The Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

Does your pooch make the cut? The American Kennel Club, or AKC for short, has come out with a list of the top dog breeds in the U.S. You’ve probably seen these dogs walking around your neighborhood or at the local dog park. There is quite the variety on this list ranging from small breeds to big breeds and also short-haired to long-haired dogs too.

10. Boxers

Boxers are a part of the brachycephalic family. The characteristics of this group are broad skulls and short muzzles and there are a few more members of this family later on the list. Boxers are medium-sized dogs and that come in either fawn or brindle along splashes of white, usually around the chest, and black around the face.

9. Rottweilers

Rottweilers, also affectionately referred to as Rotties, are most recognizable by their black coats and tan markings on their face and paws. They have a history of being used as herding and guard dogs which has given them a bad reputation. Many apartments and other places of residence have banned the ownership of rottweilers citing them as a high risk breed. However, this is not true. Like any other dog, if raised in the proper environment, rottweilers can make a great family pet.

8. Poodles

Poodles are one the most intelligent dog breeds. They also come in four different sizes: standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Their coat can also come in many different colors, but the main three are white, black, and brown.

7. Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies as their better known, are a small breed of dog. They have a grey, black, and tan coat that can be grown out and brushed to a shine. In comparison with other dogs, Yorkies are considered a better choice for people with allergies since they don’t shed along with the poodle.

6. French Bulldogs

Another member of the brachycephalic family, French Bulldogs or Frenchies, are a small breed. Acceptable colors according to the breed standards are fawn, tan, brindle and white. Black and blue Frenchies exist as well, but are not recognized by the AKC.

5. Beagles

Beagle are known for the strong sense of smell. They were developed to hunt hares and their small stature allows them to run nimbly through the brush. Beagle are also famous for their tri-colored which can come in a variety of shades.

4. English Bulldogs

The last member of the brachycephalic family on this list is the English Bulldog. Along with their mushed in muzzle, they have thick folds of skin on their face and neck. They are a hefty medium-sized breed with a beefy appearance. The name Bulldog is derived from their past when these dogs were used in the sport of bull baiting in England.

3. Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are large-sized dogs that are popular in the hunting community. They are often used to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and other game birds during hunting season. As a result these dogs love water and are easy to train. They have a long outer coat with a denser inner coat underneath. The coat’s colors range from blonde to to deep gold.

2. German Sheperds

German Sheperds are recognizable for their striking coat color. They are tan with a black mask around their face and a large black splotch on their back. As their name would suggest, these dogs originate from Germany were they were developed to herd sheep. As of today, they are still on the job and are often chosen by law enforcement to work along with side by side.

1. Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever, or Lab for short, is another dog that is used to retrieve waterfowl. They are also a top pick for service dogs assisting those in need due to their easy ability to be trained. Labs want to please you which makes them a great family pet and why they are America’s favorite dog.