Home
Naming Help Dog Naming Tips
Dog Name Finder
Names By Gender Male Dog Names
Female Dog Names
Boy Dog Names
Girl Dog Names
Names By Theme Unique Dog Names
Popular Dog Names
Cool Dog Names
Funny Dog Names
Clever Dog Names
Unusual Dog Names
Foreign Dog Names
Top 10 Dog Names
Celebrity Dog Names
Famous Dog Names
Cute Puppy Names
Names By Type Dog Names By Size
Dog Names By Color
Dog Names By Breed
Helpful Info Top 10 Dog Breeds
Dog Training Tips
Dog Grooming Tips
Privacy Policy

Popular Dog Breeds

Choosing The Best Dog For You And Your Family


Looking for dog breeds that are the perfect fit for yourself or your family can be a bit like going grocery shopping...with so many choices, at times it can be a bit daunting.

Perhaps you’re searching for a type of dog that’s child friendly, or one that's a good guard dog, or maybe you're searching for information about the characteristics of a certain breed before you make your choice?

Well, what we’ve done on this page is to give you info about the most popular breeds of dogs…things like their history, temperament, dimensions and more.

The Top 10 Dog Breeds listed below have consistently been on the American Kennel Clubs list of the most popular types of dogs for some time now. Even though their perspective rankings might change slightly from year to year, the cream always rises to the top, and these dogs have proven their popularity year in and year out.

bulldog puppies

The Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds...


Labrador Retriever: Their easy trainability combined with their intelligence makes them one of the most powerful combination's as an excellent sporting dog, as well as a wonderful family pet.



Golden Retriever:
This beautifully coated dog is very affectionate, has an excellent temperament and is easily trained. Quite possibly the perfect family pet, if you don’t mind a larger dog.

German Shepherd:
While German Shepherds can and do make excellent family pets, they are happiest as working dogs, guide dogs or police dogs, so will do best when kept busy. They are beautiful in appearance and very intelligent.

Dachshund:
These dogs are referred to as “wiener dogs” because of their unique elongated shape. A fearless dog for it’s size, it was originally bred to hunt badger.

Beagle:
A hardy breed that isn’t prone to many ailments. It’s also a great family dog that has a gentle disposition, and it’s loud bark and howl is handy for warning owners of possible intruders.

Poodle:
An excellent companion dog that is well known for it’s beautiful appearance. This is a hardy breed that can adapt to nearly any living condition. They are easy to train too!

Chihuahua:
Without a doubt one of the smallest breeds around who has more bark than their bite, these little dogs definitely have a big dog attitude. An excellent pet for a couple with no children, older children or for someone single who is looking for a companion dog.

Rottweiler:
These dogs are protective by nature, especially of those they bond with, and are fiercely loyal. This not only makes them excellent family pets, but good watch and guard dogs as well.

Yorkshire Terrier:
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect companion dog for a single person or for an elderly couple, as it usually doesn’t mind spending the majority of the day on its owner’s lap or somewhere nearby.

Boxer:
Boxers are great family dogs as they are both loyal and affectionate and once taken into the family won’t want to be out of the owner’s sight. They are best suited for a home with a yard as they prefer being outside and are not an inside type dog.

More About Other Popular Dog Breeds...


bone image

Other Dog Breed Related Information

Types Of Small House Dogs: Do live where space for a dog is limited, like in an apartment? Perhaps you're elderly, and are looking for a small house dog that requires limited excercise and upkeep. Or maybe you're just looking for a small dog breed for companionship. If so, check this article for some dog breed suggestions and tips...

Hypoallergenic Dogs: Do you love dogs, yet hate your allergic reactions to them? Then this article may prove of interest, as it touches upon the causes of dog allergies and gives a list of breeds less prone to cause you to run for the tissue box.

Choosing The Right Dog: Perhaps you have yet to choose a dog. There are several things that should be considered when looking for the right one. They are...

What Is The Very Best Dog Breed To Own?

The Top 10 Dog Breeds shown above are the most popular, but in your opinion, are they the best to own?

Many who visit this page have yet to acquire a dog and would appreciate owner information about these and other breeds.

Things like…

  • Why you think this specific breed is the best

  • What makes this breed so special in your opinion?
    -Easily trained?
    -Great temperament?
    -Perfect around kids or the elderly?...or what else?

  • Perhaps you owned a certain dog in the past, whose breed qualities you could share more about…Please do!

    Your Favorite Dog Breed (ex. "Jack Russell Terrier")

    Tell Us Why! [ ? ]

    Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

    Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

    Click here to upload more images (optional)

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    Your Name

    (first or full name)

    Your Location

    (ex. City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)

    What Other Visitors Have Said

    Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

    Jack Russell Terrier  starstarstarstarstar
    They're very smart, energetic, comical, sweet, love kids, and people in general. They're cute, loyal, they're pretty easy to take care of, and they stay ...

