--- title: Most Popular Dog Breeds description: The most popular dog breeds include the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd and poodle. See more here. authors: - name: Alison Tobin role: Editor, Insurance and Loans url: https://money.com/author/alison-tobin/ bio: Alison is a former editor at Money Group, where she specialized in insurance and personal finance. Her work has been featured in MSN, Yahoo Finance, and USA Today. education: Merrimack College, B.A., Communication and Media at_money_since: 2020 articles: 32 covers: - Pets - Credit - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Loans - Mortgages - Professional Services - Taxes social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-tobin former_staff: true editors: - name: José Omar Rodríguez role: Content Manager url: https://money.com/author/jose-omar-rodriguez/ bio: As an editor, José Omar specializes in personal finance topics and in-depth company reviews. His work has been featured in publications such as the Sacramento Bee, the Miami Herald, and the Kansas City Star. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2019 articles: 21 covers: - Pets - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Professional Services - Retirement - Taxes - Technology published: '2024-02-23T15:13:24.000Z' modified: '2024-02-23T15:19:48.000Z' section: Pets word_count: 1294 canonical: https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![Most Popular Dog Breeds](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Feature.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) * * * Presented by: ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22587/0b6a71f8-d145-49aa-91c9-92c984c14f4c.png) With Embrace Pet Insurance, you can customize your pet’s policy to get the best coverage for their needs and your budget. Get a free quote today. [Go to EmbracePetInsurance.com](https://money.com/pr/h69902dd1886?ap_referrer=%2Fmost-popular-dog-breeds%2F) A dog’s breed can determine some of their personality traits and health conditions — which is why breed is one factor that helps determine the cost of [pet insurance](https://money.com/best-pet-insurance/). But what breeds are the most popular in the U.S., and why? Here’s a look at the most popular dog breeds, along with statistics and characteristics of each. ## Table of contents - [20 Most popular dog breeds in the U.S.](#20) - [Least popular dog breeds](#Least) - [Most popular dog breeds FAQs](#FAQs) ## Protect your furry friend with Embrace Pet Insurance ### Get up to 90% reimbursement on vet bills. Customized coverage is available. Select your state for a free quote. [GET FREE QUOTE](https://money.com/pr/x26462624330?ap_referrer=%2Fmost-popular-dog-breeds%2F) ## 20 Most popular dog breeds in the U.S. While Labrador retrievers have been the most popular dog for the previous 31 years straight, French bulldogs rose to the top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most recent [dog breed popularity rankings](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2022/). These rankings are based on AKC’s registration statistics of the 200 breeds recognized by the organization. Here’s a list of the top 20 most popular breeds with statistics from the AKC. Keep in mind that not all of a dog’s characteristics are based on their breed. All dogs are unique and can vary from the tendencies outlined below. * * * ### 1\. French bulldog ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-French-Bulldog.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 11-13 inches | Under 28 pounds | 10-12 years | Playful, smart, adaptable | There’s no denying that French bulldogs are adorable, but they also have many other characteristics that make them the top dog breed choice. They tend to be playful, funny and great with kids and other dogs. For these reasons and more, we also consider Frenchies one of the [best apartment dogs](https://money.com/best-apartment-dogs/). * * * ### 2\. Labrador retriever ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Labrador-Retriever.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 22.5-24.5 inches Female: 21.5-23.5 inches | Male: 65-80 pounds Female: 55-70 pounds | 11-13 years | Active, friendly, outgoing | The ever-popular Labrador retriever has three coat shades: yellow, chocolate and black. These dogs love to play and be outdoors, so they require a lot of daily exercise. They are easy-going but smart. Thus, labs are a popular choice for working dogs, including search-and-rescue and service dogs. * * * ### 3\. Golden retriever ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Golden-Retriever.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 23-24 inches Female: 21.5-22.5 inches | Male: 65-75 pounds Female: 55-65 pounds | 10-12 years | Intelligent, friendly, devoted | The golden retriever is the infamous family dog. When you think of a golden, you likely think of a happy-go-lucky, friendly pet. On top of that, they’re another popular working dog because they’re trustworthy and obedient. Goldens are known for their beautiful, fluffy double coat. They heavily shed their undercoat once or twice yearly and experience moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year. * * * ### 4\. German shepherd ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-German-Shepherd.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 24-26 inches Female: 22-24 inches | Male: 65-90 pounds Female: 50-70 pounds | 7-10 years | Courageous, confident, smart | The German shepherd is a graceful, large dog known for heroic inclinations and intelligence. It’s no wonder they’re a common police dog. Additionally, many families choose this breed because of its loyalty and willingness to keep its family safe. Depending on their genetics and breeder, German shepherd dogs are prone to certain hereditary health conditions, such as hip dysplasia. * * * ### 5\. Poodle (standard) ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Poodle-Standard.