#10: Labrador RetrieverThese precious labs are most commonly known for being the most loyal. They’re also adorable, friendly, easygoing, and multi-talented. They’ve been the #1 go-to dog breed since the 1880s. Pick between a chocolate lab, a yellow lab, and a black lab. #9: German ShepherdThese dogs look a bit like a wolf, which was the original dog to our ancestors. We must have the same bond with wolves as our ancestors did because this dog made #2 in the American Kennel Club list for most popular dog breeds. German shepherds are really intelligent, which comes from being a shepherd dog (hence the name).#8: Golden RetrieverGolden retrievers are, like, the most loyal dogs ever. They also love to play and hardly ever get mad at you. Golden retrievers love children and are gentle around them, so if you’re looking for a dog and you have children,
you should get a golden retriever; they are also really good around other pets, like a cat or other dogs. They’re full of energy and…I could go on and
on. I personally think golden retrievers should be #1, but they got third place instead. #7: French BulldogFor those of you who are not familiar with the french bulldog, they are the most liked small dog in 2019. They are alert all the time, adapts to different conditions and animals quickly and loves to play. Not to mention they’re super cute!#6: BulldogThe Bulldogs are a little bit different from the french bulldogs. In 2014 it achieved #4, but in 2017 it lost its spot to the French Bulldog. They’re generally calm and have a very unique personality, which tends to snag a spot in their owner’s heart.#5: BeagleYou might recognize this name if you’ve read the book Shiloh. A boy finds a beagle that ran away from his owner, you know. Beagles are super cute and they love to play. A beagle is definitely the right pet to warm even the
coldest of hearts#4: PoodleAll ye who are allergic to dogs, get a poodle today! Poodles were originally bred to hunt, and their coats were trimmed so they wouldn’t get caught in bushes. But it turns out their coat isn’t fur, but hair! So if you’re allergic to
dogs, you should get a poodle!Click Here#3: RottweilerThe Rottweiler is more commonly known for its loyalty, confidence, and
protective instincts. They’re also really cute, and I definitely recommend
this breed. But to be honest, when I first heard the name “Rottweiler” I
didn’t think of cute black-and-brown puppies. Although they do have protective instincts, you’ll find these dogs as gentle and steady companions.Click Here#2: Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)Yorkies tend to be overlooked by labs, golden retrievers, and other more popular dog breeds. They’re adorable little guys that love attention and cuddles. But whenever a new person steps into the house, they’ll go all viper mode and to nip that person’s feet. They’re still really funny and loving. I definitely recommend this breed if you have children and are looking for a furry companion. #1: German Shorthaired PointerThe German shorthaired pointer (GSP for short) loves to exercise and receive love from their owner. If you’re looking for a GSP, you might want to get some muscles first if you’re wanting to hold your dog, because he/she’s going to weigh up to 70 pounds, although females are smaller and
weigh less.
10 Popular Dog Breeds: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
Bringing home a dog is a big decision—and popularity alone doesn’t make a breed the right match for your family.
Some dogs thrive on long walks, training and constant activity. Others are happier with a quieter routine. Size matters, but so do grooming needs, temperament, exercise requirements and the amount of time you can realistically spend with your new companion.
The original NatrixOne team had plenty of opinions about favorite breeds (including a household with multiple rescued Black Labs!), so we’ve updated our original list with a more useful question:
Which of these popular dogs might fit your life?
1. Labrador Retriever
Friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic, Labrador Retrievers have long been one of America’s most recognizable family dogs.
Labs are typically active dogs that enjoy walks, swimming, retrieving and being involved in whatever their people are doing. Their eagerness to learn also helps explain why you’ll frequently see Labs working as service and assistance dogs.
Good fit for: Active households, families and people who want an involved companion
Keep in mind: Labs need regular exercise, training and plenty of interaction—and they shed.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are intelligent, athletic dogs known for their versatility and strong relationships with their handlers.
They’re commonly associated with police and working roles, but they can also be devoted family companions. Their intelligence means they generally need more than a backyard: training, exercise and mental stimulation are important parts of life with a German Shepherd.
Good fit for: Experienced or committed owners who enjoy training and activity
Keep in mind: Their size, strength and energy make early socialization and consistent training especially important.
