Top 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds

Dogs have a special place in our hearts and homes, and some breeds have particularly captured the collective affection of pet lovers everywhere. These popular dog breeds are cherished for their unique traits, lovable personalities, and versatility as companions. 

Whether you're seeking a loyal protector, a playful buddy, or a cuddly lap dog, there's a popular breed out there that fits the bill. Let's dive into the top 20 most popular dog breeds*, their distinctive qualities, and what makes them beloved by so many pet parents! 

* Most recent data from American Kennel Club

French Bulldogs, number one on the AKC’s list in 2022 and 2023, are a charming and warm presence in any household. Known for their adaptability and affectionate nature, these small but sturdy dogs are perfect for city dwellers. Despite their compact size, French Bulldogs pack a big personality and a love for playfulness.

• Health: Prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure
• Appearance: Muscular build with a short, smooth coat that comes in colors such as brindle, fawn, and white
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that controls their weight to avoid making respiratory issues worse
• Training: Generally easy to train but can be stubborn
• Exercise: Low to moderate exercise needs

Learn more about the best dog food for French Bulldogs to keep yours happy and healthy.

The Labrador Retriever has always been an iconic family favorite, thanks to their friendly demeanor and boundless energy. Labs are responsive to training, which means they excel in different roles — from service dogs to loyal family companions. Their love for water and retrieving games makes them a perfect choice for families on the go!

• Health: Generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and obesity
• Appearance: Strong, athletic build with a short, dense, water-resistant coat that comes in yellow, black, and chocolate
• Nutrition: Require high-quality dog food that supports their active lifestyle and prevents obesity
• Training: Highly trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: High exercise needs

Discover the best food for Labrador Retrievers and feed your pup the best food you can find.

Golden Retrievers are the epitome of friendliness and reliability, all wrapped up in one furry package. Their intelligence and gentle personality make them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. With their beautiful golden coats and loving nature, it's no wonder they consistently rank high on the list of most popular dogs in America!

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and some heart diseases
• Appearance: Medium to large size with a dense, water-repellent, golden coat
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients
• Training: Very trainable due to their intelligence 
• Exercise: High energy needs

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, courage, and work ethic. These versatile dogs are often seen in police and military roles, but they’re just as capable of being devoted, cuddly family pets as they are to protecting and serving. Their protective instincts and intelligence make German Shepherds excellent guard dogs.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy
• Appearance: Large, muscular build with a dense, medium to long double coat
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their high energy levels and large size
• Training: Highly trainable with consistent, positive reinforcement training
• Exercise: Very high exercise needs

What should you feed your pup? Discover the best German Shepherd food today and find your dog’s new favorite.

Poodles have been a long-time favorite thanks to their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. This is also why there are so many mixed breeds that are half Poodle! Available in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, these adorable dogs suit a variety of living situations. Poodles are not only stylish with their distinctive grooming, but are also highly trainable and active dogs.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye disorders
• Appearance: Elegant and athletic with a curly, hypoallergenic coat that comes in many different colors
• Nutrition: Require high-quality food that supports their coat health
• Training: Extremely trainable due to their high intelligence
• Exercise: Moderate to high exercise needs depending on size

Serve up your pet’s favorites with the best dog food for Poodles today.

Dachshunds, or weiner dogs as they’re so lovingly called, have long bodies and short legs — they’re full of spirit and curiosity! Originally bred for hunting, they’re brave and independent, but incredibly loyal to their families. Their unique appearance and spirited nature make them a favorite among dog lovers everywhere.

• Health: Prone to back issues such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Appearance: Long body, short legs, and a smooth coat
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their small size but prevents obesity to avoid back problems
• Training: Can be stubborn
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs

No hot dogs for this hot dog! Find out how to keep your pup well fed with the best food for Dachshunds.

Bulldogs are instantly recognizable by their wrinkled faces and muscular build. Despite their tough appearance, they’re actually known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. Bulldogs are low-maintenance dogs that adapt well to apartment living — making them a popular choice for any dog lover.

