If you’re thinking of buying a dog this year, then you may want to consider what the most popular dog breeds are. For example, you may want a dog that’s great with children or one that’s extra cuddly or fluffy. Here are the 18 most popular dog breeds of the year.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are renowned for being family-friendly dogs. For example, the American Kennel Club writes, “Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.” They do require plenty of exercise, so make sure you’re able to take them on regular walks.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are of compact size and also have a friendly nature. They’re the perfect dog to have if you live in an apartment, as you don’t need much room to own one. Compared to larger breeds, you won’t have to walk them as much or groom them as regularly.
German Shepherd
These dogs are highly intelligent and versatile. They excel in various roles, such as being service dogs or family pets. German Shepherds are loyal and protective dogs, and they also make great guard dogs. These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation due to their high energy levels.
Golden Retriever
Dogtime writes, “The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The breed’s friendly attitude makes them great family pets, and their intelligence makes them highly capable working dogs.” These dogs are also easy to train and love being outdoors.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are well-known for their loose and wrinkly skin, their pushed-up nose, and their muscular build. Their personalities are calm but courageous when they need to be. A Bulldog is a great breed to have around children, thanks to their calm and protective nature.
Poodle
Poodles can come in different sizes; you can choose between small, medium, and large. If you have a smaller home, then a small or medium Poodle would be the best option. They’re also a great dog to choose if you suffer from allergies, as they have a hypoallergenic coat.
Beagle
Beagles are small to medium-sized hounds. They have a great sense of smell and tracking abilities, but they do need to be properly trained as puppies. For example, Pet Plan writes that a Beagle is “a brave, athletic dog that needs a strong hand in their early training.”
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are commonly known for having a bad reputation, but this just isn’t the case. They are loyal and confident dogs that make great companions. A Rottweiler is also an excellent guard dog, thanks to their protective nature. If you’re going to purchase a Rottweiler as a puppy, just make sure you stay firm during training.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers may be small in size, but don’t think that means they don’t have a huge personality. They’re both energetic and affectionate dogs that can adapt to various living conditions, making them great pets if you live in a city. Yorkshire Terriers also have hypoallergenic coats but do require regular grooming.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are commonly known as “wiener dogs” because of their long bodies and short legs. They’re a great breed to choose if you live in a city; as Daily Paws writes, “Their size and low-maintenance requirements make them adaptable to nearly any living situation, but beware: these little hounds can make some mighty noises.”
Boxer
Boxers are playful and energetic, and they love to be a part of the family. They have strong and muscular builds, which means they do require lots of exercise, so make sure you take a couple of hours out of your day for this. They make great family dogs and are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Siberian Husky
These are medium-sized dogs that are commonly used as working dogs thanks to their endurance and willingness. They can still be friendly and gentle, but Siberian Huskies are also known for being outgoing and alert. Their thick coat will require regular grooming, especially during shedding season.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The PDSA writes, “Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular family dogs due to their small size and love of people. They were originally bred as companion dogs and so enjoy the company of their families as much as possible.” This breed is a great companion for elderly people or a family with small children.
Australian Shepherd
These dogs are highly intelligent and energetic. They excel in agility and obedience training, so if you purchase an Australian Shepherd as a puppy, they should be very easy to train. They also make great working dogs and can herd livestock, but they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful coats and sweet nature. They’re a great dog to have if you live in an apartment due to their small size and moderate energy level. They do require regular grooming due to their long coats, so make sure to keep this in mind before purchasing a Shih Tzu.
Doberman Pinscher
Pet MD writes, “The Doberman Pinscher temperament is energetic, alert, and loyal.” This breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence, which makes them great family protectors. They do require regular exercise and training so that they channel all their energy in a positive manner.
Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their extremely large size, but that doesn’t stop them from being good-natured dogs; they’re even referred to as “gentle giants.” Their size means they require lots of space, so you should only purchase one if you have a large house or lots of land.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and friendly temperament. These good-natured dogs are great with children and make excellent family dogs. It’s important to note that they’ll need regular grooming thanks to their thick coats. They also enjoy outdoor activities, so make sure to put time aside each day.