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Over 15 inches | Male: 60-70 pounds Female: 40-50 pounds | 10-18 years | Active, proud, very smart | Poodles are brilliant and highly trainable. The breed is also widely used in mixed breeds. In fact, some poodle mixes are even more popular than the purebred dogs on this list, such as the golden doodle (golden retriever + poodle), cockapoo (cocker spaniel + poodle) and Labradoodle (Lab + poodle). Aside from the standard size, poodles come in miniature and toy sizes as small as four to six pounds. * * * ### 6\. Bulldog ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Bulldog.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 14-15 inches | Male: 50 pounds Female: 40 pounds | 8-10 years | Friendly, courageous, calm | Unmistakable by its stocky build and wrinkled muzzle, the bulldog is a laid-back and lovable breed that’s sometimes stubborn. Indeed, they can make great family members. However, bulldogs require a closely monitored diet and regular exercise due to their genetics. They can overheat easily, so they should have limited time outside in the heat. * * * ### 7\. Rottweiler ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Rottweiler.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 24-27 inches Female: 22-25 inches | Male: 95-135 pounds Female: 80-100 pounds | 9-10 years | Loyal, loving, confident guardian | Rottweilers are beloved protectors with strong, muscular builds. Their coat is mostly black with tan spots around their face, chest and legs. Rotties’ loyalty to their family can make them a great family pet, but they must be vigilantly socialized and trained — ideally starting when they’re puppies. * * * ### 8\. Beagle ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Beagle.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Up to 15 inches | Up to 30 pounds | 10-15 years | Curious, friendly, merry | The beagle has long been considered a fantastic family pet that’s friendly and gets along well with others. True to the nature of hound dogs, beagles are curious explorers. They can also be very vocal and may howl when left alone. * * * ### 9\. Dachshund ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Dachshund.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Standard: 8-9 inches Miniature: 5-6 inches | Standard: 16-32 pounds Miniature: up to 11 pounds | 12-16 years | Curious, friendly, spunky | Dachshunds — also called “weiner dogs” — have long bodies with short legs. While adorable, their build makes them prone to back problems, so running up the stairs and jumping on furniture should be limited. This lovable dog breed also comes in various coat colors and types, including smooth, wire and long coats. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, which explains why many love to dig. They’re also courageous and aren’t afraid to stick up for themselves. * * * ### 10\. German shorthaired pointer ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-German-Shorthaired-Pointer.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 23-25 inches Female: 21-23 inches | Male: 55-70 pounds Female: 45-60 pounds | 10-12 years | Friendly, smart, willing to please | As a hunting dog, the German shorthaired pointer is athletic and energetic. They require a lot of physical activity each day to avoid boredom. These friendly dogs may also be great with active families who love the outdoors. However, due to their hunting instincts, you must be careful with them around small pets. * * * ### 11\. Pembroke Welsh corgi ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Pembroke-Welsh-Corgi.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 10-12 inches | Male: up to 30 pounds Female: up to 28 pounds | 12-13 years | Alert, affectionate, smart | Welsh corgis are charming and affectionate. They’re a herding breed, so they tend to be active, confident and fearless. If left alone for too long or sense danger, corgis tend to bark a lot. But overall, corgis make excellent, loving family pets. * * * ### 12\. Australian shepherd ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Australian-Shepherd.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 20-30 inches Female: 18-21 inches | Male: 50-65 pounds Female: 40-55 pounds | 12-15 years | Smart, work-oriented, exuberant | Australian shepherds are famous for their gorgeous coats and intelligence. As a highly energetic dog, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are herding dogs, after all, so they tend to be protective of their home and family. * * * ### 13\. Yorkshire terrier ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Yorkshire-Terrier.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 7-8 inches | 7 pounds | 11-15 years | Affectionate, sprightly, brave | The Yorkshire terrier is a small, sassy breed that loves to be spoiled. Due to their luscious coat, Yorkies require pertinent grooming, especially if their hair is kept long. These small dogs can also get cold easily. * * * ### 14\. Cavalier King Charles spaniel ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 12-13 inches | 13-18 pounds | 12-15 years | Affectionate, gentle, graceful | Their gentle and easy-going demeanor makes the Cavalier King Charles spaniel so well-liked. They’re an easy pet to have. Not to mention, they are adorable and great with children and other pets. * * * ### 15\. Doberman pinscher ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Doberman-Pinscher.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 26-28 inches Female: 24-26 inches | Male: 75-100 pounds Female: 60-90 pounds | 10-12 years | Alert, loyal, fearless | Another strong breed that’s popular to have as a pet is the Doberman pinscher. They have a coloring that’s similar to Rottweilers, but you can differentiate the two by the Dobermans’ more lean face and build. With proper training and socialization, Dobermans can be affectionate companions. * * * ### 16\. Boxer ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Boxer.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 23-25 inches Female: 21.5-23.5 inches | Male: 65-80 pounds Female: 50-65 pounds | 10-12 years | Active, bright, fun-loving | The boxer is a classic dog with a muscular build and boxy, wrinkled face. They are popular family pets that love adventure. Boxer dog owners need to make sure their dog gets enough exercise because they tend to have a lot of energy. * * * ### 17\. Miniature schnauzer ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Miniature-Schnauzer.