20 Most Popular Dog Breeds

corgi puppies in a yard

People love certain dogs and types of dogs for a variety of reasons. Maybe they have a quirky look that people adore, a personality that can’t be ignored, a notoriously sweet and cuddly nature, or another characteristic or trait. When it comes down to it, certain dog breeds are popular for a variety of reasons and those reasons will vary from person to person. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but here are a few of the most popular dog breeds:

1. Australian Shepherd

Although their name implies Australian heritage, Aussies actually originate from the United States. This is one of the facts about Australian Shepherds. They are exuberant and lovable with high intelligence.

Australian Shepherds are an energetic breed that is always on the go. They need lots of exercise so they are best suited for an active home. Aussies are quick learners. Once trained, they will be wonderful helpers around the home.

2. Basset Hound

Known for their droopy eyes and floppy ears, Basset Hounds are sweet and lovable. Originally bred as hunting dogs in France, their incredible sense of smell made them a popular choice.

One of the facts about Basset Hounds is that they make great family dogs. Basset Hounds tolerate and enjoy other dogs well, which makes them a good choice in a home with other dogs. They enjoy being around people, but need their space every now and then.

Basset Hounds can be stubborn, so early training is necessary to instill good habits. They are lower-energy dogs and are one of the laziest dog breeds. This can make them couch potatoes and prone to weight gain. A brisk walk every day will keep them healthy and happy!

3. Beagle

The Beagle is a small loveable hound dog that can run with the big dogs. They are certainly sturdy and energetic enough to keep up!

Some facts about Beagles are that they tend to have playful, comedic personalities with loving, sweet, and gentle dispositions, which makes them popular family pets.

4. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a popular companion breed. This true blue American gentleman originated in the beloved town of Boston, Massachusetts. They may have originally been bred as a fighting dog, but this dog’s personality is far from their origins.

They’re known for their sweet and loving disposition as well as their elegant looks. Boston Terriers also tend to be a quiet and peaceful dog breed as they are not prone to barking unless they have been trained into it.

5. Boxer

The Boxer is another popular dog breed that has a distinctive look. They are very friendly and also tend to be quite bubbly and energetic. Boxers are a medium-sized dog breed that are stocky.

They tend to have a gentle nature, sweet and loyal disposition, and a playful personality. This makes them a great fit for active families and owners.

6. Collie

Originally sheepherding dogs, Collies are extremely intelligent and hardworking. They are one of the smartest dog breeds, and they thrive in situations where they need to work or they may become bored and disobedient.

Collies are loyal to the family and are great family dogs. They are sensitive dogs and do not like loud noises, so they prefer quieter environments. This breed loves to run, so a home with a lot of yard space is ideal.

7. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a small dog breed with a great personality. The notorious “wiener dog” absolutely loves their families and is affectionate towards them.

These small dogs have a playful, spunky personality and tend to be friendly. Another one of the facts about Dachshunds is that they also tend to do well with children, which makes them a great addition to a family.

8. English Bulldog

While they may look a little intimidating with their large jowls and stocky build, the English Bulldog is a top choice for a family dog and is an all-around sweetheart.

They have a docile nature, are great with children, and are highly trainable. These are just a few facts about English Bulldogs that also make them a great fit for families as well as first-time dog owners.

9. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular, versatile, and well-recognized dog breeds. They are a loyal, intelligent, and hardworking herding breed that can be found as a working dog and as a beloved family pet.

German Shepherds are popular choices for serving as police dogs, military dogs, service dogs, and more. In fact, they are one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs. They are eager to learn and please their owners, but do require a more experienced hand and a lot of activity to be happy and healthy.

10. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. They are a friendly and patient family dog. They are also a naturally athletic dog breed that tends to excel in agility events and other sporting type competitions.

Golden Retrievers have a “happy-go-lucky” personality, a lot of energy, and are happiest when they have a job to do – even if that job is simply playing frisbee with you! They make fantastic service dogs, therapy dogs, family pets, and more.

11. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. They can be strong-willed, but they love their families, are affectionate towards them, and have a playful, loving personality.

