The 20 Most Popular Purebred Dog Breeds in 2017

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The United States is a country that loves dogs. In a report issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is revealed that more than 43 million families are dog owners. This doesn’t factor into account the dogs owned in other parts of the world. There are over 340 purebred dog breeds which are recognized, but some are more popular than others. You may be surprised at which dogs made our cut. We’ve narrowed our list down to the top twenty most popular purebred dog breeds in 2017. If you’re considering becoming a dog owner, you may find some information that is helpful in making your decision:

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20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that is commonly associated with royalty. This could be because of the name, but it earned the title for being the favorite of the monarch King Charles II of England. He gave his spaniels to the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. The gentleman took it upon himself to breed the variety at his estate in Blenheim. They are rising in popularity as attractive family pets. These dogs are graceful, affectionate and gentle in temperament. “Cavies” as they are also known, only require moderate exercise so a daily walk will suffice. They are very good with children and other dogs. Shedding is seasonal and only occasional grooming is required. They are eager to please which makes training an easy task. The average Cavie weights between 13 to 18 pounds with a height of between 12-13 inches. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and this generally quiet dog only barks when the need arises.

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19. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s are in the toy classification of dogs. Their average adult weight is between 9 and 16 pounds with a height of 8 to 11 inches when measured at the shoulder. These dogs generally have an affectionlate and outgoing personality. Their playful charm is attractive to owners who prefer smaller dogs. Shih Tzu’s have the most amazing coat when it is properly groomed. Shedding is infrequent and only occasional grooming is needed. One of their most attractive features is the set of huge dark eyes which are expressive and reveal a sweet personality. Shih Tzu’s are usually good with children and under supervision, they do well with other dogs. In training situations, this breed responds well as they are friendly and trusting with a desire to please. The main purpose of this dog is to be a house pet. Moderate exercise is all that they need. A daily walk will do. You shouldn’t need to worry about barking, because Shih Tzu’s do not tend to be yappy. They only bark when they have a reason. The life expectancy is between 10 and 16 years.

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18. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembrokes are not to be confused with the cardigan corgi because they are two separate breeds. The Pembroke has a substantial physical appearance, although low set with short legs, the body is strong and sturdy. Originally bred for herding livestock, Pembrokes are a favored house pet because of its’ agreeable nature and ability to conform through obedience. This small dog responds well to training and is good with children, and does well with other dogs under supervision. Pembrokes reach an adult height of between 10 and 12 inches and a weight of around 30 pounds for males and 28 for females. The life expectancy is 12-13 years. Their temperament is intelligent as well as alert. They’re kindly dogs who are affectionate, but not particularly clingy. Pembrokes are athletic dogs who love to compete in physical activities such as running, swimming and playing games. Pembrokes are the happiest when they are working. They only bark when given a reason, and this is another attribute which makes them a popular house pet.

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17. Miniature Schnauzer

Mini schnauzers are in the terrier group of canines. They’re a stocky breed that reaches a height of up to 14 inches at the shoulder with an average weight of between 11 and 20 pounds. Miniatures are a cousin to the standard schnauzer, in a bred down version to achieve a smaller stature. They are charming little dogs with expressive faces and eyes. Bushy beards and eyebrows give their appearance a human quality. They were originally bred to hunt rats and serve as farm dogs, but the breed is now popular as a house pet. Mini schnauzers are known for their intelligence and friendliness. They are eager to please and very obedient. Another trait that owners appreciate about this breed is that they are good with children, and when supervised, usually do well with other dogs. They are somewhat active and enjoy playing and taking long brisk walks with their owners. Shedding is infrequent and the coat is considered hypoallergenic. This makes them a good pet choice for people with allergies. The life expectancy for this breed is between 12 and 15 years. The only real drawback associated with mini schnauzers is that they tend to be very vocal.

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16. Australian Shepherd

Aussies are dogs that were originally bred to be workers, helping to herd livestock. They are an adaptable animal with high intelligence and extreme agility. They achieve an average height of between 20 and 23 inches with an adult weight of between 55 and 70 pounds. The life expectancy is 13-15 years. They don’t generally bark unless they have a reason. Australian shepherds are work oriented dogs that are happiest when they’re on the job. They have a lot of exuberant energy and are very active. They’re good with children and other dogs, but have an independent streak that can make training a challenge. Shedding is seasonal so occasional grooming is all that is needed.

