Special Report

This Is the Dog That Soared the Most in Popularity Last Year

RosetteJordaan / E+ via Getty Images

Pet ownership is at a record level, according to this year’s National Pet Owners Survey, conducted by the American Pet Products Association – and dogs are the most popular pets of all. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are more than 76 million pet canines in the U.S. today (and only about 58 million pet cats).

Which dog breeds are most popular? Golden and Labrador retrievers have been consistently favored over the years, but others are rising through the ranks – some incredibly fast. To identify the dog breeds in the United States that increased the most in popularity between 2020 and 2021, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the American Kennel Club, based on the latest AKC registration statistics. We only considered dog breeds that moved up five or more spots in the popularity ranking from 2020 to 2021. (Over the same time span, these are the dog breeds that dropped the most in popularity.)

Click here to see the dog that soared the most in popularity last year

Some of the dog breeds that have become more popular in the last year belong in the sporting and terrier breeds and were officially recognized by the AKC just a decade ago. Even though the dog breeds on this list have moved up the popularity ranking many spots, most continue to be in the middle or on the bottom of the overall standings. Which breeds are on top? These are America’s most popular dogs.

Eudyptula / iStock via Getty Images

30. Lakeland Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 5 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 142 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 147 out of 197
> Personality: Friendly, confident, bold
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Terrier

[in-text-ad]

CBCK-Christine / iStock via Getty Images

29. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 5 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 75 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 80 out of 197
> Personality: Clever, brave, tenacious
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Terrier

Ihor Martsenyuk / iStock via Getty Images

28. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
> Increase in popularity: 5 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 60 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 65 out of 197
> Personality: Friendly, devoted, trainable
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Sporting

RosetteJordaan / E+ via Getty Images

27. Basset Hound
> Increase in popularity: 5 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 34 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 39 out of 197
> Personality: Charming, patient, low-key
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Group: Hound

[in-text-ad-2]

LittleCityLifestylePhotography / E+ via Getty Images

26. Australian Shepherd
> Increase in popularity: 5 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 12 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 17 out of 197
> Personality: Smart, work-oriented, exuberant
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Herding

Tomas Maracek / iStock via Getty Images

25. Irish Setter
> Increase in popularity: 6 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 71 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 77 out of 197
> Personality: Active, outgoing, sweet-natured
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Sporting

[in-text-ad]

LynMc42k / iStock via Getty Images

24. Portuguese Water Dog
> Increase in popularity: 6 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 44 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 50 out of 197
> Personality: Affectionate, adventurous, athletic
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Group: Working

DoraZett / iStock via Getty Images

23. Dalmatian
> Increase in popularity: 7 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 49 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 56 out of 197
> Personality: Dignified, smart, outgoing
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Group: Non-sporting

Sansargo / iStock via Getty Images

22. Belgian Malinois
> Increase in popularity: 7 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 36 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 43 out of 197
> Personality: confident, smart, hardworking
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Group: Herding

[in-text-ad-2]

slowmotiongli / iStock via Getty Images

21. Bergamasco Sheepdog
> Increase in popularity: 8 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 179 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 187 out of 197
> Personality: Independent, sociable, intelligent
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Herding

Israel Ruiz / iStock via Getty Images

20. Spanish Water Dog
> Increase in popularity: 8 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 145 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 153 out of 197
> Personality: Playful but also work-oriented, very active, upbeat
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Herding

[in-text-ad]

Jonathan Palombo / Wikimedia Commons

19. Bedlington Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 8 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 133 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 141 out of 197
> Personality: Loyal, charming, frollicking
> Life expectancy: 11-16 years
> Group: Terrier

CaptureLight / iStock via Getty Images

18. Swedish Vallhund
> Increase in popularity: 9 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 160 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 169 out of 197
> Personality: Friendly, energetic, watchful
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Herding

Kesu01 / Getty Images

17. English Cocker Spaniel
> Increase in popularity: 9 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 43 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 52 out of 197
> Personality: Energetic, merry, responsive
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Sporting

[in-text-ad-2]

DevidDO / iStock via Getty Images

16. Manchester Terrier (Toy)
> Increase in popularity: 10 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 123 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 133 out of 197
> Personality: Agile, spirited, intelligent
> Life expectancy: 15-17 years
> Group: Terrier

eAlisa / iStock via Getty Images

15. Manchester Terrier (Standard)
> Increase in popularity: 10 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 123 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 133 out of 197
> Personality: Spirited, bright, keenly observant
> Life expectancy: 15-17 years
> Group: Terrier

[in-text-ad]

BestSide / iStock via Getty Images

14. Boykin Spaniel
> Increase in popularity: 10 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 90 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 100 out of 197
> Personality: Friendly, eager, lovable
> Life expectancy: 10-15 years
> Group: Sporting

franciskocz / iStock via Getty Images

13. Russell Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 10 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 72 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 82 out of 197
> Personality: Alert, inquisitive, lively
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Terrier

12. Löwchen
> Increase in popularity: 11 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 157 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 168 out of 197
> Personality: Affectionate, outgoing, positive
> Life expectancy: 15 years
> Group: Non-sporting

[in-text-ad-2]

Falombini / iStock via Getty Images

11. Cane Corso
> Increase in popularity: 11 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 21 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 32 out of 197
> Personality: Affectionate, intelligent, majestic
> Life expectancy: 9-12 years
> Group: Working

10. Field Spaniel
> Increase in popularity: 13 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 136 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 149 out of 197
> Personality: Sweet, fun-loving, sensitive
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Group: Sporting

[in-text-ad]

Zbynek Pospisil / iStock via Getty Images

9. Greyhound
> Increase in popularity: 13 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 132 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 145 out of 197
> Personality: Gentle, independent, noble
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Group: Hound

Ruta Lipskija / iStock via Getty Images

8. Giant Schnauzer
> Increase in popularity: 13 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 65 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 78 out of 197
> Personality: Loyal, alert, trainable
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Working

Grumpy Cow Studios / iStock via Getty Images

7. Icelandic Sheepdog
> Increase in popularity: 17 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 138 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 155 out of 197
> Personality: Friendly, playful, inquisitive
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Herding

[in-text-ad-2]

John Moore / Getty Images

6. Chinook
> Increase in popularity: 18 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 172 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 190 out of 197
> Personality: Smart, patient, devoted
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Working

CaptureLight / iStock via Getty Images

5. Australian Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 18 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 152 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 170 out of 197
> Personality: Affectionate, courageous, spirited
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Group: Terrier

[in-text-ad]

LordRunar / iStock via Getty Images

4. Lagotto Romagnolo
> Increase in popularity: 20 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 79 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 99 out of 197
> Personality: Affectionate, keen, undemanding
> Life expectancy: 15-17 years
> Group: Sporting

nickpo / iStock via Getty Images

3. Xoloitzcuintli
> Increase in popularity: 21 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 119 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 140 out of 197
> Personality: Loyal, alert, calm
> Life expectancy: 13-18 years
> Group: Non-sporting

Foto Para Ti / iStock via Getty Images

2. Wirehaired Vizsla
> Increase in popularity: 23 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 144 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 167 out of 197
> Personality: Gentle, loyal, trainable
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Sporting

[in-text-ad-2]

slowmotiongli / iStock via Getty Images

1. Sealyham Terrier
> Increase in popularity: 25 spots
> Popularity in 2021: 139 out of 197
> Popularity in 2020: 164 out of 197
> Personality: Alert, outgoing, sense of humor
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Terrier

100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool

The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.

Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.

A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.

Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.

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