Pet ownership is climbing in the United States, with families that own dogs leading the way, according to the National Pet Owners Survey, conducted by the American Pet Products Association. The 2019-2020 edition found that 67% of American households, or 85 million households, had at least one pet — the highest level ever reported. Of the households that had a pet, 63.4 million had a dog.
Families own many different dogs, from mixed-breeds to purebreds, but which are the most popular?. Purebred dog registry American Kennel Club has listed about 280 breeds on its website, and nearly 200 have made it into the organization’s popularity ranking.
To identify the 50 most popular breeds in the United States, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the American Kennel Club released on March 16, 2021, based on 2020 AKC registration statistics.
Some breeds have been consistently popular over the years, with golden and Labrador retrievers and German shepherds regularly dominating popularity rankings.
In fact, the Labrador retriever reigns No. 1 and has been the most popular since 1991. Golden and Labrador retrievers are especially popular among families, and for good reason. These are the best family-friendly dogs.
Some of the most popular breeds are of fairly recent origin, while others, like some hunting and herding breeds, would have been recognizable to Roman soldiers or Vikings.
The lifespan of the most popular dogs in the U.S. varies from as few as seven years to as many as 18, though the life expectancy of most breeds on this list is in the 10-15 range. These are the longest living dog breeds
Click here to see the 50 most popular dog breeds in America
52. Saint Bernard
> Weight: pounds
> Height: inches
> Popularity in 2019: 48 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Personality: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad]
50. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 45 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive
> Group category: Sporting
49. Portuguese Water Dog
> Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 50 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic
> Group category: Working
48. Akita
> Weight: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 47 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad-2]
47. English Cocker Spaniel
> Weight: 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female)
> Height: 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 52 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Energetic, Merry, Responsive
> Group category: Sporting
46. Bloodhound
> Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 49 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive
> Group category: Hound
[in-text-ad]
45. Bichon Frise
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 46 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years
> Personality: Playful, Curious, Peppy
> Group category: Non-sporting
44. West Highland White Terrier
> Weight: 15-20 pounds
> Height: 11 inches (male). 10 inches, female inches
> Popularity in 2019: 42 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Personality: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining
> Group category: Terrier
43. Shiba Inu
> Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)
> Height: 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 44 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-16 years
> Personality: Alert, Active, Attentive
> Group category: Non-sporting
[in-text-ad-2]
42. Rhodesian Ridgeback
> Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 41 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered
> Group category: Hound
41. Newfoundland
> Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
> Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 40 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Personality: Sweet, Patient, Devoted
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad]
40. Collie
> Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 38 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
> Group category: Herding
39. Weimaraner
> Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 36 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient
> Group category: Sporting
38. Maltese
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-9 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 37 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Gentle, Playful, Charming
> Group category: Toy
[in-text-ad-2]
37. Belgian Malinois
> Weight: 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 43 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Confident, Smart, Hardworking
> Group category: Herding
36. Basset Hound
> Weight: 40-65 pounds
> Height: 15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 39 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
> Group category: Hound
[in-text-ad]
35. Vizsla
> Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 31 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic
> Group category: Sporting
34. Chihuahua
> Weight: 6 pounds
> Height: 5-8 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 33 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
> Group category: Toy
33. Mastiff
> Weight: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)
> Height: 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 29 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 6-10 years
> Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad-2]
31. Miniature American Shepherd
> Weight: 20-40 pounds
> Height: 14-18 inches (male), 13-17 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 34 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
> Group category: Herding
30. Cocker Spaniel
> Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
> Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 30 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-14 years
> Personality: Gentle, Smart, Happy
> Group category: Sporting
[in-text-ad]
29. Pug
> Weight: 14-18 pounds
> Height: 10-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 28 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Personality: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
> Group category: Toy
28. Brittany
> Weight: 30-40 pounds
> Height: 18-21 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 26 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat
> Group category: Sporting
27. Shetland Sheepdog
> Weight: 15-25 pounds
> Height: 13-16 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 25 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Playful, Energetic, Bright
> Group category: Herding
[in-text-ad-2]
26. English Springer Spaniel
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 27 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Friendly, Playful, Obedient
> Group category: Sporting
25. Cane Corso
> Weight: Proportionate to height pounds
> Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 32 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-12 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad]
24. Havanese
> Weight: 7-13 pounds
> Height: 9-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 24 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny
> Group category: Toy
23. Pomeranian
> Weight: 3-7 pounds
> Height: 6-7 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 23 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Personality: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
> Group category: Toy
22. Bernese Mountain Dog
> Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 22 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Personality: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad-2]
21. Boston Terrier
> Weight: 12-25 pounds
> Height: 15-17 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 21 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Personality: Friendly, Bright, Amusing
> Group category: Non-sporting
20. Shih Tzu
> Weight: 9-16 pounds
> Height: 9-11 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 20 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
> Group category: Toy
[in-text-ad]
19. Miniature Schnauzer
> Weight: 11-20 pounds
> Height: 12-14 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 19 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Obedient
> Group category: Terrier
24/7 Wall St.
18. Doberman Pinscher
> Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
> Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 17 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Loyal, Fearless, Alert
> Group category: Working
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
> Weight: 13-18 pounds
> Height: 12-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 18 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
> Group category: Toy
[in-text-ad-2]
16. Siberian Husky
> Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 14 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing
> Group category: Working
15. Great Dane
> Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
> Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 16 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Personality: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
> Group category: Working
[in-text-ad]
14. Boxer
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 11 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
> Group category: Working
24/7 Wall St.
13. Yorkshire Terrier
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-8 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 10 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
> Group category: Toy
12. Australian Shepherd
> Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 17 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
> Group category: Herding
[in-text-ad-2]
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
> Weight: up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 13 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Smart, Alert
> Group category: Herding
10. Dachshund
> Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)
> Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
> Popularity in 2019: 12 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
> Group category: Hound
[in-text-ad]
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
> Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 9 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please
> Group category: Sporting
24/7 Wall St.
8. Rottweiler
> Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 8 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Personality: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
> Group category: Working
7. Beagle
> Weight: 20-30 pounds
> Height: 13-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 6 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-15 years
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Merry
> Group category: Hound
[in-text-ad-2]
6. Poodle (Toy)
> Weight: 4-6 pounds
> Height: 10 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Agile, Intelligent, Self-Confident
> Group category: Toy
6. Poodle (Miniature)
> Weight: 10-15 pounds
> Height: 10-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting
[in-text-ad]
6. Poodle (Standard)
> Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 15+ inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting
5. Bulldog
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 14-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 5 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Personality: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
> Group category: Non-sporting
4. Golden Retriever
> Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 3 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
> Group category: Sporting
[in-text-ad-2]
3. German Shepherd Dog
> Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 2 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Confident, Courageous, Smart
> Group category: Herding
2. French Bulldog
> Weight: 28 pounds
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 4 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting
[in-text-ad]
1. Labrador Retriever
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 1 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
> Group category: Sporting
Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)
Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Get started right here.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
