I did a take on 20 Rare Dog Breeds You've Never Heard Of, so I thought I would go back to the basics and do some dog breeds that you've most likely heard of before, or even own. These dog breeds are the most popular around, and made their ways into the hearts of many people inside and outside of the US because of their adaptability, versatility and kindness. Let's take a look, shall we?
Here are the top 10 most popular dog breeds (with some honorable mentions)!
10. Boxer
Ah, silly boxers. Their cute droopy faces and expressive eyes have captivated many, and that's why they are number 10 on the charts. Bred in Germany from the extinct German Bullienbeiser, they were used in World War I as military dogs. They combat using their front paws to strike their opponents, which is how they earned the name "boxer". They are humorous dogs with big personalities. Boxers never grow up. They stay puppies forever. Get a Boxer, and you will never stop smiling.
9. Rottweiler
Rotties. Nearly tied with the Pit Bull as a dangerous dog breed, they do pack a powerful bite. But that was not the purpose of the breed at all. They were originally bred by the Germans to guide cattle to the market, storming into the Roman empire with their handlers as they conquered the world. They played in important roll in helping them survive. When trained right, Rotties can be gentle family pets, or fearsome guard dogs. You choose the road you want to go down with this loyal breed.
8. Poodle
These may be the epitome of a girly breed, but make no mistake. These dogs do real jobs. Kind of hard to believe when you look at the fro-fro dogs of today. Their name derives from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning "duck dog". People trimmed their coats so that their fur wouldn't weigh them down or get caught on debris in the water. Also, the poofs of hair would protect their joints and internal organs from damage. Poodles have hair instead of fur, which means their hair keeps growing, and are great hypoallergenic dogs for people suffering with allergies. They are commonly bred with other breeds because of this trait. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, miniature, and toy. No matter which size you get, you're getting a happy, intelligent dog, and intelligence is not just a girl's thing.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Small in size, sure, but big in big in personality! These lovable pooches are number 7 on the list of most popular dog breeds, but they are the most popular toy dog in the US. The Yorkie hails from Yorkshire in England, where they got their name. Coal mine workers came to England during the Industrial Revolution, and brought along with them the now extinct Paisley Terrier. They were much larger than today's Yorkie and were used to catch mice in mills. The development of the modern Yorkie was probably credited to the breeding of the Paisley terrier with other terriers such as the Skye terrier, the English Black and Tan Toy Terrier, and probably the Waterside Terrier, which gave them their blueish grey hair on their backs. They were then used to burrow underground and catch rats. Today's Yorkies are popular with people with allergies because they don't shed, and they are popular pets for apartment living. If you have allergies and really want a dog, a robust Yorkie would be a great choice!
6. French Bulldog
Cute, pushed in faces and bat ears. What's not to love? Frenchies were made to be companion dogs. Bred in England to be a smaller bulldog, they were company to English lace-makers who traveled to France. I bet you were wondering what was even "French" about this breed. Lazy and spunky, you wouldn't guess that they actually used to do work, would you? Well, they used to be ratters, but these days they are just begging to settle down and be your best friend!
5. Beagle
These merry little dogs are a hardy breed, which is what pushed them into popularity. Their history is cloudy, but they are said to be ancestors of the Talbot, an extinct breed of white hunting dog used in the European Middle Ages. There are records saying that William the Conqueror used the white dogs in the Battle of Normandy in 1066. These dogs then went on to create the Harrier, the Bloodhound, and the modern day Beagle. Beagles became popular throughout history and there are records of royalty owning them. Smaller sizes were bred to hunt rabbits, as in the 1700s, the larger Harrier, or Foxhound was used to hunt foxes. This is how we have the beagles of today. Now, the beagle skyrocketed to popularity for their small size. Make no mistake, these dogs can be loud, and their nose guides them through life, so you have to put in the effort to train one. When you do, however, they will make good family pets.
4. English Bulldog
It's the face only a mother could love... Originating in England, they are the descendants of Mastiff type dogs, and were used to drive cattle to the market. Hard to believe these wrinkly pooches used to do such a thing? They used to be much taller and less wrinkly than the bulldogs of today, and were also used in a sport called bull baiting, which involves letting a dog harass and attack a tethered bull. When the sport began to lose popularity, the breed went into decline, and almost become extinct. When people began to realize this, they re-engineered the breed to be smaller, more compact, and friendlier, which is why we have the bulldog of today. Today's bulldogs aren't doing any bullfighting any time soon, and prefer to just chill in the shade in the summer. Their laid-back nature is what has made them so popular for apartment dwellers and busy people.
