Special Report

America's Most Popular Dogs

Ksenia Raykova / iStock via Getty Images

Pet ownership continued to climb in the United States even during the pandemic, according to the National Pet Owners Survey, conducted by the American Pet Products Association. The 2021-2022 edition found that 70% of American households had at least one pet — the highest level ever reported and up from 67% in 2020. About half of the people who got a new pet during the pandemic got a dog. 

Families own many different dogs, from mixed-breeds to purebreds, but which are the most popular? Purebred dog registry American Kennel Club lists 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 15, 2021, based on 2021 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 years range. These are the dogs with the shortest lifespan.

Click here to see America’s most popular dogs this year

sean nalaboff / iStock via Getty Images

50. Bloodhound
> Personality: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 49 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

LucyCartwright / iStock via Getty Images

49. Dalmatian
> Personality: Dignified, Smart, Outgoing
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Weight: 45-70 pounds
> Height: 19-24 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 56 out of 197

CaptureLight / iStock via Getty Images

48. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
> Personality: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 45 out of 197

GlobalP / iStock via Getty Images

47. Bichon Frise
> Personality: Playful, Curious, Peppy
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 46 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

Eudyptula / iStock via Getty Images

46. West Highland White Terrier
> Personality: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Weight: 15-20 pounds
> Height: 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 42 out of 197

Alexandra Draghici / iStock via Getty Images

45. Newfoundland
> Personality: Sweet, Patient, Devoted
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
> Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 40 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

suefeldberg / iStock via Getty Images

44. Portuguese Water Dog
> Personality: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 50 out of 197

andriano_cz / iStock via Getty Images

43. English Cocker Spaniel
> Personality: Energetic, Merry, Responsive
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female)
> Height: 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 52 out of 197

Seregraff / iStock via Getty Images

42. Shiba Inu
> Personality: Alert, Active, Attentive
> Life expectancy: 13-16 years
> Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)
> Height: 15-17 inches (male), 14-16 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 44 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

tkatsai / iStock via Getty Images

41. Rhodesian Ridgeback
> Personality: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered
> Life expectancy: 10 years
> Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 41 out of 197

Ksenia Raykova / iStock via Getty Images

40. Weimaraner
> Personality: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 36 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

kimrawicz / iStock via Getty Images

39. Maltese
> Personality: Gentle, Playful, Charming
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-9 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 37 out of 197

gabrielabertolini / Getty Images

38. Collie
> Personality: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 38 out of 197

mpikula / E+ via Getty Images

37. Chihuahua
> Personality: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Weight: 14-16 pounds
> Height: 5-8 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 33 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

r3dsnake / iStock via Getty Images

36. Belgian Malinois
> Personality: Confident, Smart, Hardworking
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Weight: 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 43 out of 197

DevidDO / iStock via Getty Images

35. Mastiff
> Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured
> Life expectancy: 6-10 years
> Weight: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)
> Height: 30 inches (male), 28 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 29 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

dageldog / E+ via Getty Images

34. Basset Hound
> Personality: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Weight: 40-65 pounds
> Height: 15 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 39 out of 197

LexiTheMonster / iStock via Getty Images

33. Pug
> Personality: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Weight: 14-18 pounds
> Height: 10-13 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 28 out of 197

Tomas Maracek / iStock via Getty Images

32. Vizsla
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 31 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

Capuski / iStock via Getty Images

31. Border Collies
> Personality:
> Life expectancy: years
> Weight: pounds
> Height: inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: out of 197

samuel foster / Getty Images

30. Miniature American Shepherd
> Personality: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Weight: 20-40 pounds
> Height: 14-18 inches (male), 13-17 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 34 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

29. Cocker Spaniel
> Personality: Gentle, Smart, Happy
> Life expectancy: 10-14 years
> Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
> Height: 15-17 inches (male), 14-15 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 30 out of 197

yanjf / iStock via Getty Images

28. Shetland Sheepdog
> Personality: Playful, Energetic, Bright
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 15-25 pounds
> Height: 13-16 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 25 out of 197

bloodstone / iStock via Getty Images

27. Brittany
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 30-40 pounds
> Height: 18-21 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 26 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

dageldog / E+ via Getty Images

26. English Springer Spaniel
> Personality: Friendly, Playful, Obedient
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 27 out of 197