    Doberman  starstarstarstarstar
    Extremely loyal, affectionate, loves their owner DEEPLY, best looking dog, very intelligent, naturally protective, and they are very silly.

    Belgian Malinois  starstarstarstarstar
    The Belgian Malinois is excellent with children, highly intelligent and a great guard dog. They are easy to train and have a short coat that is easy to ...

    Miniature Schnauzer  starstarstarstarstar
    Hi, I have a miniature schnauzer and no mater what anyone says, it has to be the most kind loyal breed, and has the most excellent temperament a dog could ...

    White German Shepherd  starstarstarstarstar
    They are extremely loyal and protective. They enjoy being outside and running. The white German Shepherd is not a good dog to have if you have small dogs ...

    What Breed Should I Get?  starstarstarstarstar
    Hi, what dog breed should we get? here are our rules;

    • must not or shed little
    • must be medium sized
    • has to be able to get along with chihuahua,...

    Stafford Shire Terrior (Staffys)  starstarstarstarstar
    My puppy Kuta, was put down a few days ago. He was a stafford shire terrier, and the most playful, affectionate bundle of joy I ever had. He was great ...

    Dog Breeds: Scottish Terrier  starstarstarstarstar
    Scottish Terriers are small enough to cuddle on the couch, large enough not to lose in the dark and the best exercise companion in the world. They are ...

    Bouvier Des Flandres  starstarstarstarstar
    I have two Bouviers and I just love the breed. Even though they are big dogs they do not take up a lot of space. They are very good inside as they prefer ...

    Black Labrador  starstarstarstarstar
    They are very loyal, I should know since I own one. Also, they are great with small kids, babies, and adults. They require a large yard or a park to play ...

    Italian Greyhound  starstarstarstarstar
    Italian greyhounds are really cuddly and passionate. They are great and warm to sleep by. Italian Greyhounds love to run around and love to sleep. They ...

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  starstarstarstarstar
    This toy breed is easy to train, great with young children, other pets and is a real family dog! Does not need lots of exercise and will love you to bits!...

    American Pit Bull Terrier  starstarstarstarstar
    We own two pit bulls. One who is almost 10 years old and one who is 10 months old. They are so loyal and loving. They are full of energy and eager to ...

    Boston Terrier  starstarstarstarstar
    Bostons are among the best breeds for people with children because of their non-aggressive demeanors. In general, Bostons will let a child paint their ...

    Golden Doodle  starstarstarstarstar
    A Golden Doodle is a hybrid breed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Our Golden Doodle is VERY smart, VERY playful, and luckily for us, VERY easily trained....

    Rottweiler  starstarstarstarstar
    Because they are so loving, will never leave you alone and are really good with other dogs even though they have a really bad reputation.

    I got a rottweiler ...

    Mutt  starstarstarstarstar
    They live longer, less genetic disorders despite what some experts say and just their dare to be different outfits!!

    Greyhound  starstarstarstarstar
    Retired racing Greyhounds make wonderful family pets. Contrary to common belief, they require very little exercise, hence the nickname '40mph couch potatoes'...

    St. Bernard  starstarstarstarstar
    He is a lover boy, rules the hearts of females among dogs as he is the smartest of all. Lovable among the children and the most preferred dog pet. Hope ...

    Westie-West Highland White Terrier  starstarstarstarstar
    Because they are great companions. They think they are human and talk to you with their bark and looks, which are very expressive. It's like having a very ...

    Cavalier king charles  starstarstarstarstar
    They simply are the Kings dog and they know it to.
    Loving, cute, small and proud, you are never sad when they are around.
    A kiss and lick thats all ...

    Miniature Schnauzer  starstarstarstarstar
    They have a great personality, friendly and good with kids but they can also be very good watch dogs.

    Australian Shepherd  starstarstarstarstar
    Australian Shepherds are incredible animals. They have unlimited amounts of energy and intelligence. My "Aussie" Copper is 4 years old and I'm constantly ...

    Akita  starstarstarstarstar
    Superb with children, gentle and yet protective in a non agressive manner. faithful to its family and very intelligent.

    Miniature Austrailian Shepard  starstarstarstarstar
    They are the perfect size, not to big, not to small. Also, they don't shed! Great watchdogs, minus the barking. They also learn very fast and are very ...

    Labs and Bassets  starstarstarstarstar
    Labs because I owned one for 14 yrs growing up and I adored her. And they are notoriously wonderful with kids and everything, great family dogs.
    Bassets ...

    shetland sheepdog  starstarstarstarstar
    Shetland Sheepdogs are very intelligent, loving dogs. They do their best to always please their owners. They can be reserved with strangers but will bond ...

    Field Cocker Spaniel  starstarstar
    They have a great temperament and are very good with children and everyone else in the family. They are very easily trained. Our dog does sit, paw, lie ...

