Consider the Dog: 7 Popular Dog Breeds Worth a Wag

While they may not all be material for the Westminster Dog Show, the United States is home to many beloved dog breeds, each known for unique qualities and characteristics. And boy, do we love our furry friends. In fact, as of the most recent surveys, about 63 million households in the U.S. own a dog. This accounts for roughly around 50% of all households in the country. Additionally, it's estimated that over 89 million dogs are owned in the U.S. Of course, these numbers can vary slightly depending on the source, but it’s clear that dog ownership is very common, with many households owning two or more fur babies.

So, if you’re on the hunt to become a DINKWAD or a FWAD (we made this up: Family With a Dog), according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other dog enthusiasts, in no certain order here are some top contenders for America’s favorite dog breeds:

Labrador Retriever

Traits: Friendly, outgoing, high energy.

Why It's Popular: Labradors are often considered the quintessential family dog due to their friendly nature and loyalty. They are highly trainable and great with children, making them ideal companions for active families. Additionally, labradors are highly intelligent and easy to train. They excel in obedience training and are often used as service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and in roles like therapy work, thanks to their smarts and eagerness to please.

French Bulldog

Traits: Affectionate, playful, and adaptable.

Why It's Popular: French Bulldogs are small, adorable, and easygoing, which makes them perfect for apartment living. Their charming personalities and minimal grooming requirements have made them one of the top breeds in the U.S. Despite their calm demeanor, French Bulldogs have a playful side! They’re often quite goofy and will entertain their owners with their quirky behavior, which adds to their charm.

Golden Retriever

Traits: Friendly, intelligent, devoted.

Why It's Popular: Golden Retrievers are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them excellent family pets and service dogs. Their friendly, loyal, and trainable nature makes Golden Retrievers an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. They’re generally easy to manage and love to be around their humans, which makes them a wonderful companion for anyone new to dog ownership; and they are great with children and other pets. They tend to have a good lifespan for a large breed, and their overall health can be supported through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

German Shepherd

Traits: Confident, courageous, intelligent.

Why It's Popular: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and versatile dogs, excelling as working dogs in police, military, and search-and-rescue roles. They're loyal and protective, making them great family pets as well. They love outdoor activities like running, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. If you’re an active person or family, a German Shepherd can keep up with your lifestyle and provide plenty of fun and companionship.

Yorkshire Terrier

Traits: Spirited, affectionate, brave.

Why It's Popular: This small breed is one of the most popular toy dogs in the U.S. and is ideal for people who live in smaller spaces—or who want to easily travel with their pups. They have big personalities in tiny bodies and are loved for their affectionate nature. They’re confident, spunky, and often think they’re much bigger than they actually are, making them entertaining and fun to be around. Bonus: Yorkies have a fine, silky coat that sheds very little, making them a good option for people with allergies. 

Australian Shepherd

Traits: Intelligent, energetic, loyal.

Why It's Popular: The Australian Shepherd (Aussie) is known for its herding instincts, intelligence, and high energy. They excel in agility, obedience, and various dog sports, making them a great choice for active families. Aussies are often excellent with children, especially if raised around them. They can be very gentle and patient with younger family members. They also tend to get along well with other dogs and pets when properly socialized, making them great family companions.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Traits: Affectionate, intelligent, alert.

Why It's Popular: Corgis are famous for their short legs, long bodies, and perky ears, giving them a unique, playful, and endearing look. Their expressive faces and wagging tails add to their charm, making them hard to resist.  Originally bred as herding dogs, they excel in obedience training and can pick up commands and tricks quickly. Their intelligence also means they need plenty of mental stimulation, making them a good choice for people who want to engage with their dog.

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