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Seven Dogs
yellowsarah/istockphoto

The Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

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Lacey Muszynski
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Seven Dogs
yellowsarah/istockphoto

Who's a Good Boy?

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.


Related: Otterhounds, Pulis, and Other Dog Breeds You've Never Heard Of

"Buddy" Miniature American Shepherd
"Buddy" Miniature American Shepherd by Jugabe3b (CC BY-SA)

30. Miniature American Shepherd

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.


Related: The Most Popular Dog Names of 2021

Cocker spaniel dog
Bigandt_Photography/istockphoto

29. Cocker Spaniel

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. 


Related: Presidential Pets: A Look Back

Adorable Sable Sheltie
AngelaMedler/istockphoto

28. Shetland Sheepdogs

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.


Related: The Most Family-Friendly Dogs to Bring Home to the Kids

Brittany Spaniel
daveldman/istockphoto

27. Brittany

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.


Related: Popular Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

English Springer Spaniel playing
Nigel_Wallace/istockphoto

26. English Springer Spaniel

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.


Related: The Easiest and Hardest Dog Breeds to Train

Beautiful young havanese dog sitting on a gravel forest road
Dorottya_Mathe/istockphoto

25. Havanese

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.


Related: These Are the Best Dogs For Seniors

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dog pomeranian spitz smiling
Pattarawat/istockphoto

24. Pomeranian

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.


Portrait boston terrier pure breed soft grey background closeup
RubenPH/istockphoto

23. Boston Terrier

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 in nature
elenasendler/istockphoto

22. Shih Tzu

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. 


Related: 47 Adorable Photos of Pets 'Working From Home'

Brindle Cane Corso dog with uncropped ears and a chain collar posing outdoors lying down on a rural road in summer
Eudyptula/istockphoto

21. Cane Corso

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. 


Related: Cute Dog Breeds That Make Terrible Pets

A bernese mountain dog on the grass
antares71/istockphoto

20. Bernese Mountain Dog

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.

Husky dog
chabybucko/istockphoto

19. Siberian Husky

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.

Miniature schnauzer lying on the grass
Elen11/istockphoto

18. Miniature Schnauzer

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.

Black and white Great Dane staring at camera
Earl-Wilkerson/istockphoto

17. Great Dane

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.

Doberman Pinscher
Hakase_/istockphoto

16. Doberman Pinscher

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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looking at the camera
victoriarak/istockphoto

15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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.

A purebred Boxer dog listening with a head tilt
Mary Swift/istockphoto

14. Boxer

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. 

Portrait of Yorkshire Terrier dog
VioletaStoimenova/istockphoto

13. Yorkshire Terrier

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. 

Malchi the Australian Shepherd Dog in a Field
StephanieFrey/istockphoto

12. Australian Shepherd

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). 

Cute playful Welsh Corgi dog playing
piola666/istockphoto

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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.


Related: Things You Didn't Know About Dogs

Beautiful dachshund dog in sunny living room
Pekic/istockphoto

10. Dachshund

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. 


The German Shorthaired Pointer
s5iztok/istockphoto

9. German Shorthaired Pointer

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. 

Rottweiler Dog Lying OnThe Road With Open Mouth
Tatjana Damjanovic/istockphoto

8. Rottweiler

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.

Cute Beagle At Park
RyanJLane/istockphoto

7. Beagle

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.

Purebreed Englsh Bulldog lying on grass
apomares/istockphoto

6. Bulldog

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. 

White poodle playing in the yard.
patrickheagney/istockphoto

5. Poodle

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 shepherd dog lying on the grass
VictorRicoFoto/istockphoto

4. German Shepherd

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.


Related: 12 Things That Are Dangerous for Dogs to Eat

Golden Retriever Dog
Tatyana Consaul/istockphoto

3. Golden Retriever

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. 

French bulldog puppy in the forest
Patryk_Kosmider/istockphoto

2. French Bulldog

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.

Three Labrador Retriever dogs on the grass
Farinosa/istockphoto

1. Labrador Retriever

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. 

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