• Health: Prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic structure
• Appearance: Stocky and muscular with a short, wrinkled face and a smooth coat
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet to avoid obesity and support their unique build
• Training: Can be stubborn but respond well to consistent training
• Exercise: Low to moderate exercise needs

What’s the best food for Bulldogs? Find out and start your pup’s new diet today.

Beagles are famous for their keen sense of smell and friendly temperament. These small hounds are energetic and love to explore, which makes them great companions for active families. Their friendly nature means they get along well with children and other pets — perfect for social families!

• Health: Generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and obesity
• Appearance: Small to medium size with a short, smooth coat that is typically tricolor or bicolor
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet to maintain their energy and prevent obesity
• Training: Respond well to positive reinforcement, but can be distracted by scents
• Exercise: High exercise needs

Discover more about the best food for Beagles.

Rottweilers are strong,confident dogs known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They thrive in roles that require strength and intelligence, like guarding and search and rescue. With the right training and early socialization, Rottweilers can be gentle and loving family pets.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart conditions
• Appearance: Large and muscular with a short, dense coat that is black with tan markings
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their large size and prevents obesity
• Training: Highly trainable but require consistent, firm training
• Exercise: High exercise needs

Learn more about the best dog foods for your Rottweiler.

German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile hunting dogs with seemingly limitless energy and a strong sense of smell. They’re intelligent, trainable, and require plenty of exercise to stay happy. Their affectionate and friendly nature makes them great pets for families that love to stay active.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and skin disorders
• Appearance: Medium to large size with a short, dense coat that is typically brown and white
• Nutrition: Require a high-protein diet 
• Training: Very trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: Very high exercise needs

Discover how to prepare for a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy and get ready for your newest family member!

Sometimes, getting your dog’s daily steps in can sometimes be a challenge. With Wag!, you can book on-demand dog walks when you need them. Discover all the local, trusted pet caregivers in your area and book a dog walk today!

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small herding dogs with big personalities. Best known for their intelligence and playful nature (apart from being Queen Elizabeth’s dogs, of course), Corgis are great with children and other pets. Their distinctive appearance, with short legs and a long body, adds to their charm.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and eye disorders
• Appearance: Small size with a short, sturdy build and a short to medium coat
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that prevents obesity
• Training: Highly trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs

Wondering what to feed your dog? Find out some of the best food for Corgis and find new favorites for your pup. 

Australian Shepherds are highly energetic and intelligent dogs — perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. They excel in agility and herding activities, thanks to their high energy levels and quick learning abilities. Australian Shepherds are loyal and affectionate companions, ready to enjoy a long life with dog lovers everywhere!

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and certain eye conditions
• Appearance: Medium size with a long, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their high energy levels and coat health
• Training: Extremely trainable — excel in obedience and agility training
• Exercise: Very high exercise needs 

A long life starts with the right diet — discover the best food for your Australian Shepherd today.

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big attitudes. Their luxurious coats and feisty personalities make them stand out in a crowd. And despite their small size, Yorkies are brave and confident, often acting as little watchdogs to their owners.

• Health: Prone to dental issues, luxating patella, and certain eye conditions
• Appearance: Small size with a long, silky coat that is typically blue and tan
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that supports their small size and prevents dental issues
• Training: Can be stubborn but respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement
• Exercise: Low to moderate exercise needs

Support the health of your Yorkie with the right diet — try some of the best dog foods for Yorkshire Terriers and see what your pup likes most!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These small, elegant dogs are perfect lap companions and get along well with children and other pets. Their expressive eyes and silky coats add to their charm.

• Health: Prone to heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and some eye conditions
• Appearance: Small size with a silky coat that comes in different colors
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that supports their small size and prevents obesity
• Training: Very trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs 

Learn more about caring for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the best dog foods they’ll love.