3. Golden Retriever
There’s a reason Golden Retrievers have become such familiar family companions.
Goldens tend to be social, energetic and eager to participate in family life. They often enjoy retrieving, swimming, hiking and other activities that let them spend time alongside their people.
Their trainability also makes Golden Retrievers a common choice for service and therapy work.
Good fit for: Families and active households looking for a social companion
Keep in mind: Expect regular exercise, grooming—and quite a bit of golden hair.
4. French Bulldog
For someone who wants a smaller companion, the French Bulldog offers a very different lifestyle from the sporting breeds above.
Frenchies are compact, expressive and generally don’t require the miles of exercise a Labrador might. That can make them appealing for apartment and city living.
Good fit for: Smaller homes and people looking for a companion-sized dog
Keep in mind: Their flat-faced anatomy can contribute to breathing and heat-related problems, so prospective owners should learn about the breed’s health considerations before bringing one home.
5. Bulldog
Bulldogs are unmistakable, from their stocky build to those famous wrinkles.
They generally require less vigorous exercise than many sporting and working breeds and can be affectionate household companions.
Good fit for: People seeking a lower-energy companion
Keep in mind: Bulldogs can face significant health challenges, including breathing difficulties and sensitivity to heat. Veterinary care and responsible breeding matter enormously.
6. Beagle
Small enough for many households but energetic enough to keep things interesting, Beagles were developed as scent hounds—and that nose still influences how they experience the world.
Walks can become investigations, and an interesting scent may suddenly become much more important than whatever you had planned.
Good fit for: Families and people who enjoy an energetic, curious dog
Keep in mind: Beagles need exercise, secure surroundings and patience with their independent noses.
7. Poodle
Forget the stereotype that Poodles are simply fancy show dogs. They’re highly intelligent, athletic dogs with a history as working retrievers.
Poodles come in several sizes, giving prospective owners more flexibility than many breeds.
Their coat also sheds differently from many dogs, which can make Poodles appealing to some allergy sufferers. However, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, so spend time around the breed before assuming a Poodle will work with your particular allergies.
Good fit for: People who enjoy training and want an intelligent, active companion
Keep in mind: That distinctive coat requires regular grooming.
8. Rottweiler
Powerful and confident, Rottweilers can form extremely close bonds with their families.
Their size and strength also mean responsible ownership matters. Good socialization, training and appropriate exercise should begin early and continue throughout the dog’s life.
Good fit for: Experienced or committed owners prepared for a large, powerful dog
Keep in mind: Training and socialization aren’t optional extras.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie manages to fit quite a lot of personality into a very small package.
Yorkshire Terriers can be lively, affectionate and surprisingly bold. Their compact size makes them practical for smaller homes, although small doesn’t necessarily mean low-maintenance.
Good fit for: People wanting a small, interactive companion
Keep in mind: Yorkies still need training, grooming, exercise and socialization just like larger dogs.
10. Boxer
Playful, athletic and expressive, Boxers can bring considerable energy to a household.
They’re often happiest when they’re included in family activities and have regular opportunities to exercise and play. Their combination of size and enthusiasm makes training particularly worthwhile.
Good fit for: Active households looking for a playful, involved companion
Keep in mind: They need exercise and training, and prospective owners should research the health conditions associated with the breed.
The Best Dog Isn’t Necessarily the Most Popular One
Breed can give you clues about a dog’s likely size, coat, energy level and instincts—but it can’t tell you everything about the individual dog you’ll bring home.
Before choosing, consider your daily schedule, activity level, living space, children or other pets, grooming budget and ability to provide lifelong veterinary care.
And don’t overlook adoption. Shelters and breed-specific rescues can help match families with wonderful dogs whose personalities are already becoming apparent.
Sometimes the perfect dog isn’t the breed you originally had in mind.
Dogs Can Do Extraordinary Things for People
Companion dogs bring plenty of joy to our lives, but some dogs are trained to take that partnership much further.
Service dogs can perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, helping their partners live with greater independence. Their success also depends on an enormous community of trainers, foster families and volunteers.
→ Read our World Mental Health Day thank-you to service dogs and learn how you can volunteer with 4 Paws for Ability.