Retriever at one point in their lives. You simply can’t have a bad experience with this breed. They are both extraordinarily friendly and highly intelligent. While we wouldn’t suggest keeping one in a studio apartment, Golden Retrievers can be a great choice for all sorts of owners. They aim to please and are fiercely loyal creatures.
2. Labrador Retriever
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Regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, German Shepherds are versatile dogs who adapt easily to work life and any welcoming home. Large and athletic dogs, German Shepherds were bred to herd sheep but have since taken on new occupations. They are regularly seen within the police force and are also a popular pick as a disability assistance dog.
1. French Bulldog
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It’s not all that hard to see why the French Bulldog has increased in popularity in America over the last number of years. They don’t require much grooming maintenance and they’re fairly compact dogs. They also boast a signature look and are downright adorable in nature. French Bulldogs are absolutely not camera shy, and have been a popular breed among celebrities who like to show off their pets across social media. Perhaps their popularity among celebrities is how the French Bulldog became America’s most popular breed in 2023.
