In the modern world, popularity is everything; the trends move the world because people just love jumping on the bandwagon of what is in fashion and what is famous. Fame, popularity, and image are the most important things in modern society.
Recognition matters more than what is actually for your lifestyle. However, America has always been like this, a country of big personalities, big dreams, and mighty popular pooches.
This article will focus on such dog breeds that are forever favourites of dog lovers in America. You’ll find them easily at your local shelters, at reputable breeders, and even in your neighbourhood because they are consistent, versatile, athletic, and last but not least, extremely endearing and beautiful.
Yes, you heard that right. These pooches fit in every role and every place from your heart to your peaceful abode.
7 Most Owned Dog Breeds In America
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. These exceptional pups reigned in the hearts of dog lovers for 31 years before the French bulldog snatched their title with grace. Now the lab stands as the second most popular pooch according to the AKC rankings.
If you are pondering what makes a Labrador so unique, then it has a bucket load of wonder and merriment to share with you. These friendly, sociable, and exuberant puppies have a lot of energy to share with the world.
According to Omlet, these working dogs that were developed by St. John’s water dogs in Britain are athletes that excel in dog sports, vigorous and consistent gym buddies that love to exercise, agile swimmers due to their unique webbed feet, and excellent service dogs for the police and military.
They are versatile pups that love to play and bond with their families and make exceptional pets for every household with or without children. These pooches are also great therapy dogs and devoted companions that bring light and joy to every owner.
Their approachable temperament and their desire to be present in every moment of your life make them endearing. Their floppy ears and their popping out tongues when they smile brightly, their hazel or brown eyes, and their giving hearts all make these pooches the most lovable dog breed fit for any home and lifestyle.
P.S. Just make sure to get your pooch registered so it can be counted among the numbers, which will give your Labrador a higher or lower place in the AKC rankings.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog or the bouledogue francais has secured the No. 1 spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for the third year in a row, according to the AKC. This small bat-eared version of the bulldog and Parisian ratters that both originated and were standardized in France. Hence, their name has an ode to the French.
VCA Animal Hospitals explains that the French bulldog, popularly called the frenchie, got popular in the late 1800s among noble Parisian women, aristocrats, writers, artists, and fashion designers who proudly carried the Frenchies and showcased them as fashion accessories.
Moreover, a French bulldog travelling on the infamous Titanic was insured for a hefty sum of $750 by its owners, which shows how precious this dog breed was in that period of time. Hence, the popularity of the French bulldog has been ever present for many years and centuries.
But why is a French bulldog so popular? There are not one or two reasons for the huge fan following this pooch has from its compact and travel-friendly size, its ever-alert pointy bat ears, and cute looks, to its bright and lively temperament.
The Frenchie is quite a unique combo of zest, sassiness, and a bit of spunk. These pooches know they are the best. Hence get swayed towards mischief and showcase spoiled habits.
The funniest thing they do is give you a side eye, or their high-and-mighty, stubborn refusal. Their sweet sploot pose, dramatic flop and their butt wiggling happy dance. Which makes these flat pancake-faced cuties heartthrobs. Moreover, these sassy French bulldogs are wonderful companions who are low-maintenance and easy to train, making them enjoyable furry friends for dog lovers.
3. Golden Retriever
This golden pooch exists in today’s world just because some Scottish man adopted a faulty and weird yellow colored retriever named Nous in 1865, which was then bred to the now extinct water retrieving breed, a tweed water spaniel named Belle. Quite an interesting tale of origin, isn’t it? Seems like it was a well-planned stroke of fate.
Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence and gentle temperament. But they are so much more than that; they love to play fetch, exercise in the outdoors, swim in the lake, and participate in family activities. The Golden Retriever is the most affectionate pup in the entire world, which just gives their owners unconditional love and joy.
These pooches mimic the open-mouthed human smiles (minus the tongue) accurately and look so adorable when they are happy. These golden angels made of fur are responsible for taking the stress and grief away from the human species.
PDSA says they are incredibly good for your heart and will provide the emotional support you need when you are feeling down.
They make wonderful travel buddies, wingmen, watchdogs, family pets, and reliable lovers. Who’ll get you out of bed and off your couch, take you long walks by the beach or in nature, which can elevate both your mood and health. Golden retrievers are recognized as the 3rd most popular breed in America according to the current AKC rankings.
4. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has one of the most interesting histories in the dog world. A tale from rags to riches, these dedicated and hardworking pooches were originally bred to be capable livestock guardians and herding dogs.
But even Max Von Stephanitz wouldn’t have thought the unique sheepdog breed that he enhanced would now not only be the most popular dog breed around the world but also the most versatile pooch that has ever existed.