3. Golden Retriever
Lovely Goldens. They are loyal, caring, and all around sweet dogs. They are the angels of the dog world and that's how they landed a top spot on this list. There is a rumor going around that they are the descendants of big Russian circus dogs called Russian trackers, but they are in fact from Scotland. A man called Lord Tweedmouth (lol) wanted to create the perfect retriever, so he experiments breeds all sorts of breeds in order to perfect it. He was aiming for the Golden. One day, he bred a dog called Nous with Belle, who was an extinct breed of dog called the Tweed Water Spaniel. Then, Belle's offspring were bred with Flat-Coated Retrievers (essentially black and brown Goldens), more Tweed Water Spaniels, and Irish Setters to get the Golden color. He has created the perfect retriever dog. Today's Goldens love water, and are the perfect family pet. Get a Golden, and you're getting the entire package.
2. German Shepherd
Now we're getting down to the most popular breeds. The German Shepherd is easily one of the most recognized breeds ever. With their courageous and outgoing nature, they can handle a variety of tasks. With their name, the breed was obviously developed in Germany. A man called Captain Max von Stephanitz wanted to create a herding dog that would be unmatched, and on his way home from a dog show in 1889, he purchased a wolf-like dog which would be the dad to a brand new breed. Today's German Shepherds can do it all: herd livestock, work as service dogs, sniff bombs and take down criminals, all while being an amazing family dog that is good with kids. No wonder they are so popular. They totally deserve it.
Honorable Mentions
Before I reveal the top dog of the bunch, let's look at some of my favorite breeds that are also very popular...
Dachshund
The hotdog doggies come in as number 12 overall. You'll know a dachshund when you see one. Cute and low to the ground, these are a unique breed. They are another German breed, and were often used to hunt small vermin such as badgers. They were even used to trail wild boar! Wow, small, but fierce little dogs. Dachshunds come in two sizes: Standard, which weighs between 16 and 32 pounds, and miniature, which weight 11 pounds and under. They also have three coat types: Smooth, Long, and Wired. Annnd they come in lots of coat colors. There are hotdogs for everyone!
Also, this Super Bowl commercial gives me life.
Schnauzer
The little old men dogs are number 16 overall, but personally, they are one of my favorite breeds. They come in three types: Miniature, Standard, and Giant, but the Mini Schnauzer tends to be the most popular of the three. They are another German breed, and their history can be traced all the way back to the 1500s, where they were used to catch vermin, herd livestock, and to protect their owners. They are versatile dogs, and are either considered terriers or non sporting dogs. Today they are bundles of energy and one of the top picks for a family dog.
Pomeranian
These little fox-like pooches are the descendants of big dogs. They hail from the providence of Pomerania in Poland from larger spitz dogs such as the Norwegian Elkhound, the Schipperke, the American Eskimo Dog, the Samoyed, and others. Early specimens of the Pom weighed as much as 30 pounds. They still exist, and are referred to as "throwback Pomerianans". They accompanied the royalty and were used as lap dogs, which is still their use in modern times. Poms make good companions and adapt well to their environment.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There are two types of corgi: The Pembroke and Cardigan. What's the difference? The Cardigan has a tail while the Pembroke does not. Also, people say that the Pembroke is more outgoing and friendly than the Cardigan, which is why they are more popular. Either way, Corgis are silly doggies.
Siberian Husky
Who doesn't love Huskies? Well they are quite popular, as they are number 13 overall. These beautiful dogs originated in Siberia, and DNA tests confirm that they are one of the oldest dog breeds and are closely related to wolves. They were used by the Chukchi people centuries ago as hunting dogs before they were taken out of Russia where people began to use them as sled dogs. Their beautiful blue eyes and thick coats are what draw people in to this breed, and the fact that they are so wolf-like.
And the top dog is....
Drum-roll please! We've been waiting for this moment forever!
...the Labrador Retriever!
Lovely, lovely Labs. A sturdy, adaptable, and all around great breed of dog. Coming in yellow, black, brown, and sometimes silver and white, they are literally everywhere. They have earned the number one spot. How did these dogs come to be? Well, it all started on the small island of Newfoundland. They were originally known as St. John's Water dogs, named after the capital of Newfoundland. Records of the dogs date back all the way back to the early 1700s. St. John's Water Dogs, now extinct, were crossed with giant Newfoundlands and other retrievers to make the modern day Lab. They were loyal to their owners, retrieving game out of lakes and rivers, and outsiders began to take advantage of their usefulness. They were shipped to England and all around to help with these tasks. Surprisingly, Labs almost went extinct in the late 1800s, and an English family is credited with saving the breed from it's ultimate demise. They then skyrocketed to popularity for their gentle nature, adaptability and courageousness. A Lab helped save victims on 9/11. Labs help the blind. Labs have served in wars. They have done it all, and that's why they are the world's most popular dog breed.
What was your favorite dog from this list? What is your favorite dog breed? <3
Thanks for taking the time to read this. To find your favorite breed's rank in the US, check out the AKC's list here. :)
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