2019's 6 Most POPular Dog Breeds in the USA

Although all dogs are precious, not all share the same popularity. The American Kennel Club, AKC, lists 193 breeds in its registry. Below are the top six most popular dog breeds.

# 1 Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers rank 1 out of 193 in breed popularity, according to the AKC. It's friendly, active, and outgoing personality likely accounts for this breed’s popularity among canine lovers.

Labradors are famous for their personality and social skills with both humans and dogs. For this reason, they are well suited for families with children and other household pets. While easy-going affectionate, Labradors are also active, requiring a lot of exercises, like swimming, walking, playing fetch, and running.

Adult labradors, which have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, can weigh from 65 to 80 pounds (male) or 55 to 70 pounds (female).

# 2 German Shepherd

Leading behind labradors in popularity is the German shepherd breed, ranking 2 out of 193. With a life expectancy of seven to ten years, German shepherds can reach a weight of 65 to 90 pounds for males and 50 to 70 pounds for females.

German shepherds are confident, loyal, brave, and intelligent, making them great guard dogs. Despite their intimidating appearance and size (these dogs can stand as high as 26 inches), German shepherds make for gentle family pets.

# 3 Golden Retriever

Although similar in appearance, don’t mistake golden retrievers for labrador retrievers. Although similar in temperament—golden retrievers, too, are friendly, smart, and devoted—labs are a little larger: golden retrievers can weigh from 65 to 75 pounds for males and 55 to 65 for females.

With a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, this popular dog breed is outgoing, trustworthy, and eager to please, making them another breed suitable for families. However, families that adopt them must be willing to give them the proper amount of exercise, as they are active dogs. Instinctively attracted to water, swimming is a good exercise for these dogs.

#4 French Bulldog

French bulldogs, also known as “Frenchies,” weigh under 28 pounds, live from 10 to 12 years, and grow up to 11 to 13 inches. A much smaller dog compared to the ones listed in the top three, French bulldogs are adaptable, playful, affectionate, charming, and intelligent. All those qualities make Frenchies a good household pet. They are especially great for busy individuals and families that live in apartments, small houses, or big cities because they require very little exercise. This dog breed also socializes well with strangers, both of the human and animal kind.

#5 Bulldog

Bulldogs rank number five on the AKC’s list. This dog breed can grow as tall as 14 to 15 inches, weigh as much as 50 or 40 pounds, for males and females, respectively. With a life expectancy of eight to ten years, this breed requires very moderate exercise. In fact, these dogs prefer to lounge at home, either on the couch or on your lap. Nonetheless, it’s important to keep these dogs healthy with the proper exercise—walks around the neighborhood—and diet. When the weather becomes hot, make sure to keep these puppers in cool, air-conditioned spaces.

#6 Beagle

Number six on the list, beagles can live up to 15 years, can weigh up to 30 pounds, and can grow up to 15 inches. They are friendly, curious, and merry, so don’t be surprised to find them exploring and sniffing everything in a new environment. Beagles are also lovable, happy, and companionable, making them great pets for owners who like to be very involved with their pets’ lives. Because beagles are very energetic, it’s important that they receive the proper amount of exercise they need.