German Shepherds are a perfect combo of brain and brawn. These highly energetic shepherd dogs are not just intelligent but also incredibly protective, agile, and perceptive in nature, which makes them the ideal working dogs.
Orvis states these pooches have earned respect and honor from the military, police, and service sectors for the role they have played in these sectors with incredible dedication and loyalty. They have been awarded medals and accolades for their acts of service and protection in search and rescue missions and combat zones.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that German shepherds are the hometown heroes of every city and state in America. German shepherds typically make exceptional pets for all households with or without children and are also ideal for single men and women looking for a reliable and devoted partner.
5. Poodle
The sophisticated and poised poodle is genuinely the smartest and coolest breed in the world. Because what tasks or jobs can these pooches do not excel at? They are great swimmers, retrievers, active pooches that perform wonderfully in dog sports and obedience competitions, and become suitable pets for almost every household in the country.
You would rarely find a poodle owner complaining about how tedious they are to raise and own. Because these pooches are the ultimate companions. They have curly coats, which are hypoallergenic and don’t cause allergies in people who are sensitive to dog fur and dander.
Another unique fact about them is that their poodles originated in Germany as water dogs, retrievers, and hunters, but got recognition and fame in France, where they were seen as the epitome of elegance and grace.
Poodles are incredibly playful and joyful pets that have a frolicsome and peppy personality. Continental Kennel Club explains that these dogs are incredibly social and people-oriented. They require plenty of love and attention from their human owners to stay well-behaved.
Beautifully athletic, gorgeous dog equipped with stunning intelligence and perception could be the perfect title for this pooch. Just make sure you consistently train and socialize your poodles from a young age to channel their talent positively.
6. Bulldog
The rise in popularity for bulldogs is an indication that if you put your past behind you can certainly succeed. Because these chubby goofs have proved the world wrong and made their mark all over America, even after having a long history of aggression and dog fighting.
The bulldogs are nowadays given a revered position in modern homes. Because of their laid-back and easy-going nature. These pooches are now a combination of strength and charisma, and that’s what we are talking about.
These Bulldogs are known for their calm, affectionate personalities and rule the hearts of Americans like they own it. Purina UK says these wacky weirdos and funny beasts are cuddly and cute to another level.
They love enjoying their days of retirement on the couch and like to chill in their mansions. Demand pampering sessions and entertain their owners with their unique quirks every day.
They are highly intelligent, adaptable pooches that require low maintenance and less upkeep. These pooches are the 6th most popular dog breed in America. These flat-faced puppies with their dorky smiles and vibrating laughs make them look even funnier than they are, and these class clowns have truly earned their space in the world.
7. Beagle
A beagle can also be called a strong-nosed explorer who cannot resist following a scent or a trail, because this smaller-sized pooch is just too curious for its own good. This hunting dog or scent hound is exceptionally cute, with floppy ears and a permanent happy grin that is often accompanied by a popped-out tongue, soft eyes, and curled-up lips.
But the even more funny and endearing habit of this tri-colored breed is when it wiggles its bottom and wags its tail. To top it all off, beagles make a unique singing sound called a bay, rather than growling or barking, which makes them incredibly unique. Hence, what isn’t there to love?
Beagles are friendly, playful, and incredibly loyal to their families. Pawlicy Advisor quotes that they make great companions and playful pets for children and stand as the 7th most popular breed according to the AKC rankings.
Beagles are the perfect combination of merry cheerfulness mixed with inquisitiveness. This smallest pooch out of the scent hound group has a big heart and a gentle soul.
They have a keen sense of smell and can detect everything through their noses, from danger to mischief, and even doggie treats from miles away. These pooches prove incredibly helpful in search and rescue operations, in K-9 police units, and are an asset even to the military because of their smart detection and impeccable tracking abilities.
Conclusion
If you are still wondering what makes these pooches so popular and accepted in America? Then it’s not just their charismatic personalities and charming faces that make your heart melt in an instant. It’s the memories we share and the companionship they provide. The efforts they make just to bring a smile to our faces or the incomparable peace they bring to our hearts that can solve even the biggest health problems.
It’s the small things they do, like keeping their paws on our hands, to show their unconditional support. The way they snuggle up in our laps seeking affection or just to display their love that warms any person from the inside out. The most popular dog breeds are genuine companions that are usually no-fuss dogs, easy to train and easy to handle pooches, compact or in a smaller size, or larger but not overly massive, friendly and playful puppies that bring joy and happiness to the world.
If you are looking for some other breeds and options that are popular dog breeds, then you can check the Rottweiler, which is a strong, confident, and protective dog. Or spend some time with the famous Yorkies or Yorkshire Terriers that are known for their luxurious coats and energetic demeanor. Even Wiener Dogs or Dachshunds are loyal, playful, and highly affectionate with their families, and can become ideal pets for families.