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15. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are another breed that is in the working class. With a muscular body and tremendous endurance and speed, they are capable of standing watch when serving as guard dogs. Dobermans are a medium sized dog reaching an average height of between 24 and 28 inches and weight of 60 to 100 pounds. They are alert, fearless, loyal dogs with an eagerness to please, which makes them highly trainable. this attractive dog is elegant in appearance and carries himself with nobility. His high level of intelligence makes it easy for him to learn and retain information. Doberman’s are a favorite choice of police officers, military personnel and for those in need of a guard dog. Dobermans have high energy levels and need to get plenty of exercise. They are good with children and under supervision, get along well with other dogs. They’re not big barkers, unless the need arises. The shedding is seasonal and occasional grooming is all that is required. The average life span is between 10 and 12 years. Regardless of their large stature, Great Danes are an attractive and noble dog with elegant movements. They are friendly, patient and dependable creatures who are easygoing if not sedate at times. They do enjoy going on a couple of walks each day. They are good with children and other dogs, but only under supervision.

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14. Great Dane

Great Danes are a working dog that is becoming more popular as a family pet. This huge canine breed stands up to 32 inches at the shoulder and can reach a weight of 200 pounds for the larger males. Their height as adults can surpass that of their owners, when standing on the back legs. Danes are seasonal shedders who only need occasional grooming. They are eager to please, which makes Great Danes easy to train. They usually bark when it is deemed necessary. The life expectancy is between 6 and 8 years.

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13. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small and low-profile hound dogs. The German translation of the name literally means “badger dog.” They’re known for their hunting prowess and were originally bred to hunt rats underground as well as more sporting animals on the surface. The temperament of dachshunds is spunky, with an above average intelligence. This means that a dachshund is likely to become easily bored. They are happiest when kept busy. They ae good with children and other dogs, but only under supervised situations. Shedding is seasonal and occasional grooming is all that is needed. Dachshund dogs respond well to training. They are a moderately quiet dog who only barks when necessary. The average height of an adult is 8-9 inches with a weight of between 16 and 32 pounds. The life expectancy is 12-16 years.

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12. Siberian Husky

This breed is among the most beautiful dog that resembles a wolf. Originally bred to pull sleds in Northeast Asia, this dog has a high level of strength and endurance. They are work dogs who prefer to be kept busy. In addition to pulling sleds, they are also excellent when used as therapy dogs. They are friendly, gentle, dignified and alert, but are not an aggressive breed. They do have high energy levels and will need daily exercise. They are good with both children and other dogs. Shedding is seasonal and occasional grooming will do nicely. Adults reach a height of 20 to 24 inches with a weight of 35 to 60 pounds. They only bark when necessary and have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

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11. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired pointers are also referred to as German shorthairs. The breed is popular with sportsmen for their tremendous hunting and pointing ability. These friendly dogs are smart and very willing to please, which makes training them a pleasure. Male German Shorthaired Pointers stand between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds; females are smaller in height and weight. The color of the coat is a white and liver with markings resembling speckles and patches, or solid reddish brown. They are good with children, but should be supervised around other dogs. They’re active dogs who do best when they are kept busy. The average height is 23 to 25 inches for adults and they may reach a total weight of 45 to 70 pounds. This dog carries himself as noble and on the aristocratic style with grace and fluidity. He only barks when it is necessary. The life expectancy of the German shorthaired pointer is 10-12 years.

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10. Boxer

Boxers are a breed of dog that is in the working group. Adults can reach heights of 21 to 25 inches in height and weight of 50 to 80 pounds. They are extremely well muscled and need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. These athletic dogs are powerful yet graceful. They are bright, active, loyal and fun-loving. Boxers enjoy both mental and physical challenges. They are good with children, and with supervision, get along well with other dogs. They only shed seasonally so occasional grooming will suffice. They respond well to training and only bark when deemed necessary. The life expectancy is 10-12 years.

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9. Yorkshire Terrier

Also referred to as Yorkies, this dog is classified in the toy group. They are affectionate little dogs that have right and playful personalities. Yorkies are determined, brave and investigative by nature. The fact that they are energetic means that they do best when kept busy or entertained. Originally bred to hunt down rats in clothing mills, these tiny dogs were once used for work. They are among the most popular companion dogs and were favorites of families in European high society. Yorkies are only good with children and other dogs under supervision. Shedding is infrequent and daily grooming is recommended to keep the silky long coat free from matting and tangles. They are independent thinkers which means that training can be a challenge. The average height is between 7-8 inches with a weight of 7 pounds. The average life expectancy is between 11 and 15 years. Yorkies only bark when necessary.

