The 15 Most Popular Dog Breeds

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Quirky, bubbly, friendly

For the fourth year in a row, the French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in the U.S. It’s no surprise, as these beloved little lapdogs are social butterflies who fit in a wide variety of families and lifestyles. They also make great pets for first-time dog parents.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Athletic, outgoing, smart

Labrador Retrievers are also friendly family dogs who are usually outgoing and unbothered by lots of people and other animals, making them excellent therapy or service dogs. 

Labs love to do anything that takes place outside, making them a good fit for avid runners and hikers. They’re also powerful swimmers and will love to fetch toys from the water.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Smart, silly, social

If you’ve ever met a Golden Retriever, you probably fell in love right away. That smart, loving, gentle personality is what makes this dog breed so popular among all types of pet parents.

They learn quickly, making training a breeze, and are up for any outdoor activity with you. As long as you’re willing to brush their silky coat regularly and give them plenty of exercise and attention, a Golden might just be your new best friend.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Brave, heroic, loyal

German Shepherds are intelligent, active, loyal companions who’ll always stay by your side. They love to learn new things, solve puzzles, and participate in dog sports, so aspiring German Shepherd pet parents should make sure they have the time (and energy!) for consistent training and exercise.

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Clever, funny, mischievous

Dachshunds make up for their small size with a big personality. Famous for their long back and low-to-the-ground stature, these “wiener dogs” make popular pets. 

But their unique build does come with some special considerations. For example, you might need to place a ramp or pet stairs near the couch to make getting up and down easier on their delicate backs and necks.

• Size: Extra small, small, and medium
• Lifespan: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Sporty, smarty pants, jack of all trades

The Poodle isn’t just a popular dog breed because they’re soft and pretty to look at (although that’s a definite bonus). They are also super smart, athletic pups who love to give and get attention. 

Whether you have a Toy Poodle, a Miniature Poodle, or a Standard Poodle, your canine companion has a low-shedding coat that gives them a “hypoallergenic” reputation. But those curls need a lot of grooming from their pet parents at home and from professional grooming appointments. 

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Temperament: Courageous, energetic, friendly

Beagles are social dogs who love their people. These traits make them beloved and popular pets perfect for families with kids and/or other dogs.

They’re also pretty talkative and often howl or bay, so expect a more “musical” home if you add one of these hound dogs to your household.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 9–10 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, aloof, loyal

Rottweilers might not be social butterflies like Golden Retrievers or Frenchies, but they are deeply affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their family members. Consistent positive reinforcement training, exercise, and mental stimulation keep a Rottie healthy and help them warm up faster to new friends. 

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Active, energetic, loyal

Originally bred as hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers are athletic pups who need lots of exercise. They make a good match with people who love outdoor activities like camping, swimming, and really long walks. A GSP is happiest when outside.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Charming, cuddly, silly

More of a couch potato than a star athlete, Bulldogs are popular dogs for more laid-back pet parents. 

Though that doesn’t mean they don’t like to move at all. All dogs need some exercise, but brachycephalic breeds like the Bulldog are prone to overheating and need to take things a little slower. Your vet can give you tips for keeping your Bulldog healthy.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 9–12 years
• Temperament: Loyal, serious, smart

The Cane Corso is a big dog who tips the scales at 88–110 pounds. They’re the best fit for more experienced pet parents and, like all dogs, need consistent positive reinforcement training and socialization to be comfortable and confident in new situations. 

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Bubbly, happy-go-lucky, sporty

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular small dog breed known for being a cute and cuddly lapdog. They’re another social, playful pup who gets along with basically everyone, which explains their popularity. 

• Size: Extra small
• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Temperament: Clever, cuddly, spirited

A tiny dog with long, flowing hair, the Yorkshire Terrier is one cute—and popular—pup. Pet parents need to take special care of the Yorkie’s fur and teeth to keep them happy and healthy. 

Australian Shepherds are popular for their enthusiastic personalities and make great partners for active, athletic pet parents who can’t get enough of the outdoors. These adventure dogs enjoy running or hiking, and they even excel at dog sports like agility and flyball.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Active, loyal, sweet

Rounding out the list is the Doberman Pinscher, known for their distinctive appearance and intelligence. These dogs like having a job to do, whether it’s working as a military or police dog, training for a dog sports competition, or spending time at home with their people, learning new tricks or skills.