    Labrador Retriever  Not rated yet
    Labrador Retrievers are like four-legged people and are gentle, intelligent, loyal, and if they are angel dogs, they will have the face of a Lab. Their ...

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever  Not rated yet
    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Though he is a relatively small dog (~40 lbs.) he has attributes of larger retrievers. Smart, loving, high energy, good ...

    Pit Bull and Bull Terrier  Not rated yet
    Every one is so against these breeds, but they are absolutely beautiful. Spike(Bull Terrier), is an absolute clown at the best of times. Roxy(Pit Bull)...

    Maltese  Not rated yet
    Maltese, first of all are beautiful and very loyal companions, unlike most of the smaller breeds, they are very tough to spoil, which for a person like ...

    American Bulldog  Not rated yet
    American Bulldogs have awesome personalities. Along with being incredibly intelligent and easily trainable, they are gentle and loving dogs. Owners of ...

    Dorgi (Dachshund Corgi Mix)  Not rated yet
    Me and my family have one and they are easy to train,lovable,intelligent,great with kids & they are a royalty breed. The Queen Mum will only allow Dorgi'...

    Maltipoo  Not rated yet
    Supercute
    Doesn't Shed
    Small
    Loving + Affectionate
    Loyal
    Easy to train

    Mutt  Not rated yet
    Mutts have unique personalities, colorful backgrounds, and more immunity towards diseases.

    Chihuahua!  Not rated yet
    I recently adopted my Chihuahua Vixie Lou from a no-kill shelter near my house, and she is the best dog i have ever had. As soon as i picked her up at ...

    Blue Staffy  Not rated yet
    Blue Staffy is a medium-sized, short-coated, old-time breed of dog.

    In the early part of the twentieth century, the breed gained respectability, and ...

    Shetland Sheepdog  Not rated yet
    The Shetland Sheepdog is intelligent, they seem to understand you, sweet, eager to please, gorgeous looking, and easy to train. Not to mention, obedient,...

    Chihuahua  Not rated yet
    I have a chihuahua and she is the sweetest dog ever. She loves kids and basically anyone she meets but she is wary at first when new people come over but ...

    Boxer  Not rated yet
    My family owned a boxer, Baxter, as I was growing up. He eventually became my dog and would pace by the windows and door when it was time for me to come ...

    Standard Poodle  Not rated yet
    I think poodles are perfect because they feel really great to the touch, and their fur doesn't end up all over the house. It pretty much only comes out ...

    Doberman & Pitbull  Not rated yet
    I have been around many types of dogs (growing up in a family that bred Great Perenese, Rottweilers, Pit bulls, Labradors, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas.

    I ...

    Irish Jack Russell Terriers  Not rated yet
    Irish Jacks have a big mind in a mini body. If trained, the dogs can be perfect for kids ages 7+. They are a little jumpy, but still, they make great running ...

    American Stafforshire Terrier  Not rated yet
    Great for service dogs, awesome temperaments, the best personalities!

    Pit Bull  Not rated yet
    Because they are the most loyal, loving, and funniest dogs in my opinion, I won't own any other breed of dog.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier  Not rated yet
    Staffordshire bull terriers are beautiful dogs, very good companions and have an excellent temperament. I think that they are a great all round dog and ...

    Papillon  Not rated yet
    The Papillon easily trained, loyal, protective but not over protective. They love playing and running around all day, but don't mind if you like to chill ...

    Golden Retriever   Not rated yet
    I had one Golden that died then we got 2 more, and I just love their high attitude how playful they are and that there super smart and loyal.

    This ...

    Belgian Shepherd Tervuren  Not rated yet
    There a perfect companion, will protect you for the rest of its life and will happily join in any activity you enjoy. The Belgian Shepherd Tervuren loves ...

    Bouvier Des Flandres  Not rated yet
    I have been raising Bouviers now for a number of years. They have to be the most loyal, gentle dogs I have ever owned. They are not as hard to maintain ...

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier  Not rated yet
    I have raised a Schnauzer and an Akita in the past but since I adopted my first Wheaten in 2001, I have fallen in love with the breed. I now have 3 boys ...

    Rez Dogs  Not rated yet
    #1 reason. They're tuff. They are not just a mutt. They are a very tuff mutt. They can live in below freezing weather and extreme hot weather climates....

    Maltese  Not rated yet
    Because they are the most loving & affectionate puppies. They love to please you and they're beautiful! I lost my first one in March 09 and thought I could ...

    Bulldog  Not rated yet
    These big critters may seem a little boring to you. But in the inside once you get to know them and they get to know you it will get used to you.

    The ...

    border collie  Not rated yet
    My 3 year old border collie Chester is a rare brill dog they don't just offer love and but true friendship.

    They will never be the top posh handbag ...