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8. Rottweiler

Rottweilers, also known as “Rotties” are worker dogs and do the best when they either have a job to perform or are kept busy with activities. They are still used for police work, as therapy dogs, service dogs, herders, as obedience competitors and as devoted household companions. This breed tends to be reserved when in the presence of strangers, but loyal and affectionate with family members. With a high energy level, Rotties need a few daily workouts including play and brisk walks. They respond well to training and do well with children and other dogs, but should be surprised. They are seasonal shedders that require only occasional grooming. Rottweilers reach a height of between 22 and 25 inches with an average weight of 77 up to 130 pounds. They only bark when needed and have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.

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7. Poodle

Poodles are luxuriously gorgeous dogs with an above average level of intelligence. They are extremely active and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Poodles carry themselves with pride. They are very active and enthusiastic dogs who also enjoy swimming and running. They enjoy playing and doing things that keep them busy. Poodles can be good with children and other dogs, but only under supervision. breed reaches a height of between under ten inches for the toy variety, up to 15 inches for the miniature type and more than 15 inches for the standard poodle. The weight range is from 4 to 50 pounds, depending on the type and gender. Shedding is infrequent and the coat is hypoallergenic. Daily grooming is recommended to keep the tight curly coat looking its’ best. This breed only barks when needed and is among the quieter types. The life expectancy is 10 -18 years.

6. French bulldog

French bulldogs are a playful, smart and adaptable breed that is hard to resist. Although they’re not an active dog, the easygoing pet does enjoy taking a brisk walk now and then. They are very good with children and do well with other dogs under supervision. Shedding is seasonal and occasional grooming is all that is needed. They respond well to training, and are quiet dogs that rarely bark. French bulldogs reach a height of between 11 and 13 inches and weigh below 28 pounds as adults. The life expectancy is 10-12 years. They are among the most popular dogs for house pets. This lap dog enjoys attention from their loved ones and will return the sentiments with cuddles and kisses.

5. Beagle

Beagles are regal hound dogs who love to bay in the middle of the night. They really enjoy being vocal and will let their owners know if there are intruders on the property. They make loyal companions as well as being expert hunters by nature. Beagles are among the smaller hound types with an adult height of 13 to 15 inches and a weight between 20 and 30 pounds. They respond well to training ad have friendly, curious and happy personalities. They’re active with high levels of energy and lightning speed quickness. The build of this dog is sturdy, yet agile. They need to get plenty of exercise to help burn off the steam that quickly accumulates. Beagles do well with children and other dogs. They are seasonal shedders who require weekly grooming. The life expectancy of this dog is 10-15 years.

4. Bulldog

Bulldogs are massive and menacing looking dogs with a short head and face that adds to their fear factor. The truth is that they are dignified animals of medium size, who would rather be your lap dog. They are known for their gentleness, calmness and friendliness. They are calm and quiet dogs with a low activity level, but regular walks can help to keep them healthy. This breed is good with children and other dogs and respond well to training. As seasonal shedders, weekly grooming is usually enough. They reach a height of 14-15 inches with a weight of 40 to 50 pounds. The life expectancy of this loving family pet is 8-10 years.

3. Golden Retriever

This is the third most popular purebred dog breed. Bred for their hunting and guide dog abilities, the breed falls into both the working and service dog groups. They are also popular as search and rescue animals as well as devoted and loving companions. Golden retrievers are friendly, smart and devoted to their families. They are very active and require daily exercise, but only bark when it’s necessary. They are good with children and other dogs. Eager to please, it’s not difficult to train a golden retriever. The average height is 21 to 24 inches with an average weight of 55 to 75 pounds. The life expectancy is 10-12 years.

2. German Shepherd

Initially bred to work as a herder, German shepherds are among the most prized working dogs in history. They have above average intelligence, a noble spirit, and a muscular physique. They are large, but agile, reaching a height of 22 to 26 inches and a weight of 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. They are confident, steady and courageous. They enjoy both physical and mental exercise. They are good with children and get along with other dogs, but should be supervised. These frequent shedders only require occasional grooming. Their eagerness to please makes them easy to train. Barking only happens when the dog deems it to be needed. The lifespan is between 7-10 years.

1. Labrador retriever

This sporting breed is a good hunter as well as a top choice for search and rescue, narcotics detection and guide dog for the blind. They excel in these vocations with eagerness to please their masters and a high level of intelligence which makes them easy to train. Labs are very active dogs who do best when they are busy. They need daily exercise to stay fit. They are high spirited, yet friendly and outgoing. Labs enjoy playing with others and crave human contact. They are good with children, but should be supervised when in the presence of other dogs. Shedding is seasonal, requiring only occasional grooming. The average height is between 21 and 25 inches with a weight between 55 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Labs only bark when deemed necessary. The life expectancy is 10-12 years. This gentle breed originates from Canada and is the most popular purebred dog breed in the United States as shown by AKC registration statistics.