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 12-14 inches | 11-20 pounds | 12-15 years | Friendly, smart, obedient | The term “schnauzer” is quite a fitting name for this dog because it roughly translates to “mustache” in German. These dogs can be spunky and confident in nature. They may outsmart you but are very friendly and willing to train. The AKC recognizes two other sizes of schnauzer as separate breeds: the giant schnauzer and the standard schnauzer. * * * ### 18\. Cane Corso ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Cane-Corso.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 25-27.5 inches Female: 23.5-26 inches | Male: 99-110 pounds Female: 85-99 pounds | 9-12 years | Intelligent, willful, majestic | As one of the [biggest dog breeds](https://money.com/best-big-dog-breeds/), the Cane Corso is a powerful and muscular breed. They can have protective watchdog instincts; the name roughly translates to “bodyguard dog” in Latin. This assertive and willful dog may do best with a confident owner and firm boundaries. However, Corsi tend to be smart, loyal and eager to please. * * * ### 19\. Great Dane ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Great-Dane.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Male: 20-30 inches Female: 28-30 inches | Male: 140-175 pounds Female: 110-140 pounds | 7-10 years | Friendly, patient, dependable | Great Danes are commonly called “gentle giants,” and for good reason. Their massive size makes them intimidating, but they are often very affectionate and good with children. Ownership requires a solid commitment to their needs as such a large dog, especially if it’s your first time owning a large dog. * * * ### 20\. Shih Tzu ![](https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Shih-Tzu.jpg) | **Height** | **Weight** | **Life expectancy** | **Temperament** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 9-10.5 inches | 9-16 pounds | 10-18 years | Playful, affectionate, outgoing | Shih Tzus make adored pets who are small in size and can live a long time. They have medium energy levels but love to be mischievous. They’re also very lovable and friendly, so they’d do well with small children and other dogs. In addition, Shih Tzus are one of the best dogs for apartments. ## The best pet deserves the best coverage ### Get up to 90% reimbursement on vet bills with Healthy Paws — quality coverage tailored to your pet’s needs. Get a quote now. [VIEW PLANS](https://money.com/pr/odae17e6234d?ap_referrer=%2Fmost-popular-dog-breeds%2F) ## Least popular dog breeds The following list contains the least popular dog breeds recognized by the AKC: 1. English foxhound 2. Norwegian Lundehund 3. Sloughi 4. American foxhound 5. Belgian Laekenois 6. Azawakh 7. Harrier 8. Sussex spaniel 9. Cesky terrier 10. Pyrenean shepherd ## Most popular dog breeds FAQs ### What are the three most popular dog breeds in America? The three most popular dog breeds in America are the French Bulldog, Labrador retriever and golden retriever. Frenchies have gained recent popularity, surpassing Labs as the most popular dog after 31 years straight of Labs holding the number one spot. ### What is the #1 selling dog? The most popular dog breed is the French bulldog. According to the AKC, the number of Frenchie registrations has increased by over 1,000% since 2012, when the breed held the number 14 spot. ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Pets", "item": "https://money.com/pets/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Pet Adoption", "item": "https://money.com/pet-adoption/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Most Popular Dog Breeds" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/", "name": "Most Popular Dog Breeds", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2024-02-23T15:13:24.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/most-popular-dog-breeds/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2024-02-23T15:19:48.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Most Popular Dog Breeds", "articleSection": "Pets", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Feature.jpg?quality=85", "width": 6500, "height": 4338 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-French-Bulldog.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 374 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Labrador-Retriever.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Golden-Retriever.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 375 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-German-Shepherd.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Poodle-Standard.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Bulldog.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 374 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Rottweiler.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Beagle.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Dachshund.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-German-Shorthaired-Pointer.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Pembroke-Welsh-Corgi.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Australian-Shepherd.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Yorkshire-Terrier.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Doberman-Pinscher.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Boxer.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Miniature-Schnauzer.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Cane-Corso.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 379 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Great-Dane.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/02/Popular-Dog-Breeds-Shih-Tzu.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 382 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alison Tobin", "url": "https://money.com/author/alison-tobin/", "@id": "https://money.com/author/alison-tobin/#author", "description": "Alison is a former editor at Money Group, where she specialized in insurance and personal finance. 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