    Belgian Malinois-Australian Cattle Dog  Not rated yet
    Malinois and ACD's such as blue heelers, are in my opinion a couple of the best dogs breeds you could own.

    This is based on the fact that I love a ...

    Huskey  Not rated yet
    They are the perfect dogs for a outside type of person. They are super cute and very sweet most of the time. I love to be outside and run around. And so ...

    Jack Russell Terrier  Not rated yet
    I have just got a little 8 week old Jack Russell Terrier and he is perfect. if you want to play with him he will always play and he loves it too, but if ...

    Shetland Sheepdog  Not rated yet
    I like the Shetland Sheepdog breed because they are very calm, loving, and affectionate. They will do well in a apartment as long as it's walked once a ...

    Miniature Schnauzer  Not rated yet
    Miniature Schnauzers are very intelligent and are perfect for people who suffer from allergies and they shed little to no hair which means just a little ...

    Saint Bernard: A Great Breed  Not rated yet
    I think they are the best pets! I own 3 currently! They maybe big and some may drool but the breed in general makes up for those faults!

    They are super ...

    Jack Russell Terrier  Not rated yet
    Because my Jack Russell Terrier is 15 years old and still going strong. Shes my favorite dog because shes faithful, loving, and loves to see me and always ...

    Favorite Dog Breeds: Golden Retriever  Not rated yet
    Beautiful, graceful, playful, loyal, the most wanted family pet. Would not harm a fly. Active in water and sports but can also be your best friend or couch ...

    Dog Breeds: Australian Shepherd  Not rated yet
    I´ve met this dog for the first time when visiting the US in 1979, then 1984 again when I moved over there from Sweden, and bought 2 of them. We moved ...

    Chihuahua  Not rated yet
    I have a 4 year old chihuahua that is a wonderful dog! He is very laid back, likes to sleep and very well mannered. My dog is loyal and always by my side....

    Border Collie  Not rated yet
    These dogs are the smartest dog breed and are easily trained. They are great around kids, though if yours is young and extremely hyper I would be careful ...

    Boerboel  Not rated yet
    The Boerboel is a big intellegent muscular working dog, and not very many people in the united states know about it.

    The Boerboel is reliable, obedient ...

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen  Not rated yet
    My PBGV is very loyal, loving and basically she is INSANE. I show in the AKC and she loves to be with me.
    However, the breed is not for everyone and has ...

    Havanese  Not rated yet
    Because they are almost human! They don't pick favorites and they don't shed and are hypo-allergenic. They love children and elderly alike. Very smart ...

    Golden Retriever  Not rated yet
    They're appearance is beautiful. They have a lovely,wonderful,smooth coat. They get along with children very well and therefore they are suitable in a ...

    Golden Retriever  Not rated yet
    Golden Retrievers are so nice and love to be played with. They are great with little kids and are so cuddly as puppies as well as adults. You just can'...

    Rat Terrier  Not rated yet
    They're loyal, they're always going to remember you. They are always there for you no matter what you've done bad. They grow to be your best friends. They'...

    Beagles  Not rated yet
    Beagles are awesome. They are so cute and you can't say no to their pretty little face, and you've got to love their floppy ears! I have a beagle and she ...

    German Shephard  Not rated yet
    This breed is my favorite because they are loyal, gentle loving of their family. I have had german shephards for over 15 years. My present dog - SHEEBA ...

    Australian Shepherds  Not rated yet
    They are fast for agility and their colors are amazing!

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi  Not rated yet
    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the best dogs a person can own. They are loyal, protective, easy to train (with patience amongst the owner) and very ...

    Labrador Retriever  Not rated yet
    I have had many dogs in my life which have all been a different breed. I loved all of them, but the dog I have now is a Chocolate Lab...she is wonderful!...

    Mastiff  Not rated yet
    I would give my life for one of my kids...and so would my Mastiff. What more needs to be said?

    Jack Russell Terrier  Not rated yet
    They are active dogs, and are easily trained. A hardy breed that isn’t prone to many ailments, they do well as an indoor pet as well as an outdoor pet....

    Havanese  Not rated yet
    They make you laugh and they are small little lap dogs. They are a toy breed, but are very sturdy. They ALWAYS want to be with you, even into the bathroom!...

    Shetland Sheepdog  Not rated yet
    Shetland Sheepdogs are about medium size. They are energetic. They are very intelligiant. They are not to hard to care for. They are also, very good pets....

    Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier  Not rated yet
    They love you unconditionally, and remain puppies throughout their lives. Their energy level never seems to subside.

    Yorkshire Terrier  Not rated yet
    Would definitely have to say that our Yorkie's the best breed going.

    I will say though that it is very protective of my wife, as she's the lucky one ...





    Return to Dog Names and More from Dog Breeds

    dog videos, cat videos, puppy videos, kitten videos, pet videos


    footer for dog breeds page

  •