These Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.

• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: 22-28 pounds
• Personality: affectionate, even-tempered
• Activity Level: low
• Shedding Factor: moderate 
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Ah, the French Bulldog. The current most popular dog breed in the U.S. If you ask The French Bulldog Club of America, they’ll tell you they’ve been big Frenchie fans since 1897. They’ll also tell you these companion dogs are lively, sweet and even-tempered. French Bulldog parents, who include celebs like Gabrielle Union, Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga, will find these pups are ideal apartment pets, easy to groom and train well with proper motivation (positive reinforcement and treats). As brachycephalic breeds, Frenchies shouldn’t exercise too intensely in hot weather or be left alone near pools, as they are more prone to drowning. With their giant ears and inquisitive expressions, it’s no secret these small dogs have risen to such heights in recent years.

• Height: 21-25 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds
• Personality: outgoing, fun-loving
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Despite their new No. 2 ranking, Labrador Retrievers are still incredibly popular dogs. This is probably because they make excellent family pets—they’re social, friendly, eager to please, energetic, loving and loyal. Labs were bred as water dogs in Canada to help hunters retrieve game. They developed into highly intelligent, intuitive dogs who thrive in the company of their human families. They excel at therapy work and love to learn games and tricks. The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. calls Labs “the breed that does it all,” and that pretty much sums it up.

• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Personality: friendly, devoted
• Activity Level: moderate to high
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Perhaps one of the most recognizable dogs around is the Golden Retriever. Whether you’re lured in by their silky, long golden coats or bright smiling faces, it’ll be their friendly dispositions and devotion to their families that keep you coming back for more. Bred in Scotland as a versatile hunting dog, these pups are athletic and energetic. They train well (but require consistency when it comes to commands) and get along swimmingly with other pets and kids. They’re ideal for families or anyone looking for a social butterfly of a dog who will make friends wherever they go. Just be sure to invest in a lint roller or ten, because Goldens shed like crazy.

• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 50-90 pounds
• Personality: loyal, confident
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

One of the many German dog breeds on our list, German Shepherds are loyal, serious and intimidating dogs. This is why they have extensive work history as police, service and guard dogs. If you’re thinking about adding a German Shepherd to your family, consider their temperament. While they are devoted protectors and love their families, they lack the friendliness that comes with say, Golden Retrievers. German Shepherds tend to be more aloof and focused on tasks at hand (the curse of a working breed who needs a job to do). Training early and often is essential to well-behaved German Shepherds.

• Height: 15 inches
• Weight: 40-70 pounds
• Personality: intelligent, active
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Poodles are smart, athletic dogs who learn quickly, bond well with family members and have lots of energy. The biggest challenge with a Poodle may be grooming their hypoallergenic coats. Great for allergy sufferers, Poodle coats require diligent brushing every single day. Some people opt for short coats to avoid matting fur, but even that may require frequent trips to the groomers. Poodles thrive in active households (they love agility and obedience training) and, according to the Poodle Club of America, may even make great hunting companions.

• Height: 14 - 15 inches
• Weight: 40 - 50 pounds
• Personality: protective, sweet
• Activity Level: low to moderate
• Shedding Factor: moderate
• Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

Though there are tons of Bulldog breeds out there, the classic Bulldog hails from England and makes a sweet, protective companion pet. Much larger than their French Bulldog counterparts, standard Bulldogs require a little extra living space and may be more stubborn when it comes to training. Similar to Frenchies, Bulldogs require extra care when it comes to their shortened snouts and muscular builds. Prone to overheating and hip dysplasia, it’s important to keep up with annual vet visits to ensure your Bulldog stays healthy and happy. 

• Height: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 80-135 pounds
• Personality: confident, loving
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: moderate
• Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years

The American Rottweiler Club says that although these dogs make excellent guardians and loving companions, they aren’t for everyone. “Because of the Rottweiler’s size, strength and protectiveness, owning a Rottweiler carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment,” the ARC says. Basically, these are powerful dogs who require lots of training and socialization to ensure both their safety and the safety of others (including other pets). In fact, while they love playtime, getting too rough with a Rottweiler can lead to aggression. Lead and train with love, positive reinforcement and consistency and you’ll set everyone up for success.  

• Height: 10-15 inches
• Weight: 15-30 pounds
• Personality: friendly, doting
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Beagles are vocal sweethearts who do best when surrounded by family members, including other pets. They are hound dogs bred to hunt in packs, so this makes total sense. Friendly and playful, Beagles do have high prey drive and love tracking scents, so on-leash walks are the best practice when out and about. Finally, Beagles may have the best puppy dog eyes we’ve ever seen. Who can resist that face? Maybe this is why they are so popular among dog people in the U.S. 

• Height: 8-9 inches (Standard), 5-6 inches (Miniature)
• Weight: 16-32 pounds (Standard), up to 11 pounds (Miniature)
• Personality: curious, affectionate
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: low
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Charming and affectionate, Dachshunds also tend to believe they are giant watchdogs. Unafraid to bark at strangers or intruders to protect their favorite people, these small but mighty dogs are actually quite energetic and need regular exercise. However, you’ll have to be careful not to let them overexert themselves on stairs or furniture, because they could get hurt easily due to their hot dog shape. Dachshunds definitely have an independent streak, so establish commands and ground rules early. Then, get ready for loving, dedicated snuggles.

