Here in the USA, we are definitely a dog-centered society! We consider dogs part of the family and take them with us as often as we can! Pet-friendly resorts, hotels, and AirBnB’s are on the rise. Dogs truly are “man’s best friend”.

Every year the American Kennel Club surveys dog owners in the United States to rank the most popular breeds each year. One of the most interesting parts of their list is that you can see where each breed has ranked for the past 4 years, too!

In honor of National Adopt a Dog Month, here are the top 5 most popular breeds in the United States, a few facts about each!

But, before you read any further… what dogs do YOU think made the cut?

The Labrador is well known as America’s favorite dog. They have been ranked number 1 in popularity since 2013! They are best known for being friendly, active, and outgoing.

Labs are part of the Sporting Group. They are exuberant, energetic, and require lots of exercise. They are great participants in field trials (retrieving birds), agility, obedience, tracking, and dock diving, among other active sports. Their enthusiastic attitude and desire to work with their owners make them a great sport or activity dog. They are also highly intelligent and quick to learn. 

Early socialization and puppy classes are important for all dogs, but because labs tend to be excitable, early positive reinforcement training is necessary to help them learn to curb their enthusiasm and develop into a well-mannered adult dog.

They have a medium length, water shedding double coat. They require weekly brushing, but only the occasional bath. Overall, their grooming requirements are pretty easy to maintain!

German Shepherds are holding steady in the number 2 position, and have done so since 2013! They are confident, courageous, and smart.

As a part of the herding group, these dogs are stellar athletes. They are very active dogs and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They perform well in pretty much every dog sport, but especially tracking, agility, and herding.

Early socialization and puppy classes are vitally important. German Shepherds tend to bond very closely with their family, so it is important to have lots of positive experience with a variety of people and dogs early on so your pup does not become fearful or aggressive towards new people and dogs. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and love training, puzzles, and being mentally challenged.

They are easy to groom and require brushing every few days. They shed a little throughout the year, and blow their coat two times a year.

Not to be forgotten, Golden Retrievers are have been consistently ranked number 3 in popularity since 2013. Friendly, intelligent, devoted. No better words can be found to describe these silky dogs! Goldens, as part of the sport group, are energetic and require plenty of exercise. They are wonderful jogging or hiking partners and excel at sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking.

Puppy classes and focused socialization will help make your Golden into well-adjusted adult.

These dogs love meeting new friends, so early training will help keep their enthusiasm under control. Goldens enjoy learning and are eager to work with their humans, so be sure to include them in your life as much as you can!

Goldens generally shed about two times a year. Their silky coats should be brushed about twice a week, especially between their legs and behind their ears, as well as anywhere else they may be prone to matting.

Rising quickly from number 11 in 2013 to number 4 in popularitey are French Bulldogs, these adorable little dogs are quickly gaining popularity! I think it’s the ears 😉 These pups are adaptable, playful, and smart.

They are part of the non-sporting group, but they do still enjoy walks and play sessions. They do well with trick training, obedience, rally, and can do agility in small doses.

Because of their flat face, you do need to be careful not to overexert your Frenchie. They are prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot and humid weather.

Their short, smooth coats shed minimally; a weekly brushing with a bristle brush is perfect for keeping their coat in top shape. You do need to make sure their face folds are kept clean and dry.

Last, but not least, is the Bull Dog. These friendly, courageous, and calm dogs have been steady at number 4 or 5 in the popularity ranking. Like their French cousins, they are in the non-sporting group. These dogs are known to be very mellow and happy to relax. They are perfectly happy with a short walk or a little play session. Again, you must be careful they don’t overheat or overexert themselves. Their short noses and small airways make it difficult for them to cool themselves well. 

They do love to chew and play tug, and love working with their people! You and your bulldog would enjoy obedience, rally, or trick training together!

Their short coats require 10-minute brushing sessions 2 to 3 times a week. You do need to check their wrinkles and ears regularly to make sure they are clean and dry.

So, were you surprised by any of these breeds? How many did you guess correctly?

You can see the full list here! 

Here are a few of my clients from these breeds. Aren’t they all so cute?