Some facts about Jack Russell Terriers are that they are highly intelligent and tend to have a comical nature. They have a high prey drive and a lot of energy, but make a fantastic family companion.

12. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is another one of the most popular and versatile dog breeds. Their friendly personality, high trainability, and gentle disposition make them a great fit for families and first-time dog owners.

They may be high-energy dogs, but they also often tend to be patient. Labs are one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs and can also be found working as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and more. These dogs also tend to love water – they are even a Champion Breed of Dock Divers!

13. Maltese

One of the smallest dog breeds, these teacup-sized dogs are one of the most lovable and affectionate dogs of their size. A bit reserved at first, they will warm up to you and become loving companions. Maltese are good with children as long as they are gentle and calm. They are a low-energy dog, but still need a walk and some playtime every day.

Even though a Maltese has a longer coat, they are considered a non-shedding breed, but they still need proper grooming care. A proper trip to a professional groomer a few times a year in addition to daily brushing will help keep their coat healthy and knot-free.

14. Poodle

The Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds because of their low-shedding “hypoallergenic” coat and their personality. They are a great option for people who have allergies to dog fur because they don’t shed much.

Apart from their coat, Poodles are also great dogs! They come in a variety of sizes including Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles. Plus, they are affectionate, loyal, friendly, and playful dogs that make a great addition to a family. They’re also a good option for first-time dog owners.

15. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are fun-loving and active! They were taught to help drive fish into nets in Portugal, which made them highly valuable to the fishermen. True to their name, this breed loves to swim and be in the water!

Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and playful. They are a great dog for children, as long as they are properly socialized. This breed is pretty adaptable and does well in a variety of settings. They need to be properly exercised and given plenty of attention.

In addition to swimming, they are also one of the dog breeds that make good running partners and are usually up for whatever activity you’re doing. Due to their high intelligence, they will be easily trained and be a great companion for you!

16. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a powerful dog breed. Although they may look intimidating, they also tend to be very sweet. They may make great guard dogs because of their size and protective instincts, but they also make great family dogs because of their loving, affectionate, and playful personalities.

As with any dog breed, proper socialization and training are important. Rottweilers are intelligent and eager to please, but puppy training and obedience classes can be a good idea to ensure you set a good foundation for your Rottie. Plus, these classes can offer a lot of opportunities to socialize a puppy.

17. Saint Bernard

Originating from the Swiss Alps, this breed was known for their hard work in search and rescue, as well as guarding livestock. Now, these large dogs are wonderful family dogs. They’re one of the largest dog breeds in the world and are playful and sweet with a big heart.

Saint Bernards are very gentle with children, earning the nickname, “nanny dogs”. Due to their size, Saint Bernards do best in larger homes, but can adapt to smaller spaces if need be.

18. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another popular dog breed due to their small size and big personality. Although they are small dogs, they are sturdy little canines. They make alert watchdogs and fantastic family pets.

Shih Tzu can be difficult to housebreak, but they are great companions. They love to cuddle and tend to be very affectionate towards their family and even towards children. These are just a few facts about the Shih Tzu that make them one of the most popular dog breeds.

19. Welsh Corgi

The short-legged Welsh Corgi is another one of the most popular dog breeds. Who can resist their adorable face, comedic antics, and the iconic Corgi waddle?

This dog breed may be a member of the Herding Group, but they are great with children, other dogs, and other pets. Plus, they have a fantastic personality that is sure to bring their family a lot of laughs while providing a lot of love.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular dog breed thanks to their small size and lovable personality. They have a naturally low-shedding coat that contributes to their popularity.

Yorkies are alert little dogs that will let you know when a visitor is at the door. As long as they are socialized properly, they’ll be more interested in making friends than acting as a guard dog. This small dog thrives on attention, love, and affection and they’ll be glad to return it to you in spades.

These are just a few of the most popular dog breeds and this list certainly doesn’t cover them all! When you’re looking for a puppy to add to your family, it’s important to do your research to make sure you find the right fit for your lifestyle, space, experience, activity level, and more.