The Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

There's a dog breed to match everyone's personality and household, whether you have an energetic, rough-and-tumble family or you want to carry your dog in your purse everywhere you go. The American Kennel Club tracks breeds on its registry, and just released new data on the nation's most popular dogs. If you got a new pup in 2021 — and thanks to the pandemic, lots of people did — chances are it was one of these top 30 breeds.

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At only 13 to 18 inches in height, mini American shepherds resemble small Australian shepherds. They're loyal, smart, and have an affinity for horses, making them great farm dogs.

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The cocker spaniel was first recognized as an AKC breed way back in 1878, and had previously been America's most popular breed for years. They were originally hunting dogs, though it's hard to imagine that now considering their merry, playful attitudes. 

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Shelties, from the remote Scottish Shetland islands, are bred to be quick, smart, and obedient for herding sheep. They're affectionate and loving with children, and tend to be protective of them since they're wary of strangers.

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Brittanys were originally gun dogs, though they're more likely to play with kids or other dogs than go hunting today. They're agile and energetic, and require a lot of exercise, but they're easy to train.

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English springer spaniels are tough and muscular under that long silky coat, making them great hunting companions. They're tough and full of energy, so they'd love to run around the backyard with the kids all day.

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Havanese are the only breed native to Cuba. The little dogs are vivacious and sociable, and are popular with city dwellers because they don't need a lot of space. Their long coats don't shed much, but they do require regular grooming.

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Tiny, fluffy Pomeranians fit a ton of personality into a small package — they only weigh 3 to 7 pounds. They've been a favorite of royals, and their inquisitive nature and bold personality make them one of the most popular toy breeds.

Bostons sport a signature tuxedo-style coat, which matches well with their impeccable manners. They're friendly and great with children, and can be endlessly amusing with their class-clown antics.

Shih tzu are eye-catching with their long, flowing coats, and they have a shining personality to match. They're playful, affectionate, and outgoing, which is why they've been bred in Tibet and China for hundreds of years. 

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The cane corso has been bred since Roman times, and its name roughly means "bodyguard dog." It's large, muscular, and alert, and will be vigilant in protecting its owner if needed — and offer plenty of loyal affection otherwise. 

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Bernese mountain dogs live to please their owners, which is good, because they're also big and powerful. They're sturdy and affectionate pets, but their medium-length coat will leave fur tumbleweeds around your house.

Associated with all things winter, Siberian huskies are not suited to hot climates thanks to their thick double coats. They're endlessly loyal and outgoing, but also mischievous trouble makers — and don't forget that trademark howl.

With a bushy beard and eyebrows, miniature schnauzers look like charming little men. They're outgoing, obedient, adaptable, and have a relatively long life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, making them ideal family pets.

Known for their massive size and weight (up to a svelte 175 pounds), Great Danes make good guard dogs because just the sight of one is enough of a deterrent. But they're also easygoing gentle giants that tend to be dependable and patient, making them popular pets.

Dobermans are fearless, alert, loyal, and formidable, earning them their reputation as a protective guard dog. Their shiny coat is sleek and elegant, and though they don't need much grooming, they tend to shed a lot.

The cavalier's long name represents its storied noble history. Despite its small stature of only around 15 pounds, it has the assertiveness of most toy breeds but the athleticism of a spaniel in an all-around gentle, affectionate package.

Boxers are smooth, graceful, and powerful, just like the athlete they're named after. They tend to be great with kids thanks to their fun-loving personality and silly antics. 

Yorkies are energetic, feisty little pups hidden under a beautiful, high-maintenance coat. They were used as ratters in mills and mines before becoming lap dogs, and that tenacious (and sometimes bossy) personality has stuck. 

Often the rodeo and cowboy dog of choice, Australian shepherds are smart, work-oriented and energetic. They'll herd anything that might be in your backyard, including a flock of geese (or your children). 

It's easy to see why the corgi is Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed with its stocky legs,  big blonde ears, and fluffy hind end. Besides the cuteness factor, it's a companionable and playful family dog.

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You probably know the dachshund as the "wiener dog" thanks to its long, lean body and stubby legs. It fits a big, spunky personality in that sausage-like body thanks to its initial breeding as a badger dog. 

German shorthaired pointers are known for their speed and agility and thrive on vigorous exercise, so they need a family with energy to spare. They're smart, quick learners, so they're relatively easy to train. 

A rottweiler's aloofness with strangers often belies its affection toward its own family. They have a well-earned reputation as guard dogs thanks to their strength and imposing nature, but they're also playful and loyal.

Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy companionship of other dogs and humans. They tend to be loyal, happy-go-lucky, and loving, and have been the most popular hound dog in America for years.

There's a reason why so many sports teams use the bulldog as a mascot: they're courageous, tenacious, and muscular. They tend to be calm and friendly, and though they can weigh up to 50 pounds, they will always attempt to be a lap dog, whether you like it or not. 

This is the first time since 1997 that poodles have moved into the top five most popular breeds. They're known for being incredibly smart, active, and proud, traits that most people don't associate with their fussy coats. 

German shepherds are intensely loyal, courageous, strong, and agile, which is why they're favored by the military and police. They're smart and confident, and will protect their family if need be.

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These renowned family pets are devoted, obedient, and smart, making them ideal as guide dogs and service animals, too. Goldens are infinitely affectionate as well. 

Though their popularity has skyrocketed in the last few years, Frenchies have been a recognized AKC breed since 1898. The small breed is known for its bat-like ears as well as its playfulness and adaptability, making it a great choice for a family with young children.

The Lab takes the title of "most popular dog breed in America" for the 31st year running. People are enamored with this breed, known for its outgoing and easy temperament, eager-to-please attitude, and boundless energy. Labs are great with children, easy to train, and will return your affection in spades.