• Height: 21-25 inches
• Weight: 45-70 pounds
• Personality: friendly, active
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Another German breed, these medium-sized dogs make excellent pets for active people and families because they have energy to burn and love being included in group activities. The AKC notes German Shorthaired Pointers definitely have minds of their own and can become destructive if left alone too long, so games and tricks that exercise their minds are just as important as physical fitness. But grooming is a cinch! 

• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 28-30 pounds
• Personality: playful, affectionate
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the Corgis without tails, the ones with the cute little bums that seem to waddle back and forth on walks. It’s unclear why Pembrokes are so much more popular than Cardigan Welsh Corgis (the ones with the tails), as both breeds are affectionate, even-tempered and intelligent dogs. In any case, the Pembroke Corgi is a herding breed, which means they bond well with their humans and need lots of time to run around freely during the day.

• Height: 18-23 inches
• Weight: 40-65 pounds
• Personality: smart, A=athletic
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Highly intelligent, highly athletic and sort of high maintenance, Australian Shepherds require lots of outdoor time and play. Do not expect Aussies to sit idly around the house all day. They want to chase animals in the yard, go for runs and be included in your activities. Training early is key to a successful Aussie-human relationship. In fact, the AKC says, “One of the most frequent reasons Aussies end up in rescue situations is owners couldn't (or wouldn't) constructively channel the breed's boundless energy through training.” Get ready to work hard on a bond that will last a lifetime with these ultimately adoring companions.

• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Personality: affectionate, lively
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 11-15 years

Possibly the tiniest dog on our list, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed with a big personality. If you want to keep their hair long, they’ll require some daily grooming on your part. You can also have them professionally trimmed on the regular for short coats. Bred to be companion animals, they will love you tons and “protect” you from strangers by barking. They also live a long time and while they need and enjoy exercise, a few brisk walks each day may suffice, depending on the dog.

• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds
• Personality: affectionate, friendly
• Activity Level: low to moderate
• Shedding Factor: low to moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

A notoriously adaptable breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively calm dogs who make excellent pets for all types of folks (seniors, singles, families) in all types of locales (cities, farms, suburbs). Some Cavs even enjoy agility or course training, if you’re into it. One thing to be aware of: They were bred as hunting dogs, so their prey drive is strong. If they smell something interesting, it may be hard to convince them to forget it, so walks on-leash are best.

• Height: 24-28 inches
• Weight: 60-100 pounds
• Personality: intelligent, alert  
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Considered a noble working breed, Doberman Pinschers hail from Germany and are superheroes in many ways. Their intelligence and alertness make them excellent police dogs, and their obedience (when trained and socialized early on) and loyalty make them terrific therapy dogs. For sure not a breed for novice dog owners, Dobermans require lots of exercise and attention, but the payoff is worth every second.

• Height: 21-25 inches
• Weight: 50-80 pounds
• Personality: active, playful
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: low to moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Another brachycephalic breed, Boxers are active, playful, high-energy dogs who should be kept away from pools due to an increased drowning risk. They also love their families and enjoy being in on the action, making them great with kids. However, Boxers can become very protective and should be trained in commands that ensure you can call them back if they get overprotective. Ideal living situations for Boxers are big houses with lots of yard space (fenced in, of course).

• Height: 12-14 inches
• Weight: 11-20 pounds
• Personality: friendly, obedient
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Unlike the Standard and Giant Schnauzers, Miniature Schnauzers are more manageable when it comes to size. These hypoallergenic dogs do require extra grooming; a professional trim every month or two is necessary to keep them in tip-top shape. At home, they are affectionate family dogs who love to learn and play. Yes, they will bark at strangers if they think their families are being threatened, but it’s just their way of proving their devotion.

• Height: 23-27 inches
• Weight: 90-130 pounds
• Personality: smart, sweet, protective
• Activity Level: moderate to high
• Shedding Factor: low to oderate
• Life Expectancy: 9-12 years

Do you want a giant, intimidating dog everyone will stare at? How about a confident protector? A dog who is definitely sweet but also needs lots of socialization to ensure good manners out in public? Say hello to the Cane Corso. These are ancient guard dogs who are smart yet fierce, so they require solid training and will learn commands quickly. They are also enormous and can grow up to 130 pounds. Make sure you get them outside for regular exercise so they don’t become destructive.

• Height: 28-32 inches
• Weight: 110-175 pounds
• Personality: Ppatient, friendly
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: low
• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Another giant breed on our list: the Great Dane. These gentle giants are more lanky than Cane Corsos but typically grow taller and weigh more. Early life with a Great Dane puppy is really important. Their bones are growing and until the age of two they shouldn’t be over-exercised. That stage is also the time to establish boundaries and good manners, as they will be harder to control when they are fully grown. Some Danes are good with small kids, while others might see toddlers as annoying tripping hazards, so think carefully if you have small kiddos.

• Height: 9-11 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Personality: cheerful, loving
• Shedding Factor: low
• Activity Level: moderate to high
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Ideal in small spaces and for just about any family situation, Shih Tzus are goofy little dogs who love to lounge. Definitely get ready for some play time, but don’t worry about running laps with one of these cheerful dogs. They get along well with kids and tend to enjoy other pets. Like Yorkies, you can have a Shih Tzu professionally trimmed for a shorter coat, or let it grow and brush it frequently to prevent matting. You’ll likely need to clip their fur into a top knot to keep it out of their eyes if you go this route, so accessorizing may also become part of your routine.