Dorottya_Mathe / iStock via Getty Images

25. Havanese
> Personality: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Weight: 7-13 pounds
> Height: 9-12 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 24 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

romaset / iStock via Getty Images

24. Pomeranian
> Personality: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Weight: 3-7 pounds
> Height: 6-7 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 23 out of 197

Jovanka_Novakovic / iStock via Getty Images

23. Boston Terrier
> Personality: Friendly, Bright, Amusing
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Weight: 12-25 pounds
> Height: 15-17 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 21 out of 197

chaoss / iStock via Getty Images

22. Shih Tzu
> Personality: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Weight: 9-16 pounds
> Height: 9-11 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 20 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

slowmotiongli / iStock via Getty Images

21. Cane Corso
> Personality: Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
> Life expectancy: 9-12 years
> Weight: Proportionate to height pounds (male)
> Height: 25-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 32 out of 197

RalphyS / iStock via Getty Images

20. Bernese Mountain Dog
> Personality: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-28 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 22 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

MeganSoffer / iStock via Getty Images

19. Siberian Husky
> Personality: Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 21-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 14 out of 197

benedek / iStock via Getty Images

18. Miniature Schnauzer
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Obedient
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Weight: 11-20 pounds
> Height: 12-14 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 19 out of 197

GlobalP / iStock via Getty Images

17. Great Dane
> Personality: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
> Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 16 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

eAlisa / iStock via Getty Images

16. Doberman Pinscher
> Personality: Loyal, Fearless, Alert
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
> Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 17 out of 197

JLSnader / iStock via Getty Images

15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Weight: 13-18 pounds
> Height: 12-13 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 18 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

Mary Swift / iStock via Getty Images

14. Boxer
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 11 out of 197

DianaLundin / E+ via Getty Images

13. Yorkshire Terrier
> Personality: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-8 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 10 out of 197

Eudyptula / iStock via Getty Images

12. Australian Shepherd
> Personality: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 17 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

olgagorovenko / iStock via Getty Images

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
> Personality: Affectionate, Smart, Alert
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Weight: 30 pounds (male), 28 pounds (female)
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 13 out of 197

Pekic / E+ via Getty Images

10. Dachshund
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Weight: 16-32 pounds (male), 11 pounds (female)
> Height: 8-9 inches (male), 5-6 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 12 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

jjMiller11 / Getty Images

9. German Shorthaired Pointer
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 9 out of 197

Kurt Pas / iStock via Getty Images

8. Rottweiler
> Personality: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 8 out of 197

RyanJLane / E+ via Getty Images

7. Beagle
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Merry
> Life expectancy: 10-15 years
> Weight: 20-30 pounds
> Height: 13-15 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 6 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

alvarez / E+ via Getty Images

6. Bulldog
> Personality: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 14-15 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 5 out of 197

Edwin Tan / E+ via Getty Images

5. Poodle (Toy)
> Personality: Agile, Intelligent, Self-Confident
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Weight: 4-6 pounds
> Height: 10 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 7 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

disqis / iStock via Getty Images

5. Poodle (Miniature)
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Weight: 10-15 pounds
> Height: 10-15 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 7 out of 197

patrickheagney / E+ via Getty Images

5. Poodle (Standard)
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 15 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 7 out of 197

diego_cervo / iStock via Getty Images

4. German Shepherd Dog
> Personality: Confident, Courageous, Smart
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 2 out of 197

[in-text-ad-2]

MarkCoffeyPhoto / E+ via Getty Images

3. Golden Retriever
> Personality: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-24 inches (male), 22-23 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 3 out of 197

Celiaaa / iStock via Getty Images

2. French Bulldog
> Personality: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 28 pounds
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 4 out of 197

[in-text-ad]

lizcen / iStock via Getty Images

1. Labrador Retriever
> Personality: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity ranking in 2020: 1 out of 197

Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)

Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.

Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.

Click here now to get started.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.