Doberman Pinschers are sleek, powerful dogs known for their loyalty and intelligence. They make excellent guard dogs and are highly trainable — with a firm but gentle hand, and the right socialization, Dobermans can be affectionate and gentle with their families for years.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and even some genetic disorders
• Appearance: Large and muscular with a short, sleek coat that’s typically black and tan
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their large size and prevents obesity
• Training: Does well with firm, consistent training and are eager to please
• Exercise: High exercise needs

Discover the best dog food for Doberman Pinschers today.

Cane Corsos are large, muscular dogs with a confident demeanor. Known for their protective instincts, they make top-notch guard dogs. Despite their imposing presence, though, Cane Corsos can be gentle and affectionate with those they love most.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and some eye conditions
• Appearance: Large and muscular with a short, dense coat that comes in different colors
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their large size 
• Training: Highly trainable but require consistent, firm training
• Exercise: High exercise needs 

Learn more about the best food for Cane Corsos and give your furry friend the food they deserve!

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs with big personalities. Known for their distinctive beards and eyebrows (that kind of make them look like little old men), they’re alert and energetic. Miniature Schnauzers are great, lifelong companions and excel in obedience and agility training.

• Health: Prone to pancreatitis, liver disease, and certain genetic disorders
• Appearance: Small size with a distinctive beard and eyebrows and a wiry coat
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that works to prevent pancreatitis and supports their energy levels
• Training: Highly trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs 

What do Mini Schnauzers love to eat? Try some of the best dog food for Mini Schnauzers and prepare a new favorite for your pup.

Boxers are medium-sized dogs known for their playful and energetic nature. These dogs are loyal and protective, making them great family pets. Boxers require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and unfortunately, some cancers
• Appearance: Medium size with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that supports their energy levels
• Training: Highly trainable and eager to please 
• Exercise: High exercise needs 

Find out how to keep your dog well-fed with some of the best dog food for Boxers.

Great Danes, also known as the Scooby Doo dogs, are gentle giants known for their towering stature and affectionate nature. Despite their large size, they’re gentle and good-natured — Great Danes require plenty of space and a well-rounded diet to maintain their health.

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and bloat
• Appearance: Very large size with a short, smooth coat 
• Nutrition: Require a diet that supports their large size and prevents bloat
• Training: Highly trainable and eager to please
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs 

Out of Scooby snacks? Try some of the best dog food for Great Danes instead.

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs with a distinctive appearance and a charming personality. They make great lap dogs and get along well with both children and unfamiliar animals. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that their long, flowing coats require regular grooming and maintenance to keep fresh and clean.

• Health: Prone to dental issues and hip dysplasia
• Appearance: Small size with a long, flowing coat 
• Nutrition: Require a balanced diet that supports their small size and prevents dental issues
• Training: Can be stubborn, but respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement
• Exercise: Low to moderate exercise needs 

Bring home the best for your dog — discover the best food for Shih Tzus today.

These lovable pups are some of the most common dogs out there for a reason — life with them is full of love, adventure, and excitement! 

But owning a popular dog breed comes with its unique set of challenges, including the risk of theft and some hefty price tags. Due to their desirability, popular breeds can be targeted by thieves, and their market value can be high. Here’s what you need to know about the risk of theft as well as the pricing for these beloved dogs:

Risk of theft

These popular dog breeds are in high demand, making them prime targets for theft. Purebred dogs, especially those with pedigrees, can fetch high prices, increasing their risk of being stolen. Pet parents should make sure their dogs are either microchipped, kept on a leash in public, and/or never left unattended in vehicles or public areas.

Pricing

Depending on the breeder, market trends, availability and even location, the price you might be paying for your popular pup may vary. Generally, prices for these dogs can range from anywhere between $400 to $8,000. 

While owning a popular breed can bring years of joy and companionship, it also requires responsible ownership to ensure the well-being of your furry friend. Regular vet visits, wellness plans, proper training, and comprehensive pet insurance are crucial for the health and safety of these beloved dogs.

Still on the lookout for the right pet insurance? Try Wag! Compare for free today! Find great pet insurance deals and explore all your options — discover the right plan for your pup and ensure they’re